SKF
Seals for Heavy Industrial Applications
SKF seals for heavy industrial applications are engineered to survive in extreme conditions: high shaft speeds, heavy contamination (dust, scale, mud, water), elevated temperatures, and chemically aggressive fluids. These are found in mining, steel mills, pulp & paper, marine, and large gearboxes. The heavy-duty range includes reinforced metal-cased seals, special high-temperature elastomers (HNBR, FKM), heavy cross-section lips, and advanced dust exclusion features. SKF Flex seals with hydrodynamic pumping elements and low cross-section seals for space-constrained designs are key innovations in this category. These seals are designed with higher radial loads, thicker lip cross-sections, and stronger garter springs, enabling them to survive in environments that would destroy a general-purpose seal within hours. SKF’s experience in heavy industry applications provides the material and design data needed for reliable specification.
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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Extreme Contamination Resistance
Thick, reinforced lips and multiple dust barriers.
High Temperature Materials
HNBR and FKM for continuous operation above 150°C.
SKF Flex Hydrodynamic Seals
Bi-directional pumping elements prevent leaks even under dynamic runout.
Low Cross Section Options
Fit spaces where standard heavy seals are too thick.
Robust Metal Cases
Resist installation distortion and thermal cycling.
Longer Service Intervals
Reduce unplanned maintenance in continuous 24/7 operations.
SKF Flex Seals: Active Pumping for Zero Leakage
SKF Flex seals feature a specially designed lip surface with spiral grooves or bi-directional pumping geometries that actively return any leaked oil film back to the sump. This is especially effective on large-diameter shafts or where housing misalignment is unavoidable. In steel mill gearboxes, these seals have proven to extend oil life and reduce environmental spillage.
Specifying Low Cross Section Seals for Compact Designs
Modern heavy machinery demands ever-smaller bearing arrangements. SKF’s low cross section seals provide full sealing performance in a narrower axial space, enabling more compact gearbox and motor designs without sacrificing reliability. The specification process considers the reduced lip flexibility to ensure adequate follow on the shaft.