- Oil seal manufacturers use a variety of materials to create seals that are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to extreme temperatures and pressures. Common materials used in oil seal production include nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polyacrylate rubber, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). These materials are selected based on the specific requirements of the application and the operating conditions of the machinery.
Oil seals increasingly had to meet higher requirements, which is why PTFE was developed in 1980. This variant can better withstand higher engine speeds, higher oil temperatures, longer oil intervals and modern lubricants. In addition, the oil seal contains a wider contact surface, which ensures less wear.
- In conclusion, metallic oil seals are vital components in numerous industrial processes due to their durability, temperature resistance, and compatibility with a variety of fluids. They not only contribute to the efficiency of machines but also to the overall safety and sustainability of operations. As technology advances, the development of more advanced metallic oil seals will likely further enhance their performance, making them an indispensable element in the future of engineering and manufacturing.
- Oil Seal The Essential Component in Machinery Performance
Early engines used O-rings (also called packing rings or toric joints) as seals (first patented in 1896). These are just mechanical gaskets in the shape of a torus (a circular ring--like a lifesaver), seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts. It creates a seal at the interface. However, O-rings require a fluid film to lubricate them. They have limited usefulness in vacuum application and at extremes of temperature. The modern oil seal represents a significant improvement over the simple O-ring because it effectively seals in lubrication and prevents contamination from outside under a wide range of pressures and temperatures.

front valve cover gasket. Once the old gasket is removed, the new gasket can be installed and the valve cover reattached to the cylinder head.
Depending on the application, premium lip materials may need to be used, such as Ethylene-acrylic (Varmac®). This material features good abrasion and dry running capabilities, higher heat capabilities than nitrile and polyacrylate, and better low-temperature performance than polyacrylate.
Generally, oil seals vary in materials and types based on the corresponding application. Common materials include:

