Oil Seal (Lip Seal) Vs. Mechanical Seal: Pros & Cons of Each
The purpose of any seal is to protect a joining in a piece of equipment. Seals serve to keep lubrication or other liquids inside and contamination outside of the joint. A lip seal is also known as an oil seal or a rotary shaft seal. Oil seals or rotary shaft seals and mechanical seals are designed for moving parts. Choosing between an oil seal and a mechanical seal requires understanding their similarities, differences, and the specific demands of the application. Oil seals , often used in environments like hydraulic pumps and valve stems, are engineered to withstand continuous motion while blocking contaminants such as grit, dust, and dirt. Typically constructed from various types of rubber, they are available in a wide range of designs to meet diverse application needs. Some oil seals are spring-loaded for enhanced performance, while others rely on alternative mechanisms to ensure reliability. Oil or Rotary shaft seals are vulnerable to extreme t...