Rubber Seals & O-Rings

Y Seals & Y O-Rings

Y seals and Y O-rings covering the standard hole and shaft universal type commonly called the Y-ring, plus specialised types including YX hole, YX shaft, QY hole, QY shaft, high and low Y-type hole and shaft seal rings and KY shaft type. The profile is designed around the ratio of inner and outer lips, the cross section, the angle between the lips and the height, which together determine how the seal fits and performs in a given groove.

NBR
FKM
EPDM and other compounds on specification

Overview Key Benefits Applications Specifications Manufacturing Customisation Comparison Use Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Key Benefits

Lip geometry designed for the groove rather than adapted to it
Hole and shaft versions so both sides of a cylinder can be sealed correctly
Full range of Y profile types including YX, QY, KY and high and low forms
Lip angle and cross section specified as part of the design
Used in automotive and general hydraulic applications

Problems It Solves

O-rings used in dynamic applications where a lip seal is needed
Hole and shaft seals mixed up, so the lips face the wrong way
Seals that fit the groove but leak because the lip geometry is wrong
Non standard profiles that cannot be bought from stock

Where It Is Used

Applications And Buyers

Application Scenarios

Sealing hydraulic cylinder rods and pistons
Preventing fluid leakage in car parts and assemblies
Pneumatic cylinder sealing
Replacing worn seals during equipment overhaul

Who It Is For

Hydraulic cylinder manufacturers
Automotive component suppliers
Maintenance teams rebuilding cylinders
Equipment builders specifying dynamic seals

Technical Features And Specifications

Technical Features

Standard hole and shaft universal Y-ring
YX hole and YX shaft types
QY hole and QY shaft types
High and low Y-type hole and shaft seal rings
KY shaft type
Designed on lip ratio, cross section, lip angle and height

Specifications
Product Types	Y-ring, YX hole, YX shaft, QY hole, QY shaft, high and low Y-type, KY shaft
Design Parameters	Inner and outer lip ratio, cross section, angle between lips, height
Material	Rubber compounds selected per application
Typical Applications	Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, automotive fluid systems
Supply Basis	Standard types and custom profiles

How It Is Made And Checked

Materials Process And Quality Control

Materials

NBR
FKM
EPDM and other compounds on specification

Manufacturing Process

Compression moulding
Injection moulding
Trimming
Inspection

Quality Control

Specification agreed in writing before production starts
First article or sample approved against the agreed specification
Goods inspected and photographed at the factory before loading
Inspection report sent to you before the container sails

Customisation Options

What Can Be Varied

Profile type selected for hole or shaft sealing
Cross section and height to the groove dimensions
Lip angle and ratio for the pressure and speed
Compound chosen for the fluid and temperature
Non standard sizes produced to drawing

Compared With The Alternatives

O-rings	An O-ring is a static workhorse and can run dynamically at low duty; a Y seal has lips that are energised by pressure, which is what makes it the right choice for reciprocating cylinders.
Hole versus shaft types	Hole types seal against the bore and shaft types against the rod. Fitting one where the other belongs puts the lips against the wrong surface and it will leak.

Use Guide

Confirm whether the seal works against the bore or the rod before choosing a type
Give the groove dimensions, not just a nominal size
State pressure, speed and fluid so the compound and lip geometry can be chosen
Check surface finish of the sealing face, since it decides seal life

Questions

Questions Buyers Ask About This Product

What is the difference between a hole type and a shaft type?

Hole types seal against the bore and shaft types against the rod, so the lips face the correct surface in each case.

Which profiles are available?

The universal Y-ring plus YX hole, YX shaft, QY hole, QY shaft, high and low Y-type hole and shaft seal rings and KY shaft type.

Can you make a non standard size?

Yes, to drawing. Send the groove dimensions and the operating conditions.

Which compound should I choose?

It depends on the fluid and the temperature. Tell us both and we will recommend.

Are these seals used in automotive applications?

O-rings in FFKM perfluoroelastomer, chosen where a seal has to resist a broad range of aggressive chemicals, solvents…

View Product

Guides And Industries That Cover This

Material Guide

Choosing O-Ring Material NBR HNBR EPDM FKM Or FFKM

The compound is chosen by what the seal touches and how hot it gets, in that order.

Industry

Machinery & Equipment OEMs

Machined, stamped, fabricated and moulded parts made to your drawing in production volumes.

Get A Price For Y Seals & Y O-Rings

Send the duty figures, the material if it is fixed, and the quantity. We will confirm the specification and quote against it.

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