Sealing elements can be pressed in two directions between the sealing surfaces. In addition to the axial seal, where the deformation force acts in the direction of installation, there is also the radial seal.
Axial seals are used for static applications where the surfaces to be sealed do not move regularly relative to each other. Axial grooves serve as installation space. The axial seal is used particularly frequently on flange screw connections on pipelines or for inspection openings.