Metal-Polymer Anti-Friction Thrust Washer
Plain Bearing forms available in standard dimensions. Cylindrical bushes. Flanged bushes. Thrust washers. Flanged washers. Sliding plates. Our products are manufactured for precise standards for long-term usage and high output. Made from aluminum alloy, bronze alloy, copper alloy or other properties, our products can take your designs to the next level. We can even custom manufacture a bearing for your specific needs. Plain & Self-Lubricating Bushings
Metal-polymer steel backed POM plain bearing & thrust washer, Metal-Polymer Self-lubricating Washer Supplier
High-performance thrust bearing solutions， Flat Thrust Washers Bearings Grease Lubricated
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Plain & Self-Lubricating Bushings， Customized Thrust Washer Designs， special Metric and Imperial Thrust Washers
Plain bushings—also referred to as sleeve bearings or journal bearings—are designed to provide smooth linear and rotational motion along a case-hardened shaft. Their sliding surfaces are either coated or lubricated, reducing friction and enabling low-maintenance or maintenance-free operation.
Thanks to their simple, robust design, plain bushings are cost-effective to produce and perform reliably across a wider temperature range and harsher environments than linear ball bearings that rely on grease lubrication.
One limitation, however, is that sliding friction in plain bushings generates more heat compared to the rolling friction of ball bearings. As a result, their maximum operating speed is typically lower under similar conditions.
Washer Metal-Polymer Anti-Friction Plain Bearings
Thrust washer double-sided filled PTFE tape liner on fiberglass core with excellent shock, misalignment, contamination resistance. Thrust Washer Available in inch and metric sizes.
Washer Metal-Polymer Anti-Friction Plain Bearings
Washer-type metal-polymer anti-friction plain bearings—such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) washers, steel thrust washers, and POM (Polyoxymethylene) washers—are engineered components designed to reduce friction, support axial loads, and extend service life across a wide range of mechanical applications. Below is a structured overview of their composition, properties, and typical uses.
1. PTFE Washers
Composition: Typically consist of a steel or bronze backing, a sintered bronze interlayer, and a PTFE sliding surface. The PTFE layer delivers an extremely low coefficient of friction (0.04–0.20) along with outstanding chemical resistance.
Properties:
- Self-lubricating and maintenance-free, suitable for dry operation.
- High wear resistance and low friction, making them ideal for frequent starts/stops and heavy-load conditions.
- Effective across a wide temperature range (-328°F to +536°F).
- Corrosion-resistant due to tin or copper coatings applied on the steel backing.
- Applications: Commonly used in chemical processing, food & beverage machinery, medical equipment, and hydropower plants, where contamination resistance and low friction are critical.
2. Steel Thrust Washers
Composition: Manufactured from carbon steel or stainless steel, sometimes enhanced with a PTFE coating to minimize friction. A sintered bronze layer may also be incorporated to improve bonding with the sliding surface.
Properties:
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High load capacity and excellent structural rigidity.
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Suitable for both rotary and oscillating motion.
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PTFE-coated variants provide self-lubrication, lowering maintenance requirements.
Applications: Widely used in automotive chassis, forging machinery, mining equipment, and industrial valves, where strength and long-term durability are essential.
3. POM Washers
Composition: Built with a steel backing, a porous bronze sinter layer, and a POM sliding layer containing grease pockets. The modified polyoxymethylene layer ensures effective boundary lubrication.
Properties:
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Self-lubricating with integrated grease reservoirs, suited for low-speed, high-load conditions.
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Excellent wear resistance and low starting friction, compatible with hardened shafts (≥HRC35).
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Thicker covering layer allows greater tolerance to misalignment.
Applications: Frequently applied in printing presses, weaving and tobacco machinery, fitness equipment, and hydropower systems, offering reliable performance under contaminated operating conditions.
Key Features & Benefits
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Self-Lubrication: PTFE and POM washers reduce or eliminate the need for external lubrication, minimizing downtime.
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Durability: Composite structures (steel/bronze/PTFE or POM) deliver high strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
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Versatility: Available in both metric and inch sizes, with custom dimensions available on request.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Long service life and maintenance-free operation provide economic advantages for industrial users.
Applications Across Industries
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Automotive: Chassis, suspension, and recreational vehicles.
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Industrial Machinery: Hydraulics, pumps, valves, and forging equipment.
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Marine & Aerospace: Corrosion-resistant, low-maintenance environments.
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Energy: Hydropower stations and eco-friendly power systems.
Considerations
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PTFE Washers: Best suited for dry-running, high-load, or chemically aggressive environments, though they may involve higher costs and manufacturing complexity.
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Steel Thrust Washers: Ideal for high-strength applications but may require PTFE coatings to reduce friction.
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POM Washers: Suitable for greased, low-speed, high-load operations, with an initial grease application recommended.
Supplier Options:
Companies such as Viiplus and Bronzelube provide extensive catalogs and custom washer solutions. For specifications, pricing, or engineering support, visit viiplus.com.
