Lip Seals, Contacting Shaft Seal

Function & Design

Sealing lip on the shaft

Lip seals are available in radial and axial designs. They are installed with an interference fit in a housing bore. The sealing effect is achieved by a sealing lip that presses against the surface of the rotating shaft. Because of the constant friction during operation, high demands are placed on the condition of the shaft surface.

Cylindrical outer casing, static sealing in the housing Spring-loaded sealing lip, dynamic & static sealing at the shaft

Applications

Where lip seals are used

Lip seals are preferred especially as a cost-effective solution in small installation spaces, with a wide range of applications, e.g. in motors, gearboxes, spindles, pumps, cement mills and compressors. The main field of application is bearing units, where the escape of lubricants is prevented.

Adequate lubrication of the seal is critical to its service life and reliability. The more thorough the lubrication, the lower the wear. The seal must never run dry. The medium to be sealed acts not only as a lubricant but also as a coolant that dissipates the frictional heat generated.