Figure 2: Typically shaped oil seal and component nomenclature

(the volume of oil, etc., pushed back at the lip contact area per unit of time)
Lubricants applied between moving and stationary elements of mechanical equipment help to prevent damage. But when the equipment are under high pressure, the lubricants tend to escape, hence the need for oil seals to prevent the clashing of dry parts. Practically all mechanical equipment, including car engines, assembly machines, and PTFE machined parts use these oil seals to prevent harmful interaction that can result in damaged parts.
One of the key advantages of neoprene foam gaskets is their resilience and durability. Neoprene is known for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as exposure to water, UV rays, and ozone. This resilience makes neoprene foam gaskets a reliable choice for outdoor applications where the gaskets may be exposed to the elements.
Auto Parts Spark Plug: Importance and Selection




Early engines used O-rings (also called packing rings or toric joints) as seals (first patented in 1896). These are just mechanical gaskets in the shape of a torus (a circular ring--like a lifesaver), seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts. It creates a seal at the interface. However, O-rings require a fluid film to lubricate them. They have limited usefulness in vacuum application and at extremes of temperature. The modern oil seal represents a significant improvement over the simple O-ring because it effectively seals in lubrication and prevents contamination from outside under a wide range of pressures and temperatures.
