Abstract: A guard for a seal of a wheeled industrial machine, the guard comprising an cylindrical, annular body having a first plate, a second plate with an upper portion and a lower portion, and a connecting portion extending between the first plate and the second plate; wherein the first plate extends in a radially inward direction from the connecting portion and includes a plurality of holes; wherein the upper portion is configured to extend into a corresponding slot of a rotating element of a wheel of the wheeled industrial machine; and wherein the lower portion is configured to extend toward an axle of the wheeled industrial machine.

Abstract: A seal is disclosed. The seal has a first surface and a second surface disposed in a plane generally parallel to the first surface. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is at least partially coated with a film that includes an adhesion layer, a transition layer, and an amorphous diamond-like (a-DLC) layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an oxide layer on a powder metal part includes subjecting the powder metal part to a steam oxidation process. An oxide layer is formed on the powder metal part. The oxide layer has a thickness greater than 7 microns.