Trelleborg launches rotary shaft seal for motorsport industry

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has launched an innovative rotary shaft seal which it claims provides superior execution and will out-perform other products on the market.

Developed to extend the boundaries imposed by elastomer radial shaft seals, the Turcon Varilip PDR rotary shaft seal utilises advanced materials and design techniques to provide optimum sealing performance for motorsport applications. It is characterised by low friction, stick-slip-free running, reducing temperature generation and permitting higher peripheral speeds.

Andrew Longdon, UK Technical Manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, said: “We have become the leading producers of lightweight, friction-reducing rotary shaft seals which are successfully used on Formula One and IndyCar racing platforms. Rotary seal torque and power consumption varies greatly with seal designs and material, which is why it has become so important to identify seal configurations that achieve the best possible performance for racing requirements.

“The design of the Turcon Varilip PDR rotary shaft provides a superior sealing solution which retains a compact seal envelope. It is accepted that standard elastomeric rotary shaft seals have a limited application range, which is why we know the Turcon Varilip PDR rotary shaft seal will out-perform other products on the market every time.”

The seal is constructed from only two parts – a precision manufactured metal body and a mechanically retained Turcon sealing element. Unlike seals with pressed metal cases, a gasket is not required to provide sealing between the lip and casing. This is provided by the mechanical retention of the lip, improving both the chemical resistance and temperature range of the sealing system.

The option of an integrated end plate for Turcon Varilip PDR rotary shaft seal can also allow end users to optimise their hardware design to minimize envelope and part count.

In addition, the Turcon Varilip PDR rotary shaft seal is available with a hydrodynamic feature on the Turcon sealing lip which provides a positive displacement of fluid as a result of the shaft rotation to give improved sealing in applications where the shaft only rotates in a single direction. The feature also increases the flexibility of the lip, allowing a wider contact area between the Turcon lip and the shaft, helping to reduce shaft load and associated wear and temperature generation.

Like all Turcon Varilip PDR seals, the rotary shaft seal is capable of outstanding high and low temperature performance compared to elastomeric materials.

Unlike other PTFE lip seals, Trelleborg says its Turcon Varilip PDR seal is not limited in its temperature performance by the presence of an elastomer gasket. This gives it excellent temperature range capability. It also has exceptional resistance to oil additives and biofuels, which can have an adverse effect on many elastomers.