V-rings and Alphaseals (9 products containing 558 Items)

V-rings and Alpha seals

You keep dust and dirt out with V-rings, also known as V-ring seals. This keeps the area behind the V-ring clean, which helps extend the life of the system. A V-ring is often used in conjunction with a oil seal (or a bearing). In this arrangement, the oil seal seals against a rotating shaft and the V-ring protects the oil seal. V-rings always rotate with the shaft they are placed on or around.

Alpha seals do the same job as a V-ring. There is one important difference however: the rubber in the alpha seal is protected by a housing made from (stainless) steel. This makes alpha seals suitable for special applications with high levels of dirt and contamination.

V-rings and alpha seals are often used outdoors, so they are exposed to UV radiation and ozone. In these cases, you need to choose a material that can withstand this exposure. In addition, when purchasing a V-ring or alpha seal, you should always consider the dimensions and the other chemical properties of the product.

Shape of a V-ring seal

V-rings get their name from their V-shaped cross-section. Most V-rings have an upright rear face, but some types have a slanted rear face. V-rings with a slanted rear face occupy a greater surface area, but also sit more firmly in the application as a result. This design feature also keeps the shaft from rotating in the V-ring at high rotational speeds.

V-ring and alpha seal dimensions

ERIKS offers V-rings and alpha seals in a range of different sizes. It is important to choose a product that fits your application exactly, as this eliminates the risk of leaks. So you should always consider the shaft diameter, the outer diameter and the width of your V-ring or alpha seal.

V-ring and alpha seal materials

Our comprehensive range includes V-rings and alpha seals that are made from different materials. The sealing lip is mainly made from NBR, EPDM, FKM or CR. The properties of these rubber materials are briefly summarised below.

• NBR

Most V-rings are made of NBR, or nitrile. This rubber material is ideal for sealing hydraulic oils or lubricating oils. NBR on the other hand is not very resistant to UV radiation and high temperatures (above +120°C).

• FKM

For applications that involve extremely high temperatures, an FKM seal, commonly referred to by the brand name Viton, is a good solution. This material is capable of withstanding temperatures up to +200°C. Furthermore, the standard compounds are resistant to many strong acids and bases, but not to hot water or steam. Only a few special FKM compounds are suitable for applications that involve unusually low temperatures (-40°C or lower).

• EPDM

Some V-ring seals and alpha seals have a lip made of EPDM. This material is often encountered in applications involving various solvents, hot water and steam. All EPDM V-rings and alpha seals can withstand low temperatures (down to -50°C) and are resistant to UV radiation and ozone. Some compounds are also suitable for high temperatures (up to +150°C).

• CR

CR, generally referred to as neoprene, is a synthetic rubber with good mechanical properties. It is an extremely elastic material, and also highly resistant to oils and chemicals.

Are you looking for more information about the chemical resistance of our materials? The ERIKS Chemical Resistance Guide provides a handy overview.

Ordering v-rings and alpha seals at ERIKS