Self Lubricating Bearings
Wholesale Self Lubricating Bearings Supplier
Professional Manufacturing
Lianyi Bearing is a manufacturer and exporter of a full range of tapered roller bearings, deep groove ball bearings and housed ball bearings. There are more than 300 employees, including engineering and technical personnel, and the factory building area is 30,000 square meters.
R&D and Patents
Currently, there are 40 R&D engineers in the R&D department, including more than 20 with master's degree or above. We own more than 30 patents and software copyrights, and have developed one of the most comprehensive sliding bearing R&D systems in the world.
Quality Control
We use advanced automated production lines and testing lines for tapered rollers, deep groove ball bearings, and seated ball bearings. We strictly adhere to the ISO 9001 quality management system to provide you with high-quality and reliable products.
Solution Provider
We provide solutions based on your requirements, specified materials and product structures are available, and will provide a complete DFMEA for the product as soon as possible for subsequent production. And our proprietary materials are competitively priced.
Product Categories
Latest Products
Custom Bearing Specifications
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Specifications |
Available Options |
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Bearing Types |
Permanent Self-Lubricated Greaseless Oil Less Maintenance Free Self-aligning |
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Applications |
Medium-to-Heavy Loads Slow-to-Medium Speeds |
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Environment |
Wet Dry High Temperature Low Temperature Hostile Irradiated or Radiation Environment |
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Configurations |
One-Piece Bushings Split Bushings Two-Piece Bushings Flanged Bushings Self-Aligning Spherical Bushing Thrust and Expansion Washers Liners Flat Plates Radialube® Spherilube® Plates Special Shapes |
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Peripheral Parts |
Support Systems Structural Components Mating Pins Shafts Housings |
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Manufacturing Process |
CNC Machining Welding Painting |
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Lubricant Form |
Dry Solid Permanent Self-Lubricating |
What is Self Lubrication for Bearing
Self-lubrication is characterized by the bearings ability to transfer microscopic amounts of material to the mating surface. This transfer process creates a film that provides lubrication and reduces friction over the length of the rail or shaft. Self-lubrication has several advantages over traditional lubricated bearings. Self-lubricating bearings save time and money on preventative maintenance, and require no hazardous waste from the lubricant, disposal, or cleanup to handle. Self-lubrication ensures frictional forces on the bearings and drive system remain consistent, and no added grease or oil is required that can attract contaminants that destroy conventional bearings.
How Does a Self-Lubricating Bearing Work
Self-lubricating bearings are also referred to as maintenance-free or greaseless bearings as they require no relubrication or grease. An important distinction to make is that self-lubricating bearings are not bearings that come pre-applied with grease or oil lubricant - these bearings are instead referred to as prelubricated bearings. Prelubricated bearings will require relubrication at some point in their service life.
Self-lubricating bearings work by having lubricant impregnated within the sliding layer of the bearing. This lubricant can either be liquid (oil) or solid (graphite, MoS2, lead) based on the requirements of the application (such as operating temperature). As the bearing operates, the lubricant is released through pores in the sliding layer, lubricating the bearing surface. The lubricant is uniformly dispersed throughout the sliding layer and thus there is no reduction in low friction bearing performance, even if the sliding layer becomes worn. A “running-in” surface is also usually included at the top of the sliding layer to provide low friction bearing performance at start up before the impregnated lubricant reaches the bearing surface.
Types of Self-Lubricating Bearings
There are two main types of self-lubricating bearings categorized by the type of bearing material:
Metallic - Self-lubricating bushings and plain bearings are usually made of sintered bronze, copper, and aluminum alloys, lead, and sintered iron and copper.
Non-metallic Bearings -Include a whole variety of polymer bearings (PTFE), including those made of Polyacetal, Polyethylene, resin-based plastics, Teflon compounds, woven fibers (such as composite bearings), and carbon graphite.
What is Self-Lubricating Material
There are a few different types of self-lubricating materials that are commonly used in bearings, including:
Solid Film Lubricants: These are often made from metals, such as molybdenum disulfide or graphite. They work by creating a thin film on the surface of the bearing that helps to reduce friction and wear.
