In industrial environments where dust, grit, and moisture are constant threats, even the highest-quality bearing can fail prematurely without proper protection. Nilos Rings (often referred to as Nilos Sealing Rings) are specialized all-metal seals designed to provide a compact and highly effective solution for protecting ball and roller bearings.
As a premier bearing factory and bearing manufacturing company in China, UKL Bearing Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Wuxi) integrates 15 years of technical expertise to provide high-precision sealing solutions. Our Nilos Rings are engineered to extend the service life of your equipment by creating a robust barrier against contaminants while retaining essential lubrication.
How Nilos Sealing Rings Work
Unlike traditional rubber lip seals, a Nilos Ring is an all-metal seal that “runs itself in” against the bearing ring. When installed, the sealing edge of the Nilos Ring exerts light pressure on the bearing’s inner or outer ring. During the initial rotation, the edge rubs into the bearing ring, creating a micro-groove that forms a labyrinth seal.
This unique mechanism offers several advantages:
- Total Metal Construction: Capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and chemical exposure that would destroy rubber seals.
- Minimal Space Requirement: Their ultra-slim profile allows them to be added to existing designs without significant modifications.
- Self-Modulating Seal: The “run-in” process ensures a near-perfect fit, providing an airtight barrier against fine particulates.
Technical Classification: Choosing the Right Nilos Ring
Nilos Rings come in various designs depending on whether they seal against the inner or outer ring and the type of bearing they protect.
| Type |
Sealing Direction |
Best For |
Typical Application |
| AV Series |
Seals against the Outer Ring |
Standard Ball/Roller Bearings |
General Industrial Gearboxes |
| IV Series |
Seals against the Inner Ring |
Standard Ball/Roller Bearings |
Electric Motors & Conveyors |
| ZAV/ZIV |
Double Sealing Edge |
Bearings with existing shields |
High-Contamination Environments |
| LSTO |
Labyrinth Seal Unit |
Heavy-duty steel construction |
Construction & Mining Machinery |
The UKL Advantage: Precision Sealing from China
Founded in 2020 and leveraging over 15 years of OEM/ODM export experience, UKL Bearing Manufacturing Co., Ltd. understands that the performance of a bearing is only as good as its protection.
1. Premium Material Selection
Our Nilos Sealing Rings are manufactured from high-quality cold-rolled galvanized steel or stainless steel. This ensures that the sealing edge is flexible enough to “run in” correctly while remaining rigid enough to maintain its shape under centrifugal force.
2. Fully Modernized Production Base
At our Wuxi facility, we control the entire manufacturing process, including precision stamping, annealing, and surface treatment. This vertical integration allows us to ensure that the dimensions of our Nilos Rings perfectly match international bearing standards, providing a seamless fit every time.
3. Flexible and Customized Services
Many industrial applications require non-standard sealing solutions. UKL responds quickly to customer needs, offering customized Nilos Rings for oversized bearings or specialized materials for the chemical and food processing industries. Our team of 200 professionals ensures that your custom specifications are met with P5-level precision.
4. Global Reliability
We provide technical support for global industries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Whether you are dealing with the abrasive dust of a mine or the high-pressure washdowns of a food plant, UKL’s Nilos Rings provide the reliability your operations demand.
Applications Across Global Industries
Our Nilos Sealing Rings are the preferred choice for:
- Agricultural Machinery: Protecting axle bearings from soil and organic debris.
- Mining & Quarrying: Providing a secondary shield for conveyor rollers in high-dust zones.
- Material Handling: Extending the life of crane and hoist bearings exposed to the elements.
- Automotive: Sealing wheel hubs and transmission components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main benefit of using a Nilos Ring instead of a standard rubber seal?
Nilos Rings are all-metal, meaning they do not perish, crack, or harden over time. They are significantly more resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage from sharp debris (like metal shavings or rocks), which would easily puncture a rubber seal.
2. Do Nilos Rings require a specific “break-in” period?
Yes. During the first few hours of operation, the sealing edge will rub against the bearing ring to create the labyrinth groove. A slight increase in temperature is normal during this phase, after which the friction drops and the seal becomes highly efficient.
3. Can Nilos Sealing Rings be used with grease-lubricated bearings?
Absolutely. In fact, they are excellent at retaining grease within the bearing cavity. The labyrinth created during the run-in process ensures that lubricant stays in while contaminants stay out.
4. Are Nilos Rings available in stainless steel?
Yes. For the food industry or marine environments, UKL manufactures Nilos Rings in various grades of stainless steel to provide maximum corrosion resistance while maintaining the necessary “spring” for the sealing edge.
5. How do I choose between an AV and an IV Nilos Ring?
This depends on your housing design. The AV series centers on the shaft and seals against the bearing’s outer ring. The IV series centers in the housing and seals against the bearing’s inner ring. Our technical team can help you determine the best fit based on your assembly drawings.