Solid Lubricant Bearings
Solid lubricant bearings reduce friction and increase system uptime under extreme temperature and load conditions. Solid lubricant bearings, also known as self-lubricating bearings, are used in a variety of applications that experience extreme temperatures or loads, such as corrosive environments, medical devices, satellites and space vehicles. The direct benefit of self-lubricating bearings is that they reduce friction and maintenance intervals while increasing system efficiency and longevity.
Solid lubricants are lubricants that do not require the addition of an external lubricant. This makes them ideal for applications where the addition of an external lubricant may be difficult or hazardous. Solid lubricants can include natural or synthetic materials such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or zinc alloys. Each of these materials has different properties, requiring specialized consideration to determine the best option for a particular application.
When selecting a bearing, the main considerations are load, speed, life and temperature. Self-lubricating bearings can provide superior performance under extreme temperatures and loads, but their success is dependent upon selecting the appropriate materials for the application. Solid lubricants are available in a variety of materials and types, all of which offer a range of dynamic and static coefficient of friction characteristics.
Solid lubricant bearings are available in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from small to large. The most common type is a plain bearing, which consists of an inner and outer bearing ring, a solid lubricant and a cage. Plain bearings are typically used for radial and thrust applications.
These bearings are designed to accept greater axial and radial loads and can operate without the need for additional lubrication such as grease, oil, or liquid. The solid lubricant is integrated into the bearing in the form of a thin film between the inner and outer bearing rings. This film acts as a lubricant and wear layer, protecting the metal surfaces and providing low friction in motion.
Solid lubricants have been proven to have improved wear performance and lower friction rates than typical oil-based lubricants. This is due to the fact that they are composed of softer materials that adhere to metal surfaces better and have better load carrying capacity than liquid lubricants. In addition, solid lubricants remain stable over a wide range of temperatures and resist pressure and heat overload better than liquid lubricants can.
Solid lubricant bearings are not limited to one type of application. They are used for both radial and thrust applications and in a variety of different machines including compressors, fans, pumps, motors, and gearboxes. These bearings are especially suitable for applications in extreme temperatures and loads, where conventional lubricants would be unable to perform.
In many instances, self-lubricating bearings can also reduce system costs as they require no additional external lubrication. This increases system uptime as lubrication maintenance is eliminated and reduces the risk of lubricant leaks. Additionally, they reduce vibration and noise levels, providing a quieter operation with improved system efficiency.
Solid lubricant bearings provide an effective, low-maintenance, cost-effective solution for extreme temperature and load applications. They can significantly reduce system costs with improved wear performance, reduced friction levels and decreased noise levels. By selecting the proper solid lubricant and bearing type, a system can operate with minimal maintenance and increased uptime.
