Rotary shaft or oil seals are placed between moving and stationary pieces of machinery to ensure that contaminants, moisture, corrosive materials and abrasives do not damage the various components. They can also prevent unwanted mixing of fluids, including water and oil combining within a machine.
Regular maintenance and inspection of shaft oil seals are essential to ensure their proper functioning and prevent costly downtime and repairs. Signs of a worn or damaged seal include oil leaks, increased noise or vibration, and decreased efficiency. If any of these symptoms are detected, it is important to replace the seal promptly to avoid further damage to the machinery.
- Moreover, die-cut silicone gaskets are known for their excellent electrical insulation properties. They protect electrical connections from environmental factors, ensuring safe and efficient operation in electronic devices and equipment. This feature, coupled with their resistance to ozone and UV radiation, makes them a popular choice for outdoor applications.
The valve cover gasket plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the engine by preventing oil leaks and maintaining proper lubrication. It ensures that the engine remains free from oil leaks, contributing to its overall efficiency and reliability. A high-quality valve cover gasket is essential for preserving the proper functioning of the engine and protecting it from potential damage due to oil leakage.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®)

Usually, these oil seals are used to seal lubricating oil or grease and contain it within the application, so that moving parts such as bearings are continually supplied with enough lubrication. However, such seals are also used for sealing other liquids, gases, and solids, such as powders or granules.
Leather is probably the oldest of the lip materials still in common use, but the move towards mass production methods has seen a massive increase in the development of synthetic rubbers which lend themselves to accurate and repeatable injection and compression moulding. Nitrile (NBR) is still by far the most common elastomer for “normal” use, whilst Viton® (FKM/FPM) is rapidly replacing Polyacrylate (ACM) and Silicone (VMQ) for high-temperature applications. Viton® also has high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack making it a preferred elastomer. Recent developments in the use of PTFE for Rotary shaft seals has caused widespread interest particularly for high-speed shaft rotation or poor lubrication applications.