Skeleton Oil Seals

Skeleton oil seals are robust radial shaft seals that feature an external metal case with a metal insert reinforcement and a garter spring, often designed with a rubber-covered inner lip. They are engineered to provide maximum strength and reliable sealing in demanding industrial and automotive applications.
Key Features and Benefits
Enhanced Structural Rigidity: The metal "skeleton" reinforcement provides maximum structural strength, ensuring a secure and stable fit in the housing bore, even in rugged applications.
Reliable Lubricant Retention: The primary inner lip, reinforced with a garter spring, maintains consistent contact with the rotating shaft to effectively contain oils and greases.
Moderate Contamination Protection: While primarily focused on lubricant retention, the design helps act as a barrier against external dust, dirt, and light water spray.
Durability and Versatility: Available in various materials, they are designed to withstand a range of temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions.
Common Materials
The material of the sealing lips is selected based on the operating environment's temperature and chemical exposure:
Nitrile (NBR / Buna-N): The most common and cost-effective material, offering good resistance to petroleum-based oils, greases, and fuels within a temperature range of -30°C to +120°C.
Viton® (FKM): Used for applications requiring resistance to high temperatures (up to +200°C) and aggressive chemicals, acids, and fuels.
Silicone (VMQ): Offers superior flexibility and performance in extreme low and high temperatures.
Applications
Skeleton oil seals are suitable for applications where robust construction and reliable lubricant retention are necessary:
Automotive Industry: Used in engines, transmissions, and axles where reliable oil retention is necessary.
Industrial Machinery: Found in gearboxes, pumps, and compressors to maintain lubricant integrity.
Heavy Machinery: Often used in heavy-duty equipment where robustness and a strong housing fit are essential.
General Engineering: Employed in various mechanical systems requiring reliable sealing of rotating shafts.