Metal-Polymer Bronze Backed PTFE Plain Bearings are versatile components designed to meet diverse application needs across industries. They combine the structural strength of metal backings with the exceptional low-friction properties of PTFE-based polymer layers. These bearings are primarily available in three standardized forms—cylindrical bushes, flanged bushes, and thrust washers—each engineered for specific load conditions and installation requirements. The material composition typically features a bronze or steel backing layer bonded to a PTFE-impregnated metal-polymer surface, offering self-lubrication, corrosion resistance, and high load capacity. Their adaptability extends to both dry and lubricated operating environments, making them suitable for demanding applications from heavy machinery to precision equipment.
Key Points Explained:
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Primary Bearing Forms
- Cylindrical Bushes: Tubular sleeves for radial loads in housings or on shafts
- Flanged Bushes: Cylindrical designs with an integrated radial flange for axial load resistance and positioning
- Thrust Washers: Flat annular discs designed specifically for axial/rotational loads between surfaces
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Material Composition
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Backing Layer: Typically bronze or steel (occasionally stainless steel for corrosive environments) providing:
- Structural integrity
- Thermal conductivity
- Mounting surface for press-fit installation
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Functional Layer: PTFE-based metal-polymer composite offering:
- Self-lubricating properties through embedded PTFE
- Low coefficient of friction (0.02-0.1 dry)
- Embedded lubricants in some formulations
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Backing Layer: Typically bronze or steel (occasionally stainless steel for corrosive environments) providing:
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PTFE Variations in Bearings While PTFE itself comes in granular/powder forms during manufacturing, the working surface in these bearings typically appears as:
- Sintered PTFE composite layers
- Woven PTFE fabric liners in some high-performance variants
- Impregnated bronze-PTFE matrices (common in heavy-load versions)
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Performance Advantages
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Dual-Environment Capability: Perform equally well in:
- Dry running conditions (no external lubrication)
- Lubricated systems (extended service life)
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Corrosion Resistance: Achieved through:
- PTFE's inherent chemical inertness
- Optional stainless steel backings
- Load Capacity: Bronze backing enables higher load ratings vs pure polymer bearings
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Dual-Environment Capability: Perform equally well in:
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Specialized Configurations Beyond standard forms, these bearings can be customized as:
- Split housings for easier installation/maintenance
- Tapered sleeves for specific shaft interfaces
- Multi-layer designs for extreme pressure applications
Have you considered how the flange design in bushings helps prevent axial movement in high-vibration applications? This subtle feature often determines bearing selection in dynamic systems like hydraulic cylinders or suspension components. The combination of metallic support and PTFE functionality creates components that quietly enable motion in everything from construction equipment to food processing conveyors.
Summary Table:
| Bearing Type | Primary Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical Bushes | Radial loads in housings/shafts | Tubular design, ideal for rotational motion support |
| Flanged Bushes | Combined radial + axial load resistance | Integrated flange prevents axial movement, common in dynamic systems |
| Thrust Washers | Axial/rotational loads between surfaces | Flat annular disc, handles thrust loads without radial constraints |
| Material Composition | Layer | Benefits |
| Backing Layer | Bronze/steel/stainless steel | Structural strength, thermal conductivity, press-fit compatibility |
| Functional Layer | PTFE-based composite | Self-lubricating, low friction (0.02-0.1 dry), corrosion-resistant |
Optimize your machinery with precision-engineered PTFE bearings
KINTEK specializes in manufacturing high-performance Metal-Polymer Bronze Backed PTFE Plain Bearings for semiconductor, medical, and industrial applications. Our bearings combine durable metal backings with advanced PTFE composites to deliver:
- Self-lubrication for maintenance-free operation
- Corrosion resistance for harsh environments
- Custom configurations (split housings, tapered sleeves, multi-layer designs)
Contact our engineering team to discuss custom bearing solutions—from prototypes to high-volume orders—tailored to your exact load requirements and operating conditions.