Skip to content 
Table of Contents
Categories
-
Adapter Sleeves (9)
-
Ball Bearings (11)
-
Ball Screw Bearings (2)
-
Ceramic Bearings (27)
-
Pillow Block Bearings (4)
-
Plain Bearings (32)
-
Roller Bearings (12)
-
Slewing Bearings (43)
-
Sliding Block (3)
-
Stainless Steel Bearings (27)
-
Super Precision Bearings (6)
-
Thin Section Bearings (9)
-
Track Rollers (4)
-
Universal Joints (1)
Polymer Bearings: A Game-Changer for Engineering Applications
When selecting the right bearing for engineering applications, the choice often narrows down to polymer, metal-backed, or sintered bronze bearings. While traditional metal bearings have been the go-to for years, polymer bearings are proving to be a superior alternative due to their unique properties. These bearings are revolutionizing various industries by addressing the limitations of older technologies, offering a blend of durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This article delves into how polymer bearings outperform other options, their key advantages, and their versatility, particularly in demanding sectors like food and beverage manufacturing.
Why Polymer Bearings Outperform Alternatives
1. Metal-Backed Bearings: Challenges of Friction and Wear
Metal-backed bearings with PTFE linings are commonly used in applications requiring low friction and smooth motion. However, these bearings face significant challenges when exposed to contamination, as the thin PTFE layer is easily scratched, exposing the underlying metal. Once this happens, direct metal-to-metal contact occurs, which not only increases the coefficient of friction (COF) but also accelerates wear and risks damaging the shaft. Over time, this leads to costly repairs and downtime for maintenance. Moreover, such damage reduces the bearing’s efficiency and lifespan, making it unsuitable for applications involving dust, dirt, or abrasive particles.
2. Sintered Bronze Bearings: Dependence on Operating Conditions
Sintered bronze bearings rely heavily on oil to maintain their lubrication, forming a thin film between the bearing and shaft during operation. At high speeds, this film effectively reduces friction, ensuring a low COF and prolonging the bearing’s life. However, these bearings struggle in less-than-ideal conditions, such as slow speeds, irregular usage, or oscillating motion. When the oil film breaks down, friction and wear rates increase significantly, leading to premature failure. Additionally, uneven load distribution can further exacerbate wear, causing the shaft to degrade over time. This reliance on specific operational conditions limits their applicability in environments with variable or unpredictable workloads.
3. Self-Lubricating Polymer Bearings: A Modern Solution
Polymer bearings overcome many of the limitations associated with metal-backed and sintered bronze bearings through their innovative self-lubricating design. These bearings embed solid lubricants within a fiber-reinforced material, which is released automatically as soon as the shaft or bearing begins to move. This ensures consistent lubrication regardless of speed, load, or environmental conditions. Unlike sintered bronze bearings, polymer bearings do not rely on oil films, making them ideal for applications with irregular motion or oscillation. Furthermore, the fiber-reinforced material provides excellent strength, allowing these bearings to withstand high forces, edge loads, and harsh conditions. Their versatility extends to compatibility with a wide range of shaft materials, making them a reliable choice for diverse applications.
Advantages of Polymer Bearings
Polymer bearings aren’t just a substitute for traditional options; they represent a leap forward in bearing technology. Their design and materials bring tangible benefits, addressing critical challenges in modern engineering applications. Here are the key advantages that make polymer bearings a standout choice:
1. Maintenance-Free Operation
Plastic bearings eliminate the need for regular lubrication and maintenance, making them a “fit-and-forget” solution for most applications. Their resistance to dirt, dust, and chemicals ensures reliable performance even in harsh environments, such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing. This means fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs, which can lead to significant long-term savings. Additionally, their self-lubricating properties make them particularly useful in applications where traditional lubrication might pose contamination risks, such as food processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
2. Cost Efficiency
Polymer bearings offer a cost advantage that extends beyond their initial purchase price. By reducing friction and wear, they improve the efficiency of machinery, lowering energy consumption and operational costs. In many cases, they can replace more expensive alternatives, such as custom metal bearings, without compromising performance. Their longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements translate to substantial cost savings over time. For businesses operating in high-demand sectors, these savings can improve profitability while maintaining the reliability of their equipment.
