The Rubber Group is a bearing seal manufacturer that makes rubber products which can extend service life and reduce maintenance costs. In rotating equipment, these hub seals help protect critical mechanical systems. They’re used in mining conveyors, food processing mixers, and mobile construction equipment – just to name a few examples.
Contact us if you need a bearing seal manufacturer and keep reading to learn more about the importance of these precision manufactured parts and the value that The Rubber Group provides.
What is a Bearing Seal?
In rotating equipment, bearings enable smooth motion and load support. However, their performance depends upon the integrity of the sealing system. A bearing seal serves three functions.
- Exclude contaminants such as dust, water, chemicals, and debris.
- Retain lubricants to ensure proper film formation and reduce wear.
- Maintain pressure differentials in dynamic environments.
What happens if bearings aren’t properly sealed? The consequences can include overheating, corrosion, and mechanical breakdowns, especially in high-speed or high-load applications.
Bearing Seal Material Selection
Bearings are made of metals, but bearing seals are made of elastomers. The table below describes commonly used rubber materials for hub seals used in rotating equipment.
| Material | Key Properties | Applications |
| Nitrile (NBR) | Oil resistance and good physical strength | General industrial |
| Fluorocarbon (FKM) | Chemical and heat resistance | Chemical processing, high-temp ops |
| Polyacrylate (ACM) | Hot oil resistance, oxidation resistance | Automotive |
| HNBR | Temperature and chemical resistance | Heavy-duty, aggressive media |
| Silicone | Resists thermal cycling and a broad range of temperatures | Aerospace, electronics |
| PTFE Compounds | Ultra-low friction for minimal heat generation | High-speed shafts |
| Polyurethane | Excellent mechanical properties, including abrasion resistance | Mining, forestry |
| EPDM | Water/steam resistance | Water treatment, HVAC |
Bearing Seal Design Considerations
When specifying a bearing seal, engineers need to consider the following.
- Operating temperature range: Match elastomer and metal materials to thermal demands.
- Rotational speed: Use low-friction materials like PTFE for high-speed shafts.
- Chemical exposure: Select seals with appropriate chemical resistance (FKM, EPDM, etc.).
- Pressure and vacuum conditions: Ensure lip geometry and compression set behavior support pressure differentials.
- Installation method: Consider molded vs. extruded profiles, flange integration, and housing tolerances.
Custom designs may include multi-lip configurations, labyrinth geometries, or spring-loaded sealing elements to enhance performance in extreme environments.
Molded Rubber Parts and More
The Rubber Group manufactures bearing seals and offers capabilities that include:
- Tooling design for complex geometries and tight tolerances.
- Material formulation for unique chemical and mechanical requirements.
- Rapid turnaround for prototypes and production volumes.
By selecting the right materials and designing bearing seals for specific operating conditions, engineers can improve reliability and reduce lifecycle costs.
Contact the Rubber Group to discuss your application.