Seals for mechanical engineering

Seals in mechanical engineering perform safety-relevant functions. They prevent leaks, reliably separate media and ensure the stable operation of machines and systems over long service lives. Material selection, geometry and adaptation to mechanical, thermal and chemical loads are decisive here.

In mechanical engineering, seals are used in very different applications, for example in pumps, drives, housings, hydraulic systems or moving assemblies. Accordingly, the requirements for temperature resistance, pressure resistance, media resistance and wear behaviour vary.

This page provides a structured overview of suitable sealing materials, typical fields of application and technical selection criteria for industrial applications. For an overarching classification of the available solutions, it is worth taking a look at Seals made of rubber, which serve as a basis for many mechanical engineering applications.

Fields of application of seals in mechanical engineering

Seals in mechanical engineering are used in a wide variety of technical applications. Depending on the design and load profile, they perform sealing functions between moving or static components and ensure defined operating states.

Typical fields of application include pumps and compressors, gear units, hydraulic and pneumatic systems as well as housing seals on machines and units. In these applications, changing pressures, temperatures and media often act on the seal simultaneously.

Particular requirements arise in dynamic applications with relative movement, for example on shafts, pistons or guides. Here, wear resistance, recovery properties and dimensional accuracy play a central role. A fundamental overview of suitable designs and materials is provided by the category Seals made of rubber, which covers many of these use cases.

Materials for seals in mechanical engineering

Material selection is a central factor for the function and service life of seals in mechanical engineering. Depending on the application, sealing materials must permanently withstand mechanical loads, temperature fluctuations and contact with oils, greases, coolants or process media.

Frequently used elastomers are NBR, EPDM, FKM and silicone. NBR is particularly suitable for oil- and fuel-based media, while EPDM offers high resistance to hot water, steam and weather-related influences. FKM is used at elevated temperatures and with aggressive media, silicone above all in thermally demanding applications.

In addition to the base material, the degree of hardness, the type of crosslinking and the specific geometry influence the sealing behaviour. A detailed overview of elastomeric materials is provided by the Rubber materials section, which systematically presents the differences between the materials.

Technical requirements and selection criteria

The selection of a suitable seal in mechanical engineering is based on clearly defined technical requirements. The operating parameters of the respective application as well as the mechanical integration of the seal into the component or assembly are decisive.

Central criteria are the operating pressure present, the temperature range, the type of media to be sealed as well as static or dynamic loads. In addition, the installation space, tolerances and surface condition of the mating components influence the sealing behaviour.

In dynamic applications, friction values, wear behaviour and recovery properties play a particular role. For static sealing, dimensional stability and permanent media resistance are the main focus. A practical classification of typical seal shapes and cut pieces is provided by the Rubber seals section, which maps common solutions for industrial applications.

Manufacturing and custom-made seals

In mechanical engineering, both standardised seals and custom-made solutions are used. While standard parts are sufficient for many applications, special installation situations or load profiles often require individually manufactured seals.

Custom-made products are particularly useful when special geometries, tight tolerances or deviating material requirements are present. Typical reasons are limited installation space, special flanges, individual groove geometries or special media requirements.

Depending on the requirement, manufacturing is carried out by punching, waterjet cutting or CNC-based processes. An overview of individually manufactured solutions is provided by the Rubber cut pieces section, which presents the possibilities of dimensionally accurate seals for industrial applications.

Quality, standards and testing requirements

Seals in mechanical engineering are subject to clearly defined quality requirements. They must function reliably over the entire service life and exhibit reproducible properties. Accordingly, standardised test methods and documented material characteristics play a central role.

Relevant standards concern, among other things, dimensions, material properties and test methods. These include, for example, specifications for hardness, tensile strength, compression set as well as resistance to media and temperatures. For safety-relevant applications, internal or customer-specific test criteria are additionally customary.

Reliable quality assurance comprises the selection of tested materials, controlled manufacturing processes and traceable documentation. Supplementary information on standardised and tested solutions can be found in the Rubber products section, which maps different applications and quality levels.

Consultation and technical support

The selection and design of seals in mechanical engineering requires technical understanding of materials, operating conditions and design framework conditions. Well-founded consultation helps to define suitable solutions for specific applications.

Technical support comprises the assessment of existing sealing solutions, the coordination of materials and geometries as well as support with custom-made products. The goal is a functional and permanently stable seal under the respective operating conditions.

Various product and manufacturing options are available for the specific implementation. An overview of available solutions and materials is provided by the Rubber seals section, which serves as a starting point for technical coordination in mechanical engineering.

Summary: Seals in mechanical engineering

Seals in mechanical engineering perform central functions for the safe and stable operation of technical systems. Their suitability results from the coordinated selection of material, geometry and manufacturing process, taking into account the respective operating conditions.

Typical fields of application range from static housing seals to dynamic applications in hydraulic and drive systems. Requirements for pressure, temperature, media resistance and wear behaviour are decisive here.

A structured overview of proven solutions and materials is provided by the Seals section, which serves as a starting point for technical classification in mechanical engineering.

Frequently asked questions about seals in mechanical engineering

Which seals are most frequently used in mechanical engineering?

In mechanical engineering, elastomer seals are predominantly used, including NBR, EPDM, FKM and silicone. The selection depends on the medium, temperature range, pressure and mechanical load.

When are custom-made seals required?

Custom-made seals are required when standard dimensions, standard profiles or standard materials do not cover the technical requirements of an application, for example with special geometries or limited installation space.

What role does the material play in mechanical engineering seals?

The material determines the media resistance, temperature behaviour, elasticity and service life of the seal. The wrong choice of material can lead to premature wear or functional failure.

Do seals for static and dynamic applications differ?

Static seals seal without relative movement and primarily require dimensional stability. Dynamic seals must additionally take friction, wear and recovery properties into account.

Which standards are relevant for seals in mechanical engineering?

Relevant standards include, among others, standards on dimensions, material characteristics and test methods, for example on hardness, compression set or media resistance. In addition, customer-specific requirements often apply.

Where can I find an overview of suitable sealing solutions?

A structured overview of common solutions and materials is provided by the Seals section, which serves as an introduction for mechanical engineering applications.