3. No Messy Lubricants
Traditional bearings often require external lubricants like grease or oil, which can create a mess, attract contaminants, and require frequent reapplication. Polymer bearings solve this problem with their self-lubricating design, which continuously releases lubricant during operation. This not only keeps machinery cleaner but also reduces the risk of contamination, particularly in sensitive industries like food and beverage processing. Additionally, the absence of messy lubricants simplifies maintenance procedures, saving time and effort for engineers and operators.
4. Consistent Low Friction
A stable, low coefficient of friction (COF) is a hallmark of polymer bearings, maintained consistently throughout their operational lifespan. Unlike metal-backed bearings, which can develop scratches and degrade over time, polymer bearings resist wear and maintain their efficiency. This consistency translates to smoother machine operation, reduced energy consumption, and prolonged equipment life. Engineers can rely on these bearings to perform reliably even under challenging conditions, making them a dependable choice for critical applications.
5. Corrosion and Chemical Resistance
One of the standout features of polymer bearings is their resistance to corrosion and chemicals, enabling them to operate in environments where metal bearings would fail. They are impervious to salt water, cleaning agents, and a variety of harsh chemicals, making them ideal for marine, medical, and industrial applications. Additionally, water can act as a lubricant for polymer bearings, further enhancing their versatility in wet or submerged conditions. This makes them particularly well-suited for applications involving frequent cleaning or exposure to corrosive substances.
Types of Polymer Bearings
Flange Bearings
Flange bearings are engineered to manage both axial and radial loads. The flange often serves as a locating mechanism, helping to secure the sleeve in place. These bearings can be manufactured either by machining stock rods or by molding. Common polymer grades used for flange bearings include:
- PTFE (often filled with glass or bronze for enhanced performance)
- PEEK (available in virgin or carbon-filled variants)
- PPS (typically reinforced with glass)
- POM
While flange bearings require additional machining for proper housing integration, they effectively address complex load conditions, including combined shaft loads and thrust surfaces.
Mounted Bearings
Mounted bearings feature a double-flange design, allowing them to fit within a pillow block. These bearings are typically fabricated from advanced plastic materials that improve wear resistance while reducing or eliminating the need for lubrication.
Thrust Bearings
Thrust bearings, essentially washer-like components, are used to handle thrust loads while preventing metal-to-metal contact. These bearings can be made from materials such as:
- PTFE
- PEEK
- PPS
- POM
- Nylons
- Polyimides
Thrust bearings are thin, easy to install, and usually do not require lubrication under standard operating conditions. Precision machining is crucial to ensure parallel surfaces, a task where FHD Bearings specializes.
Sleeve Bearings
Sleeve bearings are among the most common types, featuring a straightforward design with specified inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and length. While simple in structure, precise machining is critical to maintain tight tolerances. FHD Bearings offers tolerances as low as 10 microns in certain cases, compared to the industry standard of 100 microns.
These bearings are ideal for applications involving linear, oscillating, or rotating shafts. Key factors for successful design include:
- Material temperature resistance
- Pressure (P)
- Velocity (V)
- PV rating (combination of pressure and velocity)
Spherical Bearings
Spherical bearings are designed to accommodate shaft misalignment, offering rotational freedom in two directions. These bearings support shafts requiring both rotational and angular movement.
Using self-lubricating polymers with low static coefficients of friction, spherical bearings can adapt to minor alignment variations, ensuring consistent performance even under dynamic conditions. FHD Bearings leverages advanced polymer technologies to maximize reliability and efficiency.
Common Applications of Polymer Bearings
Polymer bearings are highly versatile and find applications across various industries due to their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating properties. Below are detailed explanations of their common applications:
1. Automotive Industry
Polymer bearings are widely used in vehicles for components requiring high performance under diverse environmental conditions.
Applications:
- Pedal Systems: Ensure smooth operation of brake and accelerator pedals without the need for lubrication.
- Steering Systems: Used in tilt and telescoping mechanisms for their ability to handle axial and radial loads.
