Date: 2013-08-01

A Primer on Self-lubricating Bearings (Pic)

These days, maintenance departments do not need to spend time and money lubricating bearings on the plant floor. Bearing lubrication technology has overtaken traditionally accepted procedures still practiced in many industrial facilities. Self-lubricating plain bearings offer plant-floor decision-makers maintenance-free options to maximize productivity and minimize costs.

There are three types of self-lubricating plain bearings used today. Oil-filled sintered bronze bearings were first conceived in the 1930s, with self-lubricating metal-polymer bearings developed around 1950 and lubrication-free solid polymer bearings appearing in the 1960s. Wear rate and operation under specific loads, temperatures and speeds are all important considerations when selecting the best bearing for your application. The effects of dust, dirt or chemicals on the bearing are also often decisive factors, as well as noise levels and performance alongside different shaft materials.




Oil-impregnated, sintered bronze bearings rely on a capillary action to create a lubricating oil film. Benefits include a low coefficient of friction, high precision and rotational speeds up to 1,200 surface feet per minute (sfm). Critically, however, high speed and rotational motion are both required to draw the oil out and maintain a full film of lubricant. Shaft oscillation, slow speed and intermittent use can all inhibit this process. If movement stops, the oil on the surface of the bearing dries up; this can lead to squeaking and an increase in the coefficient of friction. In addition, high temperatures can break down the oil. Further disadvantages with this type of bearing include low chemical resistance and sensitivity to dirt, edge pressure and impacts.

Metal-polymer solutions consist of a metal backing and a thin polymer (such as PTFE) liner. This plastic liner contains a solid lubricant which is displaced from the bearing onto the shaft during movement. The advantages conferred by this self-lubricating layer include a low coefficient of friction and high load capacity

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