Bush bearing
The standard metal bush bearing does not have a good chemical resistance and always needs a lubricant. Even if the metal has been made self-lubricant. The plastic bush bearing of Ridderflex is good chemical resistant and is really a self-lubricating bearing. – Without a lubricant – .
We have over 25 years of experience in producing plastic bushes. For special applications, but also for conditions where usually metal is applied. In 90% of the cases, plastic can be used as an alternative material.
Plastic bush bearing: a proper choice
A plastic bush bearing has a high load, is wear resistant and has low friction. Metal also has a high load and is wear resistant. Are you wondering what the advantages of plastic bush bearings are compared to metal bush bearings? We are happy to give you an overview:
- Plastic bearing material is often self-lubricating (with metals this is limited, you always need a lubricant);
- Our plastic bearings can be produced in a quality with a good chemical resistance;
- Our PTFE bush bearings are food grade products (FDA).
Custom-made self-lubricating bearings
Ridderflex has over 25 years of experience in machining plastics. We excel in the production of custom-made self-lubricating bearings. We can produce your self-lubricating bearing according to your specifications. Depending on the version and dimensions, we produce minimum product series.
Would you like to know if we can produce your self-lubricating bearing or sleeve bearing in plastic? Please contact us.
PE, POM or Nylon bush bearing
The standard qualities of plastic for bush bearings are PE, POM or Nylon. PE or POM are slightly self-lubricating. When the material requires even better self-lubricating properties, a Nylon self-lubricating bearing is a better choice.
PTFE, PEEK (bearing grade) or Vesconite® self-lubricating bearing
In critical applications, such as higher temperatures or extremely dirty or humid conditions, we recommend bush bearings with high-grade plastics. PEEK (bearing grade) or Vesconite ® are the perfect choice. But also PTFE, with its good chemical resistance, is a good material. It can also be used in direct contact with food (FDA).
Below we will explain the key properties of these high-grade materials. Of course we are happy to advise you about the possibilities.
PTFE
PTFE virgin (PTFE Teflon ®) is physiologically inert and may be used in direct contact with food (FDA). The material excels because of its wide temperature range and good resistance. PTFE virgin has a good chemical resistance. It also has very low friction.
PEEK PVX®
PEEK PVX® is a material specially developed for bearings. It has a very high temperature and pressure resistance. PEEK PVX® has good mechanical properties and a very good chemical resistance. The material also has a very high tensile strength and is creep resistant. Because of the PTFE additive, PEEK PVX® has good sliding properties. Ridderflex often applies the material in parts in critical applications.
PEEK PTFE
PEEK PTFE is also a material specially developed for bush bearings. The material has good mechanical properties and a very good chemical resistance. It also has a very high pressure and temperature resistance. Because of the PTFE additive, PEEK PTFE has good sliding properties. The material also has a very high tensile strength and is creep resistant.
Arlon ® 1555
Arlon ® 1555 is a PEEK quality with a very high pressure and temperature resistance. The material also has a high tensile strength and is creep resistant. Because of the PTFE additive, the material has good sliding properties. This makes Arlon ® 1555 the ideal bearing grade, especially applied in critical applications.
Vesconite ®
Vesconite ® is a ‘wonder material’, specially developed for bearings. Vesconite ® can be applied in extremely dirty, dusty and humid conditions (such as gold and coal mines). The material is developed to rotate without any kind of external lubrication (self-lubricating). Vesconite ® has a long service life. The material has a very high pressure resistance, good wear resistance and low friction. It is also dimensional stable and the material has limited moisture absorption. This makes the material also suitable for applications under water.
Question? Enquiry?
We excel in the production of custom-made plastic, rubber and polyurethane products.