Oil seals are used to prevent lubricants from leaking out of machinery and to prevent contaminants from entering the machinery. There are different materials that can be used to make oil seals, each with its own set of characteristics and properties.
Here are some of the commonly used materials for oil seals, along with their properties:
Material |
Temperature Range |
Chemical Resistance |
Wear Resistance |
Cost |
Nitrile (Buna-N) |
-40°C to +120°C |
Good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels |
Good wear resistance |
Low to moderate |
Fluorocarbon (Viton) |
-20°C to +200°C |
Excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, and chemicals |
Excellent wear resistance |
High |
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM) |
-40°C to +150°C |
Good resistance to water, steam, and some chemicals |
Good wear resistance |
Moderate to high |
Polyacrylate (ACM) |
-30°C to +150°C |
Good resistance to high temperatures and some chemicals |
Good wear resistance |
Moderate |
Silicone |
-60°C to +200°C |
Good resistance to high temperatures and some chemicals |
Fair wear resistance |
Moderate to high |
Nitrile (Buna-N) is a common material used for oil seals and is often used in automotive applications. It has good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, as well as good wear resistance. However, it is not recommended for use with brake fluids, ketones, and some other chemicals.
Fluorocarbon (Viton) is a high-performance material with excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, and chemicals. It also has excellent wear resistance, making it a good choice for demanding applications. However, it is more expensive than other materials.
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM) is a material that has good resistance to water, steam, and some chemicals. It also has good wear resistance, making it suitable for use in certain industrial applications.
Polyacrylate (ACM) is a material that has good resistance to high temperatures and some chemicals. It also has good wear resistance, making it suitable for use in certain automotive and industrial applications.
Silicone is a material that has good resistance to high temperatures and some chemicals, making it suitable for use in high-temperature applications. However, it has fair wear resistance, making it less suitable for use in high-wear applications.
In summary, the choice of material for an oil seal depends on the specific application requirements, such as temperature, chemical resistance, and wear resistance. The table above provides a comparison of the different materials commonly used for oil seals.