Labyrinth seals for bearings

Labyrinth seals for bearings are non-contact sealing constructions intended for use on rotating shafts and bearings. They are designed to limit ingress of solid contaminants and to reduce lubricant exchange between the internal and external environment of the bearing.

The principle of the seal consists in creating a complex tortuous path (labyrinth) made up of repeating gaps and obstacles that lengthens the route for penetration of particles and air. This solution operates without tight contact with moving parts, thereby minimizing additional friction and wear.

Construction design varies in the shape of grooves, arrangement of sealing elements and material solutions depending on operating conditions and type of bearing. Labyrinth seals are used where it is necessary to limit bearing contamination while maintaining reliable rotational movement.