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Self-lubricating Bearings eliminate the need for supplemental lubrication
Author:admin Date:2023-07-14
Inadequate lubrication is the leading cause of bearing failure. Self-lubricating Bearings eliminate the need for supplemental lubrication, saving on maintenance costs and eliminating downtime.
These plastic bearings are permanently lubricated thanks to their special polymer blend. They are commonly used in motion control equipment to prevent friction-induced wear. They are also: cost-effective, maintenance-free, have high load capacity and are chemical resistant.
Cost-Effective
Maintenance-free self-lubricating bearings eliminate the need for costly lubrication systems. These bearings use solid lubricant films embedded within the bearing surfaces to reduce friction, and they also feature geometric patterns that distribute stress more evenly to increase performance and extend life.
These features reduce energy consumption and downtime, lowering operational costs. They also help protect the environment from contaminants like lubricant spills, contributing to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
Longer Lifespan
Unlike traditional metal-backed bearings that require a constant supply of lubrication, self-lubricating bearings eliminate the need for additional components to facilitate lubrication. They’re able to do this by having the lubricant embedded within the bearings' sliding surface. This material is typically a mixture of thermoplastic materials, embedded reinforcing fibers and solid lubricant. This combination helps to maintain the bearings' strength, resistance to high forces and edge loads and chemical resistance.
During operation, the lubricant is released through pores in the sliding layer and lubricates the shaft surface. Since the lubricant is evenly dispersed, it provides low friction bearing performance even as the sliding layer wears. A "running-in" surface is also typically included at the top of the sliding layer to allow for low friction performance at startup before the impregnated lubricant has had time to fully spread across the bearing.
As a result of eliminating the need for additional lubrication, Self-lubricating Bearings can offer longer lifespans. This helps to increase the productivity and efficiency of machines while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Lower Noise Levels
Designed to reduce friction, self-lubricating bearings are an essential component in machines and devices that must operate at high speeds, under heavy loads and for long periods of time. These low-friction bearings help machines stay functional and in working condition over longer service life, which can help save resources and reduce environmental impact.
These innovative bearings rely on both solid lubricant films embedded within the surface of the bearing and geometric patterns that distribute stress more evenly across the surfaces. This combination of features helps reduce vibrations and noises produced by the bearing system, which can make them more comfortable for end users and increase user productivity.
One type of lubrication-free bearing is a plain plastic bearing with embedded reinforcing fibers and solid lubricant. These bearings are used in many applications, such as variable speed sheaves and boom pivot points on large fork lifts. These bearings are able to withstand high loads, are impervious to corrosion and have a long operating life.
Environmentally Friendly
Maintenance-free self-lubricating bearings are an eco-friendly alternative to grease and can significantly cut down on overall maintenance costs. They also work well in harsh, dirty environments where other types of linear bearings are less suitable.
The solid lubricant in these bearings helps them resist dirt, grit and other debris. They can even operate in conditions that call for wash downs, such as those used in food processing or where medical regulations require frequent sterilization.
Linear bearings with metal-polymer solutions feature a hard, durable metal base and a plastic liner that is filled with solid lubricant that dispenses onto the shaft during operation. This lubricant displaces the friction between the base and the shaft, allowing for a lower wear rate, noise levels and vibration absorption, as well as higher load capacity. These features make these bearings ideal for many industrial applications including conveyor systems, pumps and motors. They can also be found in vehicles like fork trucks and in household appliances such as washers and dryers.