Fluoropolymers: These are synthetic materials that contain fluorine atoms. They are often used in applications where high temperatures and/or corrosive environments are present.
Composite Materials: These bearings contain a combination of different materials, such as metal and plastic. They typically have a good load-bearing capacity and can operate in a wide range of temperatures.
Benefits of Utilizing Self Lubricating Bearings
Elimination of Oil Holes and Grooves
Cost for machining oil holes and oil grooves is unnecessary. Self-lubricating eliminates the need for the extra oiling system.
Reduction of the Machinery Running Cost
With maintenance free features, the lubricant oil is dramatically reduced; machinery running cost will also be decreased.
Maintenance-Free Operation
Self-lubricating bearings solve the problem of oiling operation and oiling devices, also saving bearing maintenance costs.
Simplified Mechanical Design and Manufacture
With the above advantages, thin wall thickness, higher load, and excellent wear resistance, mechanical designs can be simplified and made more economical.
Environmentally Friendly
The self-lubricating bearing materials work without oil and meet the ROHS directive.
Applications of Maintenance-Free Self-Lubricating Bearings
01
Industrial Applications
Maintenance-free self-lubricating bearings are ideal for use in industrial equipment and machinery, such as conveyor systems, pumps, and motors. Their low maintenance requirements and long service life make them an attractive option for companies looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
02
Automotive Applications
Maintenance-free self-lubricating bearings are increasingly being used in the automotive industry, where their reliability and low maintenance requirements are highly valued. They are commonly used in suspension systems, wheel bearings, and powertrain components, among other applications.
03
Aerospace Applications
The aerospace industry demands high-performance, reliable components, making maintenance-free self-lubricating bearings an ideal choice. They are commonly used in a range of aerospace applications, including landing gear, actuation systems, and hydraulic pumps.
04
Medical Equipment Applications
The medical industry requires components that can provide high performance while maintaining strict cleanliness standards. Maintenance-free self-lubricating bearings are an ideal choice for medical equipment applications, where they can provide reliable, low-maintenance performance in a variety of medical devices.
Key Factors For Selection: Self Lubricating Bearings
1.Load Capacity: One of the most critical factors is determining the load capacity your application requires. Calculate both the radial and axial loads that the bearing will experience to ensure the selected bearing can handle them without premature failure.
2.Speed: Consider the rotational speed of the bearing. High-speed applications may require bearings designed to withstand the heat generated at higher RPMs.
3.Environment: Assess the operating environment. Is it exposed to dust, moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures? Choose bearings with seals or shields that can protect against these elements.
4.Precision and Tolerance: Depending on your application’s requirements for accuracy and smoothness, you may need bearings with higher precision and tighter tolerances.
Size and Fit
Ensure the bearing fits perfectly within your machinery. A proper fit prevents unnecessary stress and premature wear.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential to reduce friction and wear. Consider whether your application needs lubrication-free or self-lubricating bearings.
Cost and Longevity
Balance the initial cost of the bearing with its expected lifespan. Sometimes, investing in a higher-quality bearing can lead to long-term savings through reduced maintenance and downtime.
The Manufacturing Process of Self Lubricating Bearings
Raw Material Inspection and Smelting
Copper and other metal raw materials undergo smelting and casting to produce copper sleeves, tubes, and rods in accordance with predetermined proportions. Samples are randomly inspected for both components and mechanical properties.
Material Cutting
Utilizing cutting machines, pipes and bars are cut into the required raw material sizes, setting the stage for further processing.
Semi-Cost Blank Production
Centrifugal casting materials, along with cut pipe and bar materials, are processed into semi-cost blanks through lathes. Random inspections for size and appearance are conducted before storing the blanks for further processing.
Blank Processing and Drilling
Before production, blank sizes and margins are checked for conformity. Automatic drilling machines are employed to create honeycomb holes in the product, covering approximately 20% of the product surface area.
Solid Lubricant Embedding
Solid lubricant, applied with glue, is embedded into the honeycomb holes of the copper alloy, ensuring that the inner and outer surfaces of the graphite protrude from the alloy matrix surface.
Drying Process
The product is dried in a dryer for about three hours, or in a dry environment for a day, allowing the solid lubricant and alloy matrix to completely solidify.
