Composite, low-friction bearings support high loads

PolyLube composite plain bearings (bushings) from the Polygon Co. are made of composites have high load-bearing capacities, low frictional values, and they resist corrosion. The bearings are self-lubricated, requiring no greasing. This increases the intervals between regular maintenance and lowers costs. It can also lower the number of greasing locations. The greaseless bearings also help maintain cleanliness inside warehouses, avoiding contamination of the work area by pallet lifting equipment. They are made of continuous filament-wound glass fibers, polymer resins, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fabric liners. The fiberglass filament and epoxy resin combine to form a strong backing. This precise filament-wound fiberglass structure allows for thin-walled, lightweight bearings. The bearings are typically retained through an outside diameter (OD) interference fit. The bearings can replace existing metallic bushings without changing mating parts, so they can be used to improve wear material without redesigning equipment. Availability of small-batch/short-run drop-in replacements means customers can increase bushing OD and length without a large tooling investment. Polygon engineers can specify the proper bearing dimensions for the given available space, interference fit, clearance fit, and any limiting factors associated with retention, bearing OD/ID, axial stress, and hoop stress.