Oil Seal G11 - Rotary Shaft Seal

Sealing Construction & How It Works

Applications

The G11 oil seal is used in a wide range of machines and installations where rotating shafts must be reliably sealed. Typical applications can be found in machine and equipment construction, where oil seals are used in drives, bearings, and transmissions. The G11 rotary shaft seal is also commonly used in industrial drivers and gearboxes, to keep lubricants inside and to protect internal components against external contamination.

In addition, this oil seal G11 is suitable for electric motors which require a reliable sealing to protect bearings and windings. In agricultural machinery and construction equipment, the G11 oil seal is used because of its resistance to dirt and its tolerance for thermal expansion and vibration. In these environments, where dust, mud, and fluctuating temperatures are common, the combination of a dust lip and a ribbed elastomer-coated outer diameter proves particularly effective.

Materials

The standard G11 rotary shaft seal is made in NBR, FKM or ACM. NBR is commonly used due to its excellent resistance against mineral oils and greases, favourable wear properties and its relative low price. It can handle temperatures from -40°C up to +100°C, but +80°C is recommended when there will be contact with synthetic lubricants. This makes NBR suitable for a wide range of standard industrial applications, but it’s less suitable for higher temperature or aggressive chemicals.

For more demanding conditions, alternative elastomers are available. FKM is mostly chosen when working with high temperatures and increased chemical exposure, for example hot oils or additives. ACM is used at higher temperatures in combination with specific oils, such as in drive systems. HNBR offers a higher mechanical strength and better heat- and ozone resistance than standard NBR and is suitable for heavily loaded applications. Silicone maintains excellently flexible at lower temperatures but has lower mechanical wear resistance. CR (neoprene) and EPDM are used for specific media or environmental influences but are not universally suitable for oil.

The garter spring and the reinforcement ring are typically made of steel but are also available in stainless steel (1.4301) when additional corrosion resistance is required. The choice of material largely determines whether the oil seal G11 is suitable for a specific application: the construction remains, while the compound is selected based on temperature, medium and required life span. 

Material Table

Comparison with Similar Oil Seals

The G11 oil seal shows obvious similarities to other oil seals from the same family but differs in various important factors. Compared to the G10 oil seal, the G11 oil seal has an additional dust lip. Both types contain a spring-loaded main lip and an elastomer coated outer diameter but the oil seal G11 offers additional protection against external contamination, which makes it better suitable for dusty or dirty environments.

Compared to the G13 oil seal, the most important difference is the presence of the steel garter spring. The G13 does include a dust lip but does not have spring support. As a result, the sealing pressure is lower, and this type is primarily intended for simple, lightly loaded sealing applications, such as grease sealing or low rotational speeds. Thanks to the spring, the G11 offers more reliable sealing with low-viscosity lubricants and in dynamic applications.

In comparison with standard elastomer coated TC oil seals, the G11 oil seal stands out mainly due to its ribbed outer diameter, which allows for greater tolerance in the housing. This makes the oil seal G11 a preferred rotary shaft seal for applications where a standard smooth outer shell does not provide sufficient reliability. 

Selecting the Right G10 Oil Seal

When selecting the correct G11 oil seal (despite the heading), it is important to look beyond size alone. First, the shaft diameter, outer diameter, and width must be selected correctly according to the applicable dimensions. It is essential that both the shaft and housing meet the correct tolerances. For the shaft, a tolerance according to ISO h11 is recommended, with a minimum hardness of 45 HRC and a fine, torsion-free surface finish. The shaft surface roughness must be low to prevent wear and leakage.

The housing should meet a tolerance according to ISO H8. Thanks to the ribbed elastomer-coated outer diameter, the G11 can accommodate a slightly higher housing surface roughness, but a correct fit remains crucial for secure static sealing. Operating conditions such as temperature, rotational speed, and type of lubricant also play an important role. For pressureless applications with oil or grease, the G11 is a suitable choice, provided that the temperature and media specifications remain within the limits of the selected material.

FAQ