Enclosures (Shield and Seal Types)

Sealing devices are designed to prevent the ingress of contaminants and to retain grease in the bearing. Seals can be loosely defined into two groups:

Contact types - designed to have contact present between the seal and the race.
Non-contact types are designed to have a gap present or clearance is present between the shield and race.

Bearings can be specified as open (no seals on either side), a single seal, or sealed on both sides. Combinations of seals and shields can be used depending upon the application.

Seals are available in different materials like steel shields (ZZ), perbunan rubber (RS), Teflon (TS) or viton seals (VS). Many variations exist for materials and combinations, creating many ways to protect and enhance the performance of the bearing.