FAG ball bearings are available with a wide range of sealing options designed to meet different application requirements. These include metal shields (suffix Z or 2Z), RZ low-friction seals, BRS seals, RSR reinforced contact seals, as well as HRS and ELS high-performance sealing systems. Each sealing type provides distinct advantages in terms of protection, friction level, operating temperature, and speed capability, allowing users to choose the optimal configuration for their operating environment.
Characteristics of each FAG sealing type
| Suffix | Type of seal +++ = excellent ++ = very good + = good o = satisfactory – = unsatisfactory | Seal characteristic | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| low-friction running | high speeds | sealing integrity against ingress of water | sealing integrity against ingress of dust | sealing integrity against loss of grease | |||
| Z, 2Z |  | non-contact for standard bearings and Gen. C | ++ | +++ | o | o | o |
| RZ, 2RZ |  | non-contact (elastomer), for standard bearings | ++ | +++ | o | o | o |
| BRS, 2BRS |  | non-contact (elastomer), for Gen. C | ++ | +++ | o | + | + |
| HRS, 2HRS |  | contact for Gen. C | o | + | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| RSR, 2RSR |  | contact for standard bearings | o | + | + | ++ | ++ |
| ELS, 2ELS |  | contact for Gen. C | + | ++ | ++ | +++ | +++ |
1, Z / 2Z - Metla shields
Z sealing shields are for standard FAG bearings and for bearings of Gen. C
Z sealing shields are made from sheet steel. They sit securely in the outer ring and form a narrow, non-contact seal gap relative to the surface of the inner ring. This sealing arrangement is particularly suitable for applications with a rotating inner ring, high to very high speeds and low contamination impact.
2, RSR / 2RSR
RSR seals are for standard FAG bearings
RSR seals are elastomer lip seals with a sheet steel reinforcement. One seal lip is in radial contact with the inner ring.
3, RZ / 2RZ
RZ seals for standard FAG bearings of series 618 and 619
RZ seals are rubberised sealing washers with a sheet steel reinforcement, which sit securely in the outer ring and form a narrow, non-contact seal gap relative to the surface of the inner ring.
4, BRS / 2BRS
BRS seals for FAG bearings of Gen. C
BRS seals are rubberised sealing washers with a sheet steel reinforcement, which sit securely in the outer ring and form a narrow, non-contact seal gap relative to the surface of the inner ring. The seal is securely anchored in the outer ring. A recess incorporated in the inner ring forms a labyrinth in conjunction with the seal lip, which is filled with grease. The frictional behaviour of this seal is comparable with that of the Z sealing shield , however, the protection against ingress of dust and egress of lubricant is higher.
5, HRS and ELS
HRS and ELS seals for FAG bearings of Gen. C
HRS and ELS seals are securely anchored in a recess in the outer ring. The sealing material is vulcanised onto a sheet steel reinforcement. The sealing washer, together with the inner ring, forms an axial sealing system. In addition, the outer non-contact lip forms a protective labyrinth with the inner ring. An additional increase in the sealing action is also provided by the film of grease between the two seal lips. With this sealing arrangement, higher speeds can be achieved than with conventional RSR seals , as the frictional torque and thus the heat generation in the bearing is lower.
For more information, please refer to Shielded VS Rubber Seal bearings.