- Hinges: Provide noiseless and corrosion-resistant operation for door and trunk hinges.
Benefits:
- Resistance to dust, dirt, and debris.
- Reduced weight, contributing to fuel efficiency.
- Elimination of lubrication, lowering maintenance costs.
2. Medical Devices
In medical environments, bearings must meet strict hygiene and durability standards. Polymer bearings are ideal for such applications due to their self-lubricating and non-corrosive properties.
Applications:
- Surgical Equipment: Bearings in robotic arms and surgical devices enable precise movement without contamination risks.
- Hospital Beds: Smooth adjustment mechanisms for height and inclination.
- Diagnostic Machines: Bearings used in rotating and oscillating parts of MRI and CT scanners.
Benefits:
- Quiet operation, essential in healthcare environments.
- Compatibility with sterilization processes.
- Resistance to chemicals and cleaning agents.
3. Food and Beverage Industry
Polymer bearings are a preferred choice in food processing due to their ability to withstand moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Applications:
- Conveyors: Bearings in conveyor systems facilitate smooth material handling in packaging and processing.
- Mixers and Blenders: Support rotating shafts in high-hygiene environments.
- Filling and Capping Machines: Enable precise and friction-free movement in bottling processes.
Benefits:
- FDA-approved materials available for food safety compliance.
- Corrosion resistance in wet and steamy conditions.
- No lubrication required, preventing contamination risks.
4. Marine and Offshore Equipment
In marine environments, polymer bearings excel due to their resistance to corrosion and ability to handle saltwater exposure.
Applications:
- Propeller Shafts: Used in underwater equipment for their durability and friction reduction.
- Winches and Hoists: Bearings enable smooth lifting and tensioning of cables.
- Pumps and Valves: Ensure reliable operation under submerged conditions.
Benefits:
- High resistance to seawater and chemicals.
- Ability to perform under heavy loads and continuous operation.
- No rusting, extending the life span of the component.
5. Industrial Machinery
Polymer bearings are extensively used in manufacturing and production equipment.
Applications:
- Robotics: Bearings in robotic arms handle repetitive movements and varying loads.
- Textile Machines: Provide friction-free motion in looms and spindles.
- Packaging Equipment: Bearings in rotating and sliding parts ensure precision and efficiency.
Benefits:
- Low friction and wear, even in high-cycle environments.
- Noise reduction in high-speed applications.
- Resistance to dust and debris in manufacturing setups.
6. Aerospace Industry
In aerospace applications, polymer bearings are valued for their lightweight and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
Applications:
- Aircraft Interiors: Bearings in seat mechanisms and overhead bins ensure smooth operation.
- Satellite Equipment: Support moving components in space, where lubrication is impractical.
Benefits:
- Lightweight design improves fuel efficiency.
- Excellent performance in vacuum and temperature extremes.
- Long service life under high-stress conditions.
7. Agriculture Equipment
Polymer bearings are suitable for agricultural machinery that operates in dusty, dirty, or wet conditions.
Applications:
- Seeders and Planters: Bearings in rotating components withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- Harvesters: Support high-speed moving parts while resisting contamination.
Benefits:
- Reduced maintenance due to self-lubrication.
- Long service life, even under constant exposure to dirt and moisture.
- Cost-effective alternative to metal bearings.
The FHD Advantage
FHD Bearings sets a new benchmark in polymer bearing technology, combining innovation with real-world performance data. Their high-performance polymer bushings are rigorously tested, allowing engineers to predict their lifespan with precision. The Expert System, a comprehensive database provided by FHD, empowers users to select the ideal bearing for their application by inputting parameters such as load, speed, and temperature. This data-driven approach ensures optimal performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency for every application.
Conclusion
Polymer bearings are not just an alternative; they are a transformative upgrade over traditional bearings. Their self-lubricating design, resistance to harsh conditions, and cost-saving potential make them indispensable for modern engineering challenges. Whether reducing maintenance in heavy machinery or ensuring hygiene in food production, polymer bearings provide a reliable and efficient solution that continues to push the boundaries of bearing technology. As industries seek more durable and sustainable components, polymer bearings are set to lead the way into the future of engineering innovation.
