Shielded VS Rubber Seal Bearings


Integral sealing (including shields and seals) can significantly prolong bearing service life, because it keeps lubricant in the bearing and contaminants out of it. Usually, seal and shield type bearings are maintenance-free, and are used to protect the bearing from contaminants. 
The structure of shielded or seal bearings

Numerous reputable manufacturers offer shield bearings and rubber seal bearings. How should we decide whether to use sealed bearings or those with shields?

Shield bearings

Shield bearing

There is a small gap between the shield and inner ring in a shield bearing. Bearings fitted with shields are used where the operating conditions are relatively clean, or where low friction is important because of speed or operating temperature considerations.

Bearings with seals

Usually, Bearings with seals are preferred for arrangements where contamination is moderate. Bearings with rubber seals are generally available in the following types:

Bearings with contact seals

contact seal

The contact seal designed for maximum protection against all contaminants. The lip seal is pressed against the surface of the inner ring. It gives excellent dust and water protection. With lower speed and temperature lists, The contact seal bearings are used in situations where maximum sealing is critical.

Bearings with low-friction seals

low-friction seal

The low-friction seals are designed for excellent contamination protection when torque levels are a consideration. Lower friction levels than the contact seal but designed for use in high contaminant environments.

Bearings with non-contact seals

non-contact seal

The non-contact seals are designed for the higher speed, higher temperature requirements of applications such as electric motors. The non-contact seal bearing can be operated at the same speeds as shield bearings, but it has better sealing capability than a shield bearing. It has an extremely narrow gap with the inner ring shoulder.

Selection guidelines for shielded and seal bearings

Selection guidelines for shield and different seals under various operating conditions are listed below.

Shielded VS Rubber Seal
RequirementShieldsNon-contact sealsLow-friction sealsContact seals
Low frictionBestBestVery goodFair
High speedBestBestVery goodFair
Grease retentionFairGoodVery goodBest
Dust exclusionFairFairGoodBest
Water exclusionNot recommendedNot recommendedFairBest

Designation suffix for shield and seals

Different shield or seals are indicated by different suffixes.

BrandDesignation suffix
ShieldsNon-contact sealsLow-frictionContact seals 
on one sideon both sideson one sideon both sideson one sideon both sideson one sideon both sides 
SKFZ2ZRZ2RZRSL2RSLRSH, RS12RSH, 2RSH1
NSKZZZVVVDWDDWDUDDU
NTNZZZLBLLBLHLLHLULLU
FAGZ2ZRZ, BRS2RZ, 2BRS  RSR, HRS2RSR, 2HRS
TIMKENZZZRZ2RZ  RS2RS

Regarding more information about the bearing number meaning, please refer to the article below: