Self-lubricating Plastic Bearings In Industrial Innovation

By Author: Mike Brogan
Total Articles: 31
Comment this article

Self-lubricating plastics are special types of plastics that stay lubricated throughout their entire lifespan. These plastics are used to make bearings, which have become very popular in industrial equipment. The bearings help prevent wear and tear caused by friction. But what makes these bearings better than regular plastic bearings? How do they stay lubricated, and what materials are commonly used to make them? Read on to find out.

How do self-lubricating plastic bearings stay lubricated?

Lubrication in these bearings happens in two ways:

Smearing Systems: A soft lubricating material is applied to the bearing's surface, creating a lubricant layer. This layer reduces wear and tear on the bearing and the shaft. Examples of materials used for these bearings include PTFE blends, Delrin AF, Fluorescent, Graphite PI, and Ultracompact.

Debris Systems: These systems use materials embedded with lubricant particles or debris. While these materials have low friction, the debris might move over time. Materials like Acetal/Delrin 100/500, Nylon 6/6, 6/12, and Cast Nylons are used for these types of plastic bearings.

Benefits ...
... of Self-Lubricating Plastic Bearings:

Less Maintenance: These bearings require less maintenance and are always lubricated, protecting them from significant damage.

Cost-effective: The plastic used in these bearings eliminates the need for additional oiling and greasing, making them cost-effective. This reduces operational and maintenance costs.

High Load Capacity: Self-lubricating plastic bearings can handle heavy loads better than traditional bearings.

Chemical Resistance: These bearings are resistant to chemicals, as the embedded lubricants can withstand harmful substances.

Are you looking for a reliable self-lubricating plastic bearing for your applications? Ensure to get them machined from trusted CNC machining providers such as Brogan & Patrick. It has been among the best and most trusted CNC shops for several years in Wisconsin, USA. The experts at the company have over 30 years of machining experience and knowledge of 70 materials. They understand the difference in specifications and can easily set up machines for aspects like RPM, tolerance, tool sections, and so on.