shower mats for inside shower

Leather is probably the oldest of the lip materials still in common use, but the move towards mass production methods has seen a massive increase in the development of synthetic rubbers which lend themselves to accurate and repeatable injection and compression moulding. Nitrile (NBR) is still by far the most common elastomer for “normal” use, whilst Viton® (FKM/FPM) is rapidly replacing Polyacrylate (ACM) and Silicone (VMQ) for high-temperature applications. Viton® also has high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack making it a preferred elastomer. Recent developments in the use of PTFE for Rotary shaft seals has caused widespread interest particularly for high-speed shaft rotation or poor lubrication applications.

Have you found the right oil seal for your application? The next step is fitting the oil seal correctly, so that it remains undamaged.

Almost every lip seal is constructed to have a flexible inner part that creates a dynamic seal on the moving shaft, as well as a hard outer casing that statically matches the machine-end cover. The flexible part is made from different grades of rubber, while the hard part is made of light-gauge metal or strong plastic.

As earlier said, oil seals perform some functions that ensure the functionality of mechanical equipment and extend their lifespan. And how they do this is by retaining lubricants at all cost and not making them escape no matter how high the pressure of the machine is.

Nitrile rubber offers good durability for general use, while the flexibility of the spring behind the sealing lip keeps the oil seal firmly in place against the moving part.

Temperature - Just like pressure, the temperature that your oil seal will be operating in must be known so that you can choose one that can withstand the heat or cold. PTFE have the widest range of temperature, making them useful for machines who can see usage in extreme weather or elements.

Requirements of the shaft
Even more important than a correct interference fit of the Oil Seal is a perfectly smooth shaft in the region of the seal, particularly if shaft surface speed is high and the medium to be sealed is under a certain amount of excess pressure. The surface roughness of the shaft depends on the average profile depth Ra of the tool marks caused by the machining process. Oil Seals made of PTFE require, independent of the surface speed, a surface roughness of between 0,1 to 0,2 mm, because PTFE has less wear resistance than rubber seals. For normal circumstances, the shaft in the region of the seal must have a surface roughness of approximately:  To summarize, the surface of the shaft in the region of the seal should not have noticeable machining marks. For pivoting shafts and other difficult or critical sealing applications, it is recommended that Oil Seals with a helical groove hydrodynamic pattern, which has a pumping effect, be used. When grinding and polishing, an axial movement of the grindstone along the shaft must be avoided in order to prevent machine lay. 

There are a wide range of oil seals to select from for any number of uses, so this guide will break down the most common seals to help you choose the right one for whatever piece of machinery you are working on.

Pressure:

DIN    

Silicone rubber (VMQ)

The 40mm rubber gasket is a versatile sealing solution that is commonly used in plumbing systems, automotive engines, hydraulic systems, and other machinery where a tight seal is required. Made from high-quality rubber materials, these gaskets are designed to withstand high temperatures, pressure, and chemicals, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.