Confused by all the sealing terms out there? Whether you’re sourcing parts or managing inventory, understanding seal terminology is key.
This glossary breaks down the most common terms, materials, size codes, and standards in industrial sealing. Bookmark it — your sealing cheat sheet starts here.
From O-rings and oil seals to PTFE backups and radial lips, this guide explains it all — clearly, quickly, and from a supplier’s perspective.
Common Seal Types
| Terme | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Joint torique | Circular elastomer seal used in static/dynamic applications | O-Ring Basics |
| Joint d'étanchéité | Lip seal that retains oil in shafts | Oil Seal Guide |
| Rotary Seal | Designed for rotating shafts and dynamic applications | Joint d'arbre rotatif |
| Joint hydraulique | High-pressure seal in hydraulic cylinders and pumps | Guide des joints hydrauliques |
| Dust/Wiper Seal | Protects from contamination in pneumatic/hydraulic systems | Dust Seal Use |
Seal Material Glossary
| Matériel | Propriétés | Utilisation idéale |
|---|---|---|
| NBR (nitrile) | Oil resistant, cost-effective | General hydraulic & fuel |
| FKM (Viton®) | High temperature & chemical resistant | Automotive, aerospace |
| EPDM | Excellent weather/ozone resistance | Outdoor, brake fluids |
| Silicone | Flexible, FDA-grade options | Food, pharma, dry heat |
| PTFE | Chemically inert, extreme temp | Aggressive chemicals, steam |
➡️ See comparisons in our EPDM vs FKM Guide
Seal Size & Identification Terms
| Terme | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ID (diamètre intérieur) | Inside diameter of the seal ring |
| OD (diamètre extérieur) | Outside diameter, often matches housing bore |
| CS (Cross Section) | Thickness of the ring |
| TC / SC / TG4 | Common oil seal types based on lip and case design |
| AS568 | Inch O-ring sizing standard |
| DIN 3771 | Metric O-ring sizing standard |
Need help with sizing? Use our Seal Size Cross Reference.
Popular Standards & Certifications
| Standard | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| AS568 | US inch O-ring sizes |
| DIN 3760 | Oil seal standards |
| ISO 3601 | O-ring tolerances and sizes |
| FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 | Food-grade elastomers |
| RoHS / REACH | Environmental compliance |
| TS16949 / ISO9001 | Quality system certifications for OEMs |
We manufacture seals in compliance with all above standards upon request — custom specs available.
Bulk Sealing Terminology
| Terme | Description |
|---|---|
| Bulk rubber seal | Large quantities of generic or customized seals for inventory stocking |
| OEM seal | Seal manufactured according to original equipment specs |
| Custom molded seal | Made from client-provided drawings or samples |
| Kit de joints | Pre-packaged seals by type, size, or application |
| Oring assortment | Mixed-size boxes for maintenance or repair use |
➡️ Explore our Guide d'assortiment de joints toriques ou Automotive Kits
Conclusion
Understanding sealing terminology makes you a smarter buyer, engineer, and operator. Use this glossary to eliminate confusion and improve your seal selection confidence.
Appel à l'action
Need help decoding your seal specs or choosing the right material? Send us your part number, drawing, or photo — we’ll identify and quote fast.
- E-mail: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: +86 17622979498
We simplify sealing — from bulk orders to custom solutions.
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