Bushings, thrust washers, and strips – viiplus.com
plain bearing Material Sheet
Viiplus sheets are highly versatile materials commonly utilized for the production of sliding elements, which can be crafted into a wide variety of shapes to suit different applications. These materials are specifically designed to provide flexibility, allowing for the creation of numerous forms and configurations of sliding elements to meet diverse operational requirements.
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Viiplus Plain Bearing Strips sheets are offered in two distinct material categories, each designed to meet specific application needs. The first category is PTFE, which is ideal for maintenance-free operations and provides excellent functionality in dry-running applications, eliminating the need for additional lubrication. The second category is POM, which is specifically suited for low-maintenance applications and performs effectively in scenarios where lubrication is required to ensure smooth and reliable performance. Both material options are tailored to address different operational requirements in various industrial and mechanical settings.
Plain bearing flat strips, often used in various industrial applications, can be made from different materials depending on the specific requirements of the application. Here are the key materials you mentioned:
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene):
- Properties: PTFE is known for its excellent chemical resistance, low friction, and high temperature tolerance.
- Applications: Commonly used in applications where low friction and high wear resistance are required. It can be used as a sliding layer in composite bearings.
- POM (Polyoxymethylene):
- Properties: POM, also known as acetal, offers high stiffness, low friction, and good dimensional stability.
- Applications: Suitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength and low moisture absorption. It can be used in plain bearings for its wear resistance and low friction properties.
- Metal Polymer:
- Properties: These are composite materials typically consisting of a metal backing (such as steel) with a polymer layer (like PTFE or POM) on top.
- Applications: Used in applications where a combination of strength and low friction is needed. The metal backing provides structural support, while the polymer layer reduces friction and wear.
- Sintered Bronze:
- Properties: Sintered bronze is a porous material that can be impregnated with lubricants (such as oil) to provide self-lubricating properties.
- Applications: Commonly used in plain bearings for its ability to maintain lubrication over long periods, reducing the need for maintenance.
Sliding Layer:
- Function: The sliding layer is the surface that comes into direct contact with the moving part, providing low friction and wear resistance.
- Materials: PTFE, POM, or other polymers are often used as sliding layers in composite bearings. These materials can be bonded to a metal backing to provide a durable and low-friction surface.
Applications:
- Industrial Machinery: Plain bearing flat strips are used in various types of machinery where sliding motion is required.
- Automotive: Used in components like bushings, thrust washers, and other sliding parts.
- Aerospace: Applied in systems where lightweight and reliable bearings are crucial.
- Consumer Electronics: Used in devices where smooth and quiet operation is necessary.
Selection Criteria:
- Load Capacity: The material must withstand the expected load without excessive wear.
- Speed: Consider the speed of the sliding motion; some materials perform better at higher speeds.
- Temperature: Ensure the material can operate within the expected temperature range.
- Environment: Consider factors like exposure to chemicals, moisture, and other environmental conditions.
By selecting the appropriate material and design, plain bearing flat strips can provide reliable and efficient performance in a wide range of applications.
key advantages and production process of maintenance-free plain bearings made from metal-polymer composites with a bronze backing and a PTFE-based sliding layer. Here’s a breakdown of the features and benefits:
Advantages of Maintenance-Free Plain Bearings:
- Maintenance-Free Design:
- No need for additional lubrication or hardened sliding surfaces.
- Simplifies production and assembly, reducing overall costs.
- Low Wear and Consistent Performance:
- Stable, low-friction sliding ensures smooth operation.
- Maintains consistent bearing clearance over time, even under continuous use.
- Resistance to Impact Loads:
- Durable construction allows the bearings to withstand shock and impact loads without failure.
- Corrosion Resistance:
- Bronze backing provides excellent corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for additional protective coatings.
- Chemical Resistance:
- Performs well even in aggressive environments, thanks to the chemical inertness of PTFE and other polymer components.
- Wide Temperature Range:
- Operates reliably in extreme temperatures, from –200 °C to +280 °C.
- Low Water Absorption and Swelling:
- Minimal swelling and non-absorbent properties ensure dimensional stability in humid or wet environments.
- Low Stick-Slip Tendency:
- Reduces the risk of jerky motion, ensuring smooth and consistent sliding.
Material Production Process:
- Mixing Solid Lubricant:
- The solid lubricant (e.g., PTFE) is prepared through a specialized mixing process to ensure uniformity.
- Sintering Bronze Powder:
- Bronze powder is continuously sintered onto a steel or bronze backing.
- This forms a sliding layer with a thickness of 0.2–0.35 mm and a 30% pore volume.
- Impregnation with Solid Lubricant:
- Impregnating rollers fill the pores of the sintered bronze layer with the solid lubricant.
- This creates a running-in layer up to 0.03 mm thick above the sliding layer.
- Thermal Treatment:
- The material undergoes thermal treatments to adjust its properties, ensuring optimal performance.
- Thickness Control:
- Controlled roller pairs ensure the composite material meets precise thickness tolerances.
Applications:
These plain bearings are ideal for use in:
- Automotive components (bushings, suspension systems).
- Industrial machinery (conveyors, pumps, and gearboxes).
- Aerospace systems (lightweight, corrosion-resistant bearings).
- Marine equipment (resistant to saltwater and humidity).
- Food and pharmaceutical machinery (chemical resistance and low contamination).
Why Choose These Plain Bearings?
- Cost-Effective: Simplified production and maintenance-free operation reduce lifecycle costs.
- Durable: Resistant to wear, corrosion, and impact loads, ensuring long service life.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of temperatures, environments, and applications.
- Reliable: Consistent performance and low friction ensure smooth operation over time.
This combination of advanced materials and precise manufacturing processes makes these plain bearings a high-performance solution for demanding applications.
Plain Bearing Bushing
POM Lined Bearing Strip – The Viiplus Company, Material production
Sliding elements are produced in various designs using bearing strips through cutting, stamping, and shaping processes. Plain bearings made from PTFE undergo corrosion protection treatment on the bearing back, face reliefs, and striking faces. A bronze compound layer is sintered onto a prepared steel surface, creating a pore volume of about 50% at a layer thickness of approximately 0.3 mm.
The sliding layer is then applied in powder form and rolled into the compound layer’s cavities under high heat, resulting in a sliding layer thickness of about 0.08 mm or 0.2 mm, depending on the application.
If needed, oil distribution pockets are formed during this process. Finally, a rolling calibration ensures the composite material meets the required thickness tolerance.
