Self-lubricating plain bearings – find manufacturers and suppliers

Self-lubricating plain bearings are special bearings that are designed so that they can be operated continuously or for very long periods of time without an external supply of lubricants such as oil or grease.

They belong to the group of plain bearings in which two surfaces slide relative to each other and are particularly indispensable where freedom from maintenance, long service life and reliability are paramount.

Below you will find an overview of the function and types of self-lubricating plain bearings, as well as an overview of their areas of application and their advantages:

How self-lubricating plain bearings work:

The principle is based on the fact that the sliding surface of the bearing is either provided with a permanently incorporated lubricant, e.g. graphite, PTFE, molybdenum disulphide, or the bearing itself consists of a material that has sliding properties.
The relative movement between the shaft and bearing distributes the lubricant evenly and ensures a permanent lubricating film.
This reduces friction and minimizes wear. As no relubrication is required, they are referred to as "maintenance-free" bearings.

Types of self-lubricating plain bearings:

Self-lubricating plain bearings are available in different designs and materials to cover a wide range of requirements:

1. Metal-based bearings with solid lubricants:
   Bronze or steel bushings with embedded solid lubricant inlays such as graphite or PTFE.
2. Sintered bearings:
   Made of metals produced by powder metallurgy (e.g. sintered bronze) that are porous and store oil.
   During operation, the oil is released onto the sliding surface through heating.
3. Plastic bearings:
   Made of high-performance plastics such as PTFE, POM or special polymer blends, which have self-lubricating properties and are often corrosion-resistant.
4. Composite bearings:
   Multi-layer systems consisting of a metal carrier, sliding film and self-lubricating polymer coating that can withstand high loads and are also maintenance-free.
5. Special bearings with dry lubrication:
   For extreme conditions, e.g. high temperatures or vacuum, where conventional lubricants would fail.

Use of self-lubricating plain bearings:

Self-lubricating plain bearings are used in numerous industries and applications, especially where regular lubrication is difficult, expensive or technically unfeasible:

1. Mechanical engineering:
In machine tools, hydraulic cylinders, joints or hinges.

2. Automotive industry:
In chassis components, brake systems, pedal and steering systems.

3. Aerospace:
In mechanisms that operate in extreme temperatures or in a vacuum.

4. Food and packaging industry:
Where lubrication with oil or grease would be hygienically problematic.

5. Construction and heavy industry:
In bearings of excavators, cranes or presses that are exposed to high loads.

6. Electrical and household appliances:
In motors of fans, pumps or small gearboxes.

Advantages of self-lubricating plain bearings:

The use of self-lubricating plain bearings offers numerous advantages that make them attractive compared to classic bearings:

• No relubrication necessary, which reduces costs and downtime.
• Long service life thanks to uniform lubricant release or self-lubricating material properties.
• Function even under difficult conditions such as dust, dirt, vacuum or high temperatures.
• Compact design because no additional space is required for lubricant lines or devices.
• Particularly suitable for applications where external lubricants are not permitted, e.g. in food technology.
• Wide range of materials and types for light to very heavy loads, slow to fast movements.
• Less lubricant consumption means less environmental impact.

Self-lubricating plain bearings are a key component of modern technology, as they offer maintenance-free, reliable and durable solutions for low-friction movements. Thanks to their different designs - from sintered metal bearings and high-performance plastics to hybrid and composite solutions - they can be used in almost any industry. They are particularly beneficial in applications where lubrication is difficult, expensive or impossible, and they play a key role in reducing operating costs, downtime and environmental impact.

Below is an overview of the most important points to consider when purchasing self-lubricating plain bearings:

When purchasing self-lubricating plain bearings, a systematic approach is crucial, as the right choice has a direct influence on service life, operational reliability and cost-effectiveness. The variety of designs, materials and operating conditions requires a precise analysis of the requirements.

• First of all, the specific application profile should be clarified:
• Load and load carrying capacity: maximum radial and axial forces that the bearing must permanently support.
• Type of movement: Rotary movement, linear movement or swivel movement require different designs.
• Speed: High speeds place different demands on friction and heat dissipation than slow movements.
• Temperature range: From low temperatures, e.g. in cryogenics, to high temperatures, e.g. in industrial furnaces or motors.
• Environmental conditions: Dust, dirt, moisture, chemicals or vacuum influence the choice of material.
• The bearing must be able to withstand the operating conditions and at the same time reliably fulfill the self-lubricating properties:
• Sintered metals, e.g. bronze, iron: Suitable for medium loads and continuous operation, oil-saturated for maintenance-free use.
• Plastics and polymers, e.g. PTFE, POM, high-performance polymers: Corrosion-resistant, lightweight, quiet and suitable for hygienic applications.
• Metal-polymer composite bearings: Metal carrier with self-lubricating plastic coating, ideal for high loads with low coefficients of friction.
• Solid lubricant bearings, e.g. graphite or MoS₂ inlays: For extreme conditions where liquid lubricants cannot be used.
• Special bearings for high temperatures or vacuum: dry lubrication without oil or grease residues.
• A key criterion when purchasing is durability:
• The self-lubricating properties must be maintained over the entire planned service life.
• The wear resistance depends on the material pairing, e.g. shaft and bearing bush. Here it is often worth consulting the manufacturer.
• Freedom from maintenance reduces downtimes and maintenance costs, but must be confirmed by actual practical tests or references.
• The accuracy of fit is crucial for smooth operation:
• The dimensional tolerances must match the housing and shaft exactly.
• Press fit, clamping or housing insert require different manufacturing accuracies.
• The shaft material and surface roughness must be matched to the bearing in order to prevent premature wear.
• Standardized designs in accordance with DIN and ISO facilitate interchangeability and comparability.
• Certifications such as ISO 9001 or industry-specific standards, e.g. FDA approval for food, REACH/ROHS conformity for electronics are decisive aids for selection.
• Test certificates and proof of quality provide certainty about resilience and material properties.
• Long-term experience and references from the manufacturer should be included in the decision.
• In addition to the purchase price alone, other factors also play a role in the overall costs:
• A longer service life saves maintenance and downtime costs.
• Good availability of standard sizes reduces warehousing and speeds up the procurement of spare parts.
• Short delivery times and technical advice are particularly important for special bearings.
• Low friction values reduce the energy consumption of the entire machine.
• A reliable partner is crucial for long-term success:
• Experience and specialization in the field of self-lubricating bearings.
• Technical support with selection, calculation and design.
• After-sales service including spare parts supply and advice on optimization.
• Manufacturers who develop new materials and technologies secure competitive advantages.

When purchasing self-lubricating plain bearings, it is not just a question of price, but of an overall concept comprising technical suitability, material selection, service life, compatibility and service. It is crucial that the bearings function reliably in the intended application, operate maintenance-free and thus minimize both operating costs and downtimes. A competent supplier with comprehensive advice and proof of quality is often just as important as the technical specification itself.

Self-lubricating plain bearings can be purchased from various suppliers. You will find comprehensive information on manufacturers and suppliers of Self-lubricating plain bearings around the world on Exportpages.