In certain highly contaminated applications, you may need the added protection offered by the AF1 and AF2 axial face seals. Combining the advantages of a rubber V-ring with the rigidity and contaminant protection of a metal case, these seals are well suited for use in rotary shaft applications in which high contamination reduces the life of radial seals and bearings. Such applications might include motors, gearboxes, speed reducers, saws, and lathes.

As typified by the AF1 design shown in Figure 106, an axial face seal consists of a metal case and an elastomeric sealing element (available in nitrile and fluoroelastomer) that is stretch-fitted into the case. The metal case acts as a slinger to provide excellent protection from dirt, debris, and water. It also accommodates high rotating speeds without additional clamping hardware.

Different configurations are possible. Figure 107 shows an AF2 design. The AF2 provides even better protection against contaminant entry than the AF1, but the AF2’s extended case requires that a groove be machined into the housing.

Regardless of the design, an axial face seal is installed by being pressfitted onto the shaft. Figure 108 shows an AF1 seal fitted onto a shaft, and Figure 109 shows installation of an AF2 seal.

Axial face seals offer many advantages. For example, the metal case protects the elastomeric body and lip from damage and displacement by external debris, windings, and viscous media. The case also keeps the rubber lip in place even at high shaft speeds. The seal’s compact design allows narrow installation widths. The seal also offers low frictional heat build-up and torque drag; as rotary speed increases, the axial face seal’s lip moves away from the counter-surface. Axial face seals are more expensive, however, than conventional V-rings.

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