SKF has introduced a newly developed inboard seal for hub bearing units that leads to a 50 per cent cut in friction when compared with other competing seals – the lowest level witnessed yet in an SKF seal of this kind. Specifically designed for the application, the innovative technology combines outstanding sealing capabilities over a long service life in even the most challenging environments with the power to boost overall vehicle efficiency and a substantial drop in CO2 emissions. The robust cassette seal accommodates current ABS encoders and features an external lip and an optimised labyrinth design that collects and redirects contamination flow away from a main radial lip. This radial lip, along with low friction grease, ensures even interference and contact pressure distribution, as well as protection in static conditions. With just one lip in contact, the configuration ensures minimum friction and maximum protection that does not degrade over time. Indeed, the level of sealing performance exceeds customers’ requirements, such as those specified by major automotive firms. Ronnie Spolidoro, Business Development Manager SKF Sealing Solution, said: “With this sophisticated, yet robust design we have been able to realise the lowest level of friction ever achieved in an SKF hub bearing unit seal, typically a 0.1Nm contribution to bearing friction under load. This outstanding reduction in friction along with the superior sealing performance in contaminated environments that comes with this product is going to play a significant role in helping manufacturers to create ultra-reliable vehicles that emit far less CO2 than models using conventional seals.”