SEALMASTER guide
What Sealmaster manufactures and what sets it apart
Sealmaster produces mounted bearings: units that combine an insert bearing with a cast iron housing, ready to be fixed onto a base or flange. Its range includes pillow blocks, 2- and 4-bolt flange housings, take-up housings and ball and spherical roller insert bearings.
Sealmaster's characteristic design is the insert bearing with extended inner ring, which is fixed to the shaft using set screws or eccentric locking collars. This allows quick mounting without complex adjustments and facilitates insert replacement without disassembling the housing.
Sealmaster housings stand out for their robust cast iron construction, with effective seals against dust and moisture. They are suitable for applications with moderate radial and axial loads, misalignment between shaft and housing, and demanding industrial environments.
Sealmaster lines available at MR
At MR Accesorios Industriales we work with two main Sealmaster categories: bearing housings and bearings. Within them, the main subcategories are:
Y-housing with insert bearing
Complete units that integrate the housing and insert bearing, ready to mount. They include pillow blocks, flange and take-up housings.
Housings
Cast iron housings for insert bearings, in pillow block, flange and take-up versions, with different fixing methods.
Y-bearing (insert)
Ball insert bearings with extended inner ring, for mounting in housings with spherical seat. They are identified by series such as AR, ER or MH.
Spherical roller bearings
Spherical roller insert bearings, for combined loads and misalignment. Series such as USI5000 fall into this subcategory.
Main Sealmaster series
Each Sealmaster series corresponds to a type of mounting or application. These are the most representative in the catalog:
RPB Series
Pillow block with insert bearing, with two mounting holes. It is a common unit for horizontal shafts in conveyors and fans. Examples: RPB208-2, RPB-103-2.
RPBA Series
Variant of the RPB pillow block series. Examples: RPBA-103-2, RPBA-104-2.
AR Series
Ball insert bearing with extended inner ring, for mounting in housings with spherical seat. Examples: AR-1-2, AR-2-1.
USRB Series
Heavy-duty pillow block for spherical roller bearings, for applications with heavy loads. Examples: USRB5000, USRB5500.
VF Series
2-bolt flange housing with insert bearing, for mounting perpendicular to the shaft. Examples: VF2S-208, VF2S-210.
ER Series
General-purpose ball insert bearing with extended inner ring. Examples: ER-8, ER-9.
RFB Series
4-bolt flange housing with insert bearing, for firm fixing on flat surfaces. Examples: RFB-103, RFB-104.
SF Series
General-purpose 4-bolt flange housing with insert bearing. Examples: SF-8, SF-9.
SC Series
Housing with insert bearing of the SC series. The number indicates the insert size. Examples: SC-8, SC-9.
RFBA Series
Variant of the RFB 4-bolt flange housing series. Examples: RFBA-103, RFBA-104.
How to read a Sealmaster code
A Sealmaster product designation combines letters that identify the series and numbers that indicate the size or shaft diameter. Additional suffixes indicate sealing, fixing or configuration variants. Always read the complete code, not just the base number, to ensure the correct replacement.
Example: `RPB-103-2`
RPB: pillow block with insert bearing. 103: unit size (corresponds to a specific shaft diameter). -2: variant suffix within the series. This code identifies a pillow block for a shaft of approximately 1 3/16 inches.
Example: `ER-8`
ER: ball insert bearing with extended inner ring. 8: insert size, expressed in sixteenths of an inch (8 equals a 1/2" shaft). It is not a diameter in millimeters.
Example: `VF2S-208`
VF: flange housing. 2S: indicates 2-bolt flange and the fixing type. 208: insert size designation (not equivalent to millimeters; the shaft diameter is read in the series table).
Example: `USI5000-103`
USI: spherical roller insert with extended inner ring. 5000: series line. 103: insert size (shaft diameter in inches, 1 3/16").
Frequent Sealmaster prefixes and suffixes
Suffixes in Sealmaster codes indicate variants within the series, such as sealing or shaft fixing method. Some of the most common are:
-2
Variant suffix within the series (for example, RPB-103-2). Always provide the complete code, including the suffix.
