PTFE Plain Bearings

PTFE plain bearings are self-lubricating, maintenance-free sliding bearings known for their extremely low coefficient of friction, high chemical resistance, and ability to handle high loads and temperatures without external lubrication.
Key Features and Benefits
Self-Lubricating and Maintenance-Free: The inherent properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mean these bearings do not require oil or grease, eliminating lubrication systems and associated maintenance costs.
Low Friction Coefficient: PTFE offers one of the lowest coefficients of friction among all solid materials, ensuring smooth operation and minimal energy loss.
High Load Capacity: Typically designed with a metal backing (steel, bronze, or stainless steel), these bearings can support high radial and axial loads.
Excellent Chemical and Environmental Resistance: They are highly resistant to most chemicals, greases, oils, moisture, and UV radiation, making them suitable for harsh or corrosive environments.
Wide Temperature Range: PTFE plain bearings can operate over a broad temperature range, from -200°C to around 280°C (-328°F to 536°F).
Contamination Tolerance: These bearings handle contamination well, as small particles can be embedded into the soft PTFE liner without damaging the mating shaft.
Common Types and Construction
PTFE plain bearings are often composite materials, with the PTFE as a lining or integrated into the sliding layer.
Metal-Polymer Composite Bearings: This common type has a metal backing (steel or bronze) for structural strength, a porous bronze or aluminum sinter layer for heat dissipation and bonding, and a thin, self-lubricating PTFE sliding surface.
Woven Fabric Liners: In applications such as aerospace and some heavy machinery, woven PTFE fibers are bonded to the bearing surface, offering superior dynamic load capabilities and wear resistance.
Solid/Virgin PTFE Bearings: While less common for heavy industrial loads due to lower durability than composite types, solid or fiberglass-infused PTFE can be used for slide bearings in specialized architectural or low-load applications.
Applications
The unique properties of PTFE plain bearings make them suitable for a wide variety of demanding applications:
Automotive: Used in suspension struts, shock absorbers, and various steering linkages.
Hydraulic Systems: Found in hydraulic cylinders and pumps where fluid resistance and self-lubrication are necessary.
Industrial Machinery: Used in textile machines, lifting equipment, packaging machines, and agricultural machinery.
Civil Engineering: Utilized as structural slide bearings in bridges and buildings to accommodate thermal expansion and movement.
Medical and Food Processing: Suitable for applications requiring high hygiene standards due to their non-corrosive, easy-to-clean properties and absence of traditional lubricants