Oil seals are available in an immense range of sizes, for shafts from a few millimetres to several metres. Once the shaft diameter, groove diameter (housing diameter) and groove width are known, selecting an appropriate oil seal is a simple task. An oil seal or its product description is usually associated with three dimensions, for example 6x15x4. These refer to the sizes of the hardware for which the oil seal is designed. In this example, this oil seal is suitable for: 6-mm shaft diameter x 15-mm groove diameter x 4-mm minimum groove width.

A synthetic rubber used in gaskets, o rings, lip seals, and other moulded devices, Viton offers sealing properties for a range of oil-based applications.  Viton with high fluorine grades will also produce excellent resistance to swell, especially in oxygenated fuel and high-octane blends. 

A shaft oil seal, also known as a lip seal, is typically made of rubber or other flexible materials, with a lip that seals against the rotating shaft. It is designed to effectively seal the interface between the shaft and the housing, preventing the entry of dirt, dust, water, and other contaminants that could potentially damage the machinery.

The sealing process involves the interaction between the rotating shaft and the elastomeric material, resulting in a dynamic barrier that prevents fluid leakage and maintains system integrity.