EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN ELASTOMERIC RADIAL LIP SEAL

The radial seal lip and its application are described. The evolution of seal design and material is traced from the early leather oil seals to the present hydrodynamic seals which provide sealing in either direction of rotation. The four families of materials commonly used today for lip seal elements are discussed in terms of their operating environments: nitrile, polyacrylics, silicones, and fluoroelastomers. Tetrafluoroethylene, a nonelastomeric material, is described as being resistant to most fluids and having a wide temperature range but being less able to follow shaft motion than other seal materials. A discussion of current seal design indicates that molded lip designs provide more control of the lip diameter and cross section than trimmed edge designs. Future seal designs and materials are indicated: seals to meet increased temperature demands of smaller powerplants, molded lip seals replacing trimmed lip designs, and upgrading of existing materials rather than development of new ones.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Also published in HS-028 778 (SAE-SP-464), "Past, Present and Future of Automotive Elastomer Applications," Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 1980 p 31-5. Presented at SAE Congress and Exposition, Detroit, 25-29 February 1980.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

    400 Commonwealth Drive
    Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
  • Authors:
    • Horve, L A
  • Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

  • Pagination: 5 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00391477
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 800273, HS-028 784
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: Dec 30 1984 12:00AM