PTFE sliding bearings accommodate vertical loads through a combination of material properties and design features. The PTFE plate's area is sized based on compressive strength, with typical working loads limited to 150-200 Bar despite PTFE's higher capacity. These bearings integrate multiple components - a PTFE sliding surface, sintered bronze layer for heat dissipation, and steel backing for structural support - to distribute and transfer vertical forces effectively. Their design allows them to outperform traditional bearing types in applications requiring movement accommodation under heavy loads.
Key Points Explained:
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Load Capacity and PTFE Plate Sizing
- PTFE's compressive strength allows loads up to 40 MPa (400 Bar), but engineers apply a 50-60% safety factor
- Working loads are typically limited to 15-20 MPa (150-200 Bar) for reliability
- The required bearing area is calculated by dividing the vertical load by the allowable pressure
- Dimensions are then adjusted to fit the specific installation requirements
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Material Composition and Load Transfer
- Multi-layer construction efficiently distributes vertical loads:
- Top layer: ptfe sliding pads provide low-friction movement
- Intermediate layer: Sintered bronze powder enhances thermal conductivity
- Base layer: Steel backing provides structural strength and load distribution
- Copper/tin plating on steel components prevents corrosion
- Multi-layer construction efficiently distributes vertical loads:
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Integration with Other Bearing Types
- Can be combined with rocker bearings for combined rocking-sliding motion
- The PTFE plate assembly serves as the top component of rocker bearing systems
- This hybrid approach accommodates both rotational and translational movements
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Advantages Over Conventional Bearings
- Superior performance compared to expansion plates, rollers, and rocker arms
- Effectively handles thermal expansion, seismic activity, and differential settlement
- Maintains functionality under significant vertical loads while permitting movement
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Rotation Accommodation
- Designed primarily for translational movement with minimal rotation (fractional degrees)
- Minor rotations handled by:
- Elastomeric layers (neoprene/silicone)
- Spherical bearing arrangements for greater rotation
- Stability considerations limit elastomer thickness in high-rotation applications
These design features make PTFE sliding bearings particularly valuable in heavy-load applications like bridges, industrial plants, and pipelines where both vertical load capacity and movement accommodation are critical requirements.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 15-20 MPa working load (150-200 Bar) with 40 MPa max capacity |
| Material Layers | PTFE sliding surface, sintered bronze for heat dissipation, steel backing for strength |
| Integration | Combines with rocker bearings for rocking-sliding hybrid motion |
| Advantages | Superior to expansion plates/rollers; handles thermal/seismic loads |
| Rotation Handling | Minimal rotation via elastomers or spherical arrangements |
Upgrade your heavy-load systems with precision-engineered PTFE sliding bearings
KINTEK specializes in high-performance PTFE components for industries requiring reliable movement under vertical loads—from bridges to industrial plants. Our multi-layer bearing designs ensure optimal load distribution, thermal management, and corrosion resistance.
Contact our engineering team today to discuss custom solutions for your project, whether you need prototypes or high-volume production.
