Seals

Industrial seals are engineered components designed to fill the gap between two mating surfaces, preventing the escape of fluids or gases while keeping dirt, dust, and moisture out. They help maintain system pressure, protect rotating components from wear, and improve long-term equipment reliability.

At RS Australia, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of industrial seals in durable materials such as rubber, nitrile (NBR), Viton®, and other elastomers. These seals support a wide range of industrial machinery and MRO applications.

Learn more about seal types and selection in our O-rings and seals guide.

Key Uses of Radial & Rotary Shaft Seals

Seals support system performance across many mechanical assemblies. Their key uses include:

• Retaining lubricants such as oil or grease in motors, pumps, and gearboxes
• Protecting components by preventing dust, dirt, sand, and slurry from entering
• Supporting smooth shaft rotation with minimal friction and wear
• Maintaining system efficiency by preventing lubricant loss
• Enhancing service life of bearings and rotating components
• Providing reliable sealing under varying temperatures, speeds, and pressures

Types of Industrial Seals

Industrial seals come in several configurations, with each type suited to specific shaft motions, pressures, and environmental demands.

Rotary Shaft Seal

Also known as oil seals or radial shaft seals, these sit between a rotating shaft and a stationary housing. They retain lubricants and prevent contaminants from entering the assembly.

Ideal for: Motors, pumps, gearboxes, compressors, and other rotating equipment.

V Seal

A flexible rubber V-ring that mounts directly onto the shaft and seals against a counterface. It acts as a dust, dirt, and splash excluder and is commonly paired with a primary shaft seal.

Ideal for: Conveyors, rollers, electric motors, and machinery requiring added contamination protection.

Nitrile Seals (NBR)

General-purpose seals made from nitrile rubber, offering reliable resistance to oils, fuels, and common industrial lubricants. Suitable for standard temperature ranges and everyday use.

Ideal for: Oil and grease applications in automotive, OEM, and maintenance environments.

Hydraulic Seal

Designed to contain pressurised hydraulic fluid within cylinders and valves, preventing internal leakage and supporting efficient, high-pressure system performance.

Ideal for: Hydraulic cylinders, presses, mobile hydraulics, and heavy-duty machinery.

How to Choose the Right Seal for Your Application

Selecting the correct industrial seal is essential for equipment longevity and dependable sealing performance. Consider the following factors:

• Shaft type and motion: Determine whether the application involves rotary, oscillating, or reciprocating motion. Check shaft speed (rpm) and direction.
• Media and environment: Review the type of fluid or medium the seal will contact — oil, grease, water, chemicals — and evaluate environmental factors such as dust, slurry, or washdown exposure.
• Temperature and pressure: Ensure the seal can withstand the expected temperature range and system pressure. Standard nitrile seals work well for many applications, while high-performance elastomers may be needed for extreme conditions.
• Material compatibility: Match seal material to the application. Nitrile is suited for general oil service, while other elastomers may be needed for heat resistance, chemical exposure, or aggressive fluids.
• Size and fit: Confirm correct inside diameter, outside diameter, and width. Proper interference fit between shaft and housing is essential for effective sealing.

Common Industry Applications

Seals are widely used across industries where component protection, lubrication, and pressure control are critical.

• Manufacturing and Production Lines: Rotary shaft seals prevent lubricant loss in motors, pumps, and conveyors, ensuring consistent uptime and reduced wear on moving parts.
• Automotive and Transport: Oil seals and radial shaft seals support engines, transmissions, wheel hubs, and drivetrains, providing reliability under heat, vibration, and high-speed conditions.
• Mining and Heavy Machinery: Robust sealing is essential to prevent dust and slurry ingress in hydraulic systems, bearings, and rotating assemblies operating in harsh environments.
• Food and Beverage Processing: Seals designed for moisture and washdown resistance maintain equipment hygiene while preventing water intrusion into sensitive components.
• Agriculture and Mobile Equipment: Hydraulic and rotating shaft seals protect machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and sprayers from contamination and fluid leakage.
• General Engineering and MRO: Used in repairs, maintenance, and new assemblies, industrial seals support efficient rebuilds and long-term equipment performance.

Shop Reliable Industrial Seals at RS Australia

As a trusted supplier of sealing solutions, RS Australia offers an extensive range of industrial seals, including rotary shaft seals, nitrile seals, oil seals, and rubber seals. Our products are sourced from reputable brands such as RS PRO, SKF, and Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Simrit, ensuring consistent performance and durability.

Beyond shaft and hydraulic seals, RS also stocks a wide selection of complementary components commonly used alongside sealing products. These include bearings, circlips, lubricants, and other engineering consumables to support both maintenance and new equipment assembly.

For more information on delivery timelines and charges, please refer to our Delivery Information page.