Ultimate Guide to Oil Seal Types: TC, SC, TF, SF - Selecting the Right Seal

In the field of mechanical sealing, oil seals play a vital role. They not only protect mechanical parts from liquid and dust erosion but also ensure the rational use of lubricating oil, avoiding waste and environmental pollution. This article delves into four common types of oil seals—TC, SC, TF, SF—analyzing their characteristics, application scenarios, and material selection to help you make more informed choices in your work.

TC Oil Seal: The Versatile Industrial Sealing Solution

The TC oil seal, with its excellent sealing performance and wide application range, has become the preferred choice in modern industry. This type of oil seal features two lips—the primary lip for oil resistance and the secondary lip for dust protection. The design of the TC oil seal enables stable operation in various working environments, providing reliable sealing effects against both dust and oil.

SC Oil Seal: A Simple and Efficient Sealing Solution

Compared to the TC type, the SC oil seal has a simpler design. It uses a single lip with an externally rubber-coated skeleton, tailor-made for dust-free environments. In such settings, the SC oil seal offers efficient sealing performance while reducing unnecessary complexity, lowering costs, and easing maintenance.

TF Oil Seal: The Corrosion-Resistant Sealing Expert

The TF oil seal is designed for harsh environments, characterized by a fully rubber-coated iron shell skeleton. This structure allows the TF oil seal to perform excellently in corrosive environments. Typically, the TF oil seal utilizes fluorocarbon materials and stainless steel springs, a combination that not only enhances the seal's corrosion resistance but also maintains stable performance at high temperatures.

SF Oil Seal: Focused on Efficient Sealing

Similar to the TF type, the SF oil seal also adopts a rubber-coated iron shell skeleton design. The difference lies in the SF oil seal's single-lip design, focusing on providing efficient sealing effects without involving dust protection. This makes the SF oil seal perform best in dust-free environments.

Material Selection: Customizing Oil Seals Based on Environment

In the process of selecting oil seals, the choice of material is equally crucial. Nitrile rubber is widely favored for its oil and wear resistance, along with its lower cost. However, when faced with high temperatures or high-speed working conditions, nitrile rubber falls short. At this point, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, fluororubber, or perfluoroether FFKM materials become better choices. Especially, FFKM material, with its exceptional chemical stability and high-temperature resistance, becomes the ideal choice for extreme environments.

Conclusion

Choosing the right oil seal type and material is vital for ensuring the stable operation and extended lifespan of mechanical equipment. The four oil seal types—TC, SC, TF, SF—each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different working environments and requirements. In practical applications, the most appropriate oil seal type and material should be selected based on specific working conditions and environmental requirements. If in doubt, consulting with professional oil seal suppliers can provide more specialized guidance and suggestions.