Cleaning and Inspection
Using a lathe, protruding parts of the solid lubricant and excess copper alloy are cleaned. Random inspections for size and appearance of semi-finished products are performed.
CNC Machining
Inner and outer diameters, chamfers, and end faces are processed to the required dimensions using CNC machine tools. The first inspection and random checks are conducted simultaneously.
Lathe Processing
Certain two-in-one processing steps, including cutting, chamfering, and flat end surface creation, are completed using a lathe.
Milling and Drilling
Milling machines and automatic drilling machines are employed to process end and flange faces of the products, including the creation of positioning holes.
Quality Inspection
Products enter the inspection room for a comprehensive size and quantity inspection, eliminating any substandard products from reaching the market.
Packaging and Storage
Qualified products are packaged and stored in warehouses. Packaging options include plastic film rolls or individual packaging with polyethylene plastic nets, ensuring the integrity of the components during storage and transportation.
Which Qualities Impact Bearing Service Life
Lubrication is Critical
Without good lubrication levels (whether manually-greased rolling element bearings, or self-lubricated composites), bearing friction will build. Which means heat will build the possibility of bearing overheating and failure. Environmental factors like dust and contamination can also have a negative impact on lubrication (causing a lapping compound to form around the hardware), which will result in a shorter bearing service life. Good lubrication is very important.
Bearing Load is a Key Contributor
Knowing the full load potential of an application is key to determining bearing lifetime. This is especially true with cantilevered and uneven loads (as in construction equipment lifting applications). Best practice is to “overdesign” a bearing by overestimating the highest load it may encounter in order to leave some room for additional weight.
Operating Temperatures (Not Too Hot!)
Matching the right material formula to the anticipated temperature, as we recently explored, Bearing Temperatures and Plastic Composites) Temperatures impact press fits and the thermal expansion, which, in turn, impact the tolerance between the shaft and the ID of the bearing. These all contribute to the total service lifetime of the bearing.
Speeds are Important Too
Bearings that are improperly matched to the SPM (or speed for minute) of the rotary application will wear more quickly and have a detrimental impact on service life. Good bearing alignment is also important.
How to Maintain Self-Lubricating Bearings
Proper Handling and Storage
In order to avoid contaminants including moisture, dust or dirt entering oilless bush, they should be properly handled and stored. First, the oilless bearing should be placed horizontally in the original packaging in a clean, dry and room temperature environment.
Use Professional Tools
Appropriate equipment should be used when handling Sliding Bearing. Non-special tools used during bearing installation and disassembly may cause unnecessary damage, denting and wear. For example, bearing pullers or induction heaters are designed specifically for Dry Bearing.
Check the Bearing Box and Shaft
Before installing Plain Bushing, check the physical condition of the housing and shaft. Clean the surface with a soft cloth until you are familiar with the correct installation method.
Correct Installation
When installing Plain Bearing, the correct method should be used, which depends on the type of bearing and the type of match. Centripetal ball bearing rings can be installed in a variety of fit modes, from sliding fit to compaction fit, depending on the type of load, speed and vibration level.
Avoid Temperature Beyond Bearing Range
If steel Sliding Bearing are heated beyond their designed limits, the bearing material will be permanently deformed or softened, resulting in a reduction in carrying capacity and equipment failure. Selecting the right bearing for your temperature working range is the first step. Note discoloration of rings, rolling elements and cages during scheduled maintenance, as this may indicate overheating.
Corrosion Prevention as Far as Possible
With the passage of time, corrosion will occur if oilless bushing are exposed to a wet environment. This can cause rust to enter the raceway and ultimately lead to premature failure of self lubricating bearing and equipment. Wearing gloves will ensure that sweat or other liquids will not enter the sliding Bearing.
Innovation Patents
LIANYI Bearing owns more than 30 patents and software copyrights. Our independently developed self-lubricating and water-lubricating materials are unique and have the advantages of oil-free, maintenance-free and low-cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
s one of the leading self lubricating bearings manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy self lubricating bearings made in China here from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and competitive price. Contact us for more details.
maintenance free shaft seal, maintenance free ball bearing, PTFE based composite material