SKF
Additional Design Options, SKF Flex Seals
SKF Flex seals represent an advanced design option within the heavy industrial seal range, featuring a patented lip geometry with bi-directional hydrodynamic pumping capability. The micro-scale spiral grooves on the air and oil sides of the lip actively pump leaked lubricant back into the housing and simultaneously keep contaminants out. This technology compensates for minor shaft misalignment, dynamic runout, and housing eccentricity that would cause traditional lip seals to leak. SKF Flex seals are available in a range of heavy-duty materials and sizes, and can often be retrofitted into existing housings to solve chronic leakage problems. They are the seal of choice for large gearboxes, paper machine rolls, and wind turbine main shafts where reliability and zero environmental leakage are critical.
Send an Enquiry
We'll get back to you on WhatsApp.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Bi‑Directional Pumping Grooves
Actively return oil to the sump during rotation in either direction.
Reduced Lip Temperature
Better heat dissipation than plain lips due to oil circulation.
Wear Compensation
Spring‑loaded lip follows shaft as wear occurs.
Available in NBR, FKM, HNBR
Suits all standard industrial fluids.
Upgrade Path
Replaces standard seals in existing housings to solve chronic leaks.
Field‑Proven on Large Gearboxes
Wind turbine main bearings and mill pinion stands.
Solving a Persistent Leak on a Paper Machine Dryer Roll
The dryer roll bearing housing had a history of oil leaks. Switching to an SKF Flex seal with hydrodynamic pumping eliminated the leakage overnight, without changing the shaft or housing. The Flex design actively pumped escaping oil back through the lip, paying for itself in saved oil and cleanup costs.
Flex Seals in Bi‑Directional Shaft Applications
Standard hydrodynamic seals pump in only one direction; if the shaft reverses, they leak. SKF Flex seals have a symmetrical groove pattern that pumps oil inward regardless of rotation direction. This makes them the only choice for reversing drives, winches, and slewing mechanisms.