Rubber components of sliding bearings are often used to control their vertical performance. The system is based on a sliding interface that can withstand horizontal stresses.
Stainless steel and polytetrafluoroethylene are used as support materials, and the friction pendulum bearing is one of the often-used seismic isolation bearings.
Material selection is crucial for the effective working of a slide bearing. The choice you make will impact performance, from guaranteeing high load capacity to reducing friction. Durability and wear resistance are also influenced by the choice of material.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a sliding bearing is, its applications, diagrams, types, and how it works. We’ll also explore its material selection and how to choose the best material for a project.
Let’s begin!
What is a Sliding Bearing?
Slide bearings are also called plain bearings. They are used in mechanical systems because they can support heavy loads, operate quietly, and function well in a variety of environments.
Usually made of polymers, composites, or metals, they handle high loads and reduce wear over time.
Industries like construction and transportation rely on them for durability under stress. There are different types of slide bearings, such as thrust bearings to manage axial forces or plain bearings for simplicity.
Every type of slide bearing has a specific function in engineering systems designed for efficiency.
Applications
Sliding bearings are used in various industrial sectors, including automobiles, such as engines, suspension systems, and steering components. Also found in industrial machining, like compressors, conveyors, and pumps.
Sliding bearings are used in marine applications like rudder systems and propeller shafts and are also used in construction equipment like cranes, bulldozers, and excavators.
Diagram
Types of Sliding Bearing
Below are the various types of sliding bearing:
Radial Bearings: are common for supporting loads perpendicular to the shaft axis. They are common in motors, pumps, and rotating machinery.
Thrust Bearings: can handle loads parallel to the shaft axis. Often used in gearboxes, screw mechanisms, and axial load applications.
Grease-Lubricated Bearings: These type of sliding bearing uses grease for lubrication and are ideal for environments prone to leakage or evaporation.
Water-Lubricated Bearings: are use water as a lubricant and are common in marine and underwater applications.
Solid Lubrication Bearings: These types of slideing bearing employ solid lubricants like graphite or PTFE. They are suitable for high-temperature or vacuum environments.
Gas bearings: often used as a gas film (e.g., air) for lubrication. Gas bearings are found in high-speed and precision applications.
Thick Film Bearings: are often used to maintain a thick lubricant layer to prevent direct contact. They are suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Thin Film Bearings: These types of bearings feature a thinner lubricant film, allowing occasional contact. They are used in lighter load situations.
Integral Bearings (Bushings): In these kinds, there are solid pieces that directly support shafts. They are simple in design and cost-effective.
Split Bearings: Comprise two halves for easy assembly, maintenance, and replacement.
Tile Type Bearings: are made of multiple segments or tiles to handle larger loads and misalignments.
Bimetallic Bearings: are made from two metals for strength, wear resistance, and low weight.
Spherical Plain Bearings: are designed to accommodate angular misalignment while supporting radial and axial loads.
Journal Bearings: Consist of a rotating shaft (journal) within a stationary sleeve or bushing. They are classified into full and partial based on contact area.
Material Properties and Effect on Bearings
The performance and longevity of slide bearings depend greatly on material qualities. Polymers like PTFE stand out for their reduced friction, whereas metals excel in strength under tremendous stresses.
Each attribute, from thermal conductivity to abrasion resistance, determines how bearings work in real-world settings.
When combined with the correct material, even high-stress applications benefit from lower wear rates and stable operation across diverse environmental conditions.
Why Choose PTFE or Teflon are Often Choose by Engineers
Polytetrafluoroethylene and its branded equivalent, Teflon, are among the most widely used materials for sliding bearings. Although the two frequently lead to misunderstandings, they have minor variations in characteristics that impact performance.
Both materials are excellent in lowering friction. Teflon is really perfect for reducing resistance in precise applications because of its remarkably low coefficient of friction, which ranges from 0.05 to 0.10.
On the other hand, PTFE offers more adaptability in harsh environments, such as changes in temperature or chemical exposure.
The wear resistance and self-lubricating properties of these polymers are also valued by engineers, particularly in situations where weight reduction without compromising load capacity is crucial.
PTFE vs. Teflon selection is mostly based on application-specific requirements to efficiently balance cost and functionality!
Importance of Wear Resistance in Heavy Machinery
The operational longevity of heavy machinery is determined by its resistance to wear. Materials that efficiently resist erosion are necessary because mining equipment bearings are subjected to abrasive conditions from dust and debris.
In a similar way, hydraulic presses rely on surfaces that can withstand repeated use without seeing a gradual decline in performance. This is where materials like PTFE shine because of their self-lubricating qualities, which lessen wear caused by friction.
Selecting a material with a high degree of durability guarantees constant operation under challenging conditions in addition to cost-effectiveness.
Environmental Effect on Sliding Bearing Material
The factors or environment in which bearings function can impact material performance. For instance, extreme temperatures might cause metals to expand or polymers to deteriorate over time.
Also, saltwater exposure in marine applications sometimes needs corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or composite polymers.
Similarly, dry settings with tiny dust particles benefit from self-lubricating choices like PTFE that resist contamination. Matching materials to environmental considerations can provide reliability under demanding situations.
FAQs
What is a sliding bearing?
Sliding bearings are bearings where only sliding friction is generated. The shaft is generally supported by the sliding surface, with oil and air in between to facilitate sliding movement. Sliding bearings are lightweight and have a long operating life while introducing minimal vibrations or noise.
How do slide bearings work?
Moving pressure as liquid or gas. Between the bearing surfaces. Since there is no contact between the moving parts, there is no sliding friction, allowing fluid bearings to have lower friction peer.
What is the difference between a rolling bearing and a sliding bearing?
Sliding bearings and roller bearings are normally seen in many sectors to fix the friction in the machinery parts. Sliding bearings are applied in the sliding surface to replace heavy load whereas rolling bearings have been used in round surfaces such as DVD players and bicycle motors.
What are the two types of slide bearings?
Types of Slide Bearings. Slide bearings can be categorized according to the bearing load direction. This categorization divides sliding bearings into two types: axial thrust sliding bearings and radial sliding bearings.
What are the 2 classifications of bearings?
Rolling element bearings can be subdivided into two major types: ball bearings and roller bearings.