CR
Indicates contact seal, which rubs against the inner ring for greater sealing in dusty or humid environments.
C2
Appears in codes such as RPBA 103-C2 CR and indicates a bearing variant. Always provide the complete code.
T
In some housing codes, such as PN-12T, the T is a variant suffix. Always provide the complete code.
Applications by industry in Argentina
Sealmaster products are used in a wide variety of industries in Argentina. These are some of the most relevant:
Metallurgy
In roller tables and sheet conveyors, RPB and RPBA pillow blocks are used for their robustness and ease of replacement.
Agriculture
In norias, screw conveyors and grain belt conveyors, Sealmaster housings withstand dust and continuous loads. Series such as RPB and USRB are common.
Marine
In conveyors, fans and auxiliary deck equipment, units with contact seals such as CR are chosen to protect the bearing from moisture.
Oil and gas
In pumps, fans and auxiliary equipment, spherical roller insert bearings (USI5000) absorb misalignments and combined loads.
Food
In packaging lines, mixers and conveyors, housings with seals suitable for frequently washed environments are used.
Mining
In screens and large conveyors, heavy-duty pillow blocks (USRB) support heavy loads in abrasive dust environments.
Paper
In roll conveyors and auxiliary equipment, housings with good sealing and correct alignment are needed.
Cement
In bucket elevators and clinker conveyors, spherical roller insert bearings handle high loads and misalignment.
Energy
In fans, pumps and auxiliary equipment of power plants, Sealmaster housings are used for drive shafts with variable loads.
Automotive
In assembly lines, parts conveyors and painting equipment, pillow block and flange housings offer quick mounting and easy maintenance.
Plastics
In extruders, injection molding machines and recycling equipment, insert bearings withstand radial loads and moderate temperatures.
Cold storage
In conveyor belts and cold equipment, housings with seals suitable for moisture and washdowns are required.
Sugar
In mills, cane conveyors and centrifuges, Sealmaster housings support conveyor shafts in environments with bagasse and moisture.
How to choose the correct Sealmaster
To select the appropriate Sealmaster product, consider these criteria:
Load
Determine the radial and axial load the bearing will support. For combined loads or misalignment, choose spherical roller inserts (USI5000). For moderate radial loads, ball inserts (ER, AR) are used.
Speed
Check the shaft rotation speed. Ball bearings allow higher speeds than spherical roller bearings. Consult the manufacturer's tables for the rpm limit.
Sealing
Choose the seal type according to the environment: for dust and moisture, contact seals (CR). For clean environments, low-friction seals.
Internal clearance
Internal clearance (C2, C3, etc.) affects operation under extreme loads or temperatures. A larger clearance (C3) is used when there is thermal expansion or forced fits.
Mounting
Define the housing type: pillow block (RPB, RPBA), flange (VF, SF, RFB) or take-up (STH). The mounting depends on the equipment geometry and available space.
Environment
In corrosive or washdown environments, consider versions with seals and protection suitable for the environment. In abrasive dust environments, prioritize effective seals.
Equivalences and interchangeability
Some Sealmaster codes share a designation with other brands we also sell. For example, ER series inserts match LINK-BELT in code: ER-27 with LINK-BELT ER27, ER-28 with LINK-BELT ER28, and so on.
There are also equivalences with NSK and NTN in the AR series: Sealmaster AR-205 shares a designation with NSK AR205 and NTN AR205.
When comparing equivalences, verify that the shaft diameter, fixing type, sealing and housing dimensions match. Not all similar codes are interchangeable; always confirm with the technical data sheet.
Common mistakes when replacing or buying Sealmaster
These are common mistakes when ordering Sealmaster spare parts:
Ordering only by size number
Many customers ask for a “208 bearing” without specifying the series. But a 208 can be a ball insert, a pillow block or a flange. Always provide the complete code, for example RPB208-2.
Ignoring the seal suffix
Suffixes such as -2 or CR identify variants within the series (CR corresponds to contact seal). If you omit them, the product may not match the one you need.
