Plastic compound bearings are a simple and convenient method of lubrication. However any bearing surfaces based on dry lubrication may gradually wear during relative movement. Dry lubrication is ideally suited for the following applications:
Perhaps the best-known plastic compound used for bearings is polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. This compound was discovered accidentally in 1938 and later became better known as Teflon. PTFE has a very low coefficient of friction of 0.1 Due to its low friction, it is used for applications where sliding action of parts is needed, such as plastic compound bearings, bushings, gears, slide plates, etc.
The main requirement of plastic compound bearings is that the bearing surfaces have a low coefficient of friction. These bearings are used in straightforward applications such as low speed moving parts in domestic appliances, instrument and electro-mechanical devices. These bearings are made up of engineered performance plastics. Special characteristics such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, temperature, and other physical properties can be attained through material selection. These materials are easily processed and therefore cost-effective in high volume. Plastic bearings are generally marginal but can be run dry at low PV values. PTFE performs significantly better than nylon and acetal, and is comparable to ultra high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), although this is more resistant to wear than Teflon. If you would like any further information on plastic compound bearings please call us at +27 11 605 2434