V-rings Type VA

Composition, construction and operation of the A10

At very high circumferential speeds, the lip can (partly) experience “lift-off” (often mentioned around 15–20 m/s, depending on size, material and conditions) and the V-ring increasingly acts as a gap seal and flinger disc. The sealing effect is therefore a combination of contact between the lip and the counterface and the flinging action caused by rotation, which actively throws water and contamination away from the sealing zone.

Applications and why the A10 is so suitable for them

Materials: what can you choose and what are they good for?

In the market, V-ring A10s are usually available in NBR and FKM, and in some cases also in EPDM (or other compounds) on request. NBR is the standard choice when oil and grease are involved: the material is wear-resistant, mechanically strong and performs well in most industrial applications. The downside is that NBR is less ideal in environments with a lot of ozone/UV or long-term outdoor aging, and the temperature range is more limited than that of high-end compounds. FKM (Viton®) is mainly chosen when temperatures are higher or when you’re dealing with more chemically aggressive media; the material generally ages better under heat and has broad chemical resistance. However, FKM can be less flexible at low temperatures and is usually a more expensive choice than NBR. EPDM is interesting when you mainly deal with water, steam, weather exposure and ozone, but it is unsuitable when oil, grease or fuels are present. In practice it comes down to a simple logic: oil/grease usually points to NBR, heat/chemistry pushes you toward FKM, and water/weather without oil makes EPDM logical.

Materials Table

Comparison: A10 (VA) vs other V-ring profiles

The V-ring A10 (VA) is the most common standard profile and is known for its straight back and compact axial design, making it a solid all-round choice for general contamination protection and grease retention. If you need an even tighter grip on the shaft, the S10 V-ring (VS) profile is often preferred: it uses a conically extended retaining section, which helps it sit more securely in certain installations. When installation space is limited, the L10 V-ring (VL) profile is used because it has a smaller, more compact cross-section, designed specifically for tight axial spaces while keeping the same basic sealing principle. For very large shafts or heavier-duty conditions, the E10 V-ring (VE) can be relevant, as this one is typically selected for larger diameters and more demanding environments.

How do you choose the right V-ring A10?

You determine the sizing of a V-ring A10 primarily based on the shaft diameter, because the ring grips the shaft through its own preload. So you choose the A10 V-ring that matches your nominal shaft size, not based on the outer diameter. Next, you look at the installation conditions: the shaft must be free of burrs, and a small chamfer helps prevent tearing or damage during installation. The counterface is at least as important, because the lip seals axially against it; the surface must be clean, flat and reasonably smooth, because deep scratches or burrs reduce service life and make the sealing action unstable.

If you expect higher circumferential speeds or a lot of vibration, it is advisable to provide an axial stop or retention so the ring cannot “creep” along the shaft. You then select the material based on temperature (continuous and peak), medium (oil/grease versus water/chemistry) and environment (outdoor, UV/ozone, abrasive contamination). In terms of standards and tolerances: V-rings are forgiving, but they are still molded rubber products with production tolerances. Therefore, design practically with sufficient margin, and focus mainly on the correct size on the shaft, a suitable counterface, and a compound that matches your operating conditions.

Cross Reference

In summary, the V-Ring A10 is a versatile rotary seal that provides effective shaft sealing by keeping out contaminants and preventing leakage. Its versatile application possibilities, low friction, high circumferential speeds, insensitivity to alignment, long lifespan, and ease of assembly make it a reliable choice for various industries and machinery types. Choose the V-Ring A10 for optimal shaft sealing performance and protection.

If you would like more information, of if you do not know which Ring you should have, feel free to contact us. 

FAQ: V-ring A10