In conclusion, oil seal manufacturing plays a crucial role in providing reliable sealing solutions for industrial and automotive applications. Leading companies in the sector leverage advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise to produce high-quality oil seals, while innovations in rubber oil seals and a focus on quality assurance contribute to the overall performance and reliability of sealing solutions.

There is a British Standard laid down for the control of synthetic rubbers. BS 3574 (1989) helps to determine shelf life – for instance, Nitrile (NBR) and Polyacrylic (ACM) are Group ‘B’ rubbers and have a 7-year life, whilst Silicone (VMQ) and Fluoroelastomers (Viton®) are Group ‘C’ rubbers and have a 10-year shelf life. PTFE and Leather do not come into this category but like the others should be kept in the original packing for as long as possible away from direct light, dust, and humidity. Ozone, which can also be produced by battery-driven forklift trucks has a very bad effect on synthetic rubbers. Finally, protect the sealing lip – DO NOT hang the seals on nails, wire etc.

Assembling the oil seal

Several variables must be considered when selecting oil seals. The physical dimensions and materials will vary depending on the environment of use. In addition, oil seals must remain lightweight, compact, and exhibit high self-lubrication performance.