Maintenance-Free (Lubrication Free) Spherical Plain Bearings
Maintenance-free
(lubrication free) spherical plain bearings are used for applications where long bearing life is
required without maintenance (i.e. lubrication) or where operating conditions
such as inadequate lubrication (or the absence of lubrication) make the use of
Steel-on-Steel bearings inadvisable. Due
to their construction, they have very low friction and can be operated without
maintenance. Maintenance-free spherical
plain bearings are available in many material configurations including:
- Steel-on-PTFE composite material
- Steel-on-PTFE fabric
- Steel-on-PTFE plastic
- Steel-on-Copper alloys (including Bronze)
Dynamic load support capability of Steel-on-PTFE fabric Spherical Plain Bearings is higher than that of Steel-on- PTFE composite material with Steel-on-PTFE plastic generally having the lightest load capacity. However, the Steel-on-PTFE plastic products have excellent weatherability and are typically used out in the field (outdoor applications).
AST has nearly 500 different maintenance-free spherical plain bearings products and they are sub-classified in the following categories. Click on each to learn more:
- Angular Contact - PTFE Fabric, PTFE Plastic
- Formed Outer Race - Steel-on-PTFE composite
- Stainless Steel-on-PTFE Fabric Material
- Steel-on-Bronze
- Steel-on-Copper Alloy
- Steel-on-PTFE Composite Material
- Steel-on-PTFE Fabric Material
- Steel-on-PTFE Plastic Material
- Thrust Loading - PTFE Fabric, PTFE Plastic
If you need help in selecting the best products for your particular application, please remember that design engineering and application assistance are available from AST as part of our value-added services designed to make your job easier.
Click here to go to our online catalog and product specifier for our full line of Spherical Plain Bearings including free CAD downloads.
