Axial seals are used on rotating shafts where the sealing lip does not seal against the circumference of the shaft, but against a surface perpendicular to the shaft. The sealing action therefore takes place in the axial direction. This type of seal is used, among other applications, to protect bearings, shafts and machine constructions against dirt, dust, splash water and other contaminants.
A well-known example of an axial shaft seal is the V-ring. This elastomer seal is mounted on the shaft, rotates with the shaft and seals with a flexible lip against a stationary counterface. Axial seals are widely used in bearings, pumps, motors, electric motors, gearboxes and industrial machinery.
An axial seal is a seal where the contact surface is positioned in the axial direction. The sealing lip makes contact with a surface that is perpendicular to the rotating shaft. This surface may, for example, be part of a bearing housing, flange, cover or bearing assembly.
In various designs, the seal rotates together with the shaft. In addition to the actual sealing action, this can create a flinging effect that helps move dirt and moisture away from the sealing area.
A suitable counterface is important for proper operation. The sealing lip must be able to make sufficient contact without causing unnecessary friction or wear. The shape, surface quality and position of this surface therefore play an important role when selecting the seal.
With an axial seal, the sealing lip is positioned against the counterface with slight preload. This creates contact between the seal and the surface against which it seals.
With a V-ring, the elastomer grips around the shaft and the ring rotates together with the shaft. The flexible lip remains in contact with the stationary counterface. As a result of the rotation, dirt and moisture can also be flung away from the sealing area.
With correctly selected axial seals, only limited contact pressure is required. This helps reduce friction and wear between the sealing lip and counterface. The exact load depends on the seal type, material, rotational speed and operating conditions.
The main difference between an axial and radial seal is the direction in which the sealing contact takes place.
With an axial seal, the sealing lip makes contact with a surface perpendicular to the shaft. A V-ring is a well-known example.
With a radial seal, the sealing contact takes place around the circumference of a shaft or bore. An oil seal is a well-known example of a radial shaft seal.
The V-ring is one of the best-known types of axial shaft seal. The ring is installed with a certain amount of stretch around the shaft and rotates together with it.
The flexible sealing lip makes contact with a stationary counterface. This allows the V-ring to help keep dirt, dust and splash water out of a bearing or machine assembly.
V-rings are available in different profiles and dimensions. The appropriate design depends on factors such as the shaft diameter, available axial space, circumferential speed and operating conditions.
Axial seals are used in a wide range of rotating machinery and bearing assemblies. They are particularly useful when a compact seal is required to help prevent external contamination from entering the assembly.
In bearings and bearing housings, axial seals can be used to protect the bearing area against dirt, dust and splash water.
In pumps, motors and electric motors, axial seals can be installed around rotating shafts to provide additional protection for the bearing or sealing arrangement behind them.
Axial seals can also be used in gearboxes, drive systems, agricultural machinery and industrial installations where protection against external contamination is important.
The material of an axial seal must be selected according to the temperature, medium and environment in which the seal is used.
NBR is widely used for general industrial seals and offers good properties with many mineral oils and greases.
FKM/FPM, often referred to as Viton®, is used when higher temperature or chemical resistance is required.
EPDM offers good resistance to water, ozone, UV and weathering. However, the material is not suitable for many mineral oils and greases. Always check the medium and operating conditions.
The counterface is an important part of an axial sealing arrangement. The sealing lip must be able to run evenly against this surface without unnecessary damage or wear.
The counterface should therefore be clean, flat and appropriately finished. Damage, sharp edges or heavy contamination can affect sealing performance.
During installation, the seal must be positioned at the correct axial position in relation to the counterface. Incorrect positioning can result in insufficient contact or excessive deformation of the sealing lip.
To select the correct axial seal, first determine the movement and required sealing function. Then consider the shaft diameter, counterface and available installation space.
The circumferential speed, temperature, medium and environmental conditions are also important. An application exposed to large amounts of dirt or moisture may require a different design than an application in a clean machine environment.
For a V-ring, the correct profile can also be selected based on factors such as the shaft diameter and available axial space. See our V-rings page for more information.
If an axial seal is not suitable for the application, other seals may be required.
For radial sealing of a rotating shaft, for example, an oil seal can be used.
If protecting the bearing is the main objective, other bearing seals may also be suitable depending on the design. The correct solution is determined by the movement, available space and operating conditions.
An axial seal is a seal where the sealing lip makes contact with a surface perpendicular to the shaft. The sealing action therefore takes place in the axial direction.
An axial seal seals against a surface perpendicular to the shaft. A radial seal makes sealing contact around the shaft or bore.
Yes. A V-ring is a well-known type of axial shaft seal. The ring rotates with the shaft and its flexible lip seals against a stationary counterface.
Axial seals are used in bearings, pumps, motors, electric motors, gearboxes and industrial machinery, among other applications.
Depending on the type of seal, materials such as NBR, FKM, EPDM, CR and PU are used. The appropriate material depends on temperature, medium and environment.
Consider the shaft diameter, counterface, installation space, speed, temperature, medium and environmental conditions. Based on these factors, the appropriate seal type and material can be selected.
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