Confusing pillow block with flange
A pillow block (RPB) and a flange (VF) are not interchangeable: they have different mounting holes and orientation. Verify the mounting type before buying.
Not considering the shaft fixing method
Some inserts use set screws, others eccentric locking collars. If the shaft does not have the proper seat or machining for the fixing system, the insert will not be secure.
Choosing a ball bearing for spherical roller loads
If the application has misalignment or high combined loads, a ball insert may fail prematurely. In those cases, use series such as USI5000.
Mounting, lubrication and maintenance
Correct mounting and adequate lubrication extend the life of Sealmaster products. Follow these recommendations:
Mounting the insert on the shaft
Clean the shaft and verify it has no burrs. Slide the insert to the desired position and tighten the set screws or eccentric collar according to the design. Do not strike the bearing directly.
Housing alignment
When fixing the housing to the base, ensure the shaft is aligned with the housing. Excessive misalignment generates additional loads and reduces bearing life.
Lubrication
Sealmaster insert bearings come factory-lubricated, but require periodic relubrication according to operating conditions. Use a grease compatible with the temperature and environment. If the housing has a grease fitting, apply grease gradually and in the amount indicated by the manufacturer; excess generates heat.
Periodic inspection
Periodically check the condition of the seals, shaft fixing and housing temperature. An increase in temperature or abnormal noise indicates maintenance is needed.
Insert replacement
If the insert fails, you can replace it without changing the housing. Loosen the fixing screws, remove the old insert and mount a new one of the same code. Verify that the housing is not damaged.
Why get a Sealmaster quote at MR Accesorios Industriales
At MR Accesorios Industriales we sell Sealmaster with technical advice so you can find the exact code for your application. We are a company from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a history since 1945 in bearings and power transmission.
We work with Sealmaster bearing housings and insert bearings, and we help you identify the correct replacement from the code, the size or a photo of the part. Our online catalog allows you to search by code and view the references.
Get a quote for your Sealmaster products via WhatsApp or email. Send us the complete code, the shaft size or a photo of the part, and we will respond promptly with the appropriate option.
Frequently asked questions about SEALMASTER
- What is a Sealmaster insert bearing?
- It is a ball or spherical roller bearing with an extended inner ring, designed to be mounted in a housing with a spherical seat. It is fixed to the shaft using set screws or an eccentric locking collar, forming a ready-to-operate support unit.
- How do I read the code of a Sealmaster housing?
- The code combines series letters (RPB, VF, SF, etc.) and numbers that indicate the size. For example, RPB-103-2 is a pillow block for a 1 3/16" shaft with -2 sealing. Always read the complete code to avoid confusing variants.
- What is the difference between a Sealmaster pillow block and a flange?
- The pillow block (RPB, RPBA) is fixed onto a base parallel to the shaft, with two holes. The flange (VF, SF, RFB) is bolted onto a surface perpendicular to the shaft, with 2 or 4 holes. They are not interchangeable.
- Does Sealmaster have spherical roller bearings?
- Yes, the USI5000 series consists of spherical roller inserts with extended inner ring. They are used in applications with combined loads and misalignment between shaft and housing.
- Can I replace only the insert without changing the housing?
- Yes, if the housing is in good condition, you can replace the insert with one of the same code. Loosen the fixing screws, remove the old insert and mount the new one. Verify that the housing is not damaged.
- What does the -2 suffix mean in Sealmaster codes?
- The -2 suffix identifies a variant within the series. It is important to include it when ordering spare parts, because it changes the unit you need.
- Does Sealmaster have equivalents with other brands?
- Yes, some ER series inserts are equivalent to LINK-BELT (for example, ER-27 = LINK-BELT ER27). There are also equivalences with NSK and NTN in the AR series. Always verify dimensions and sealing.
- How do I get a quote for a Sealmaster product at MR?
- Send us via WhatsApp or email the complete product code, the shaft size or a photo of the part. We will respond promptly with the appropriate option and the necessary technical advice.
Updated September 29, 2026