Plain Bearings – Explanation and Uses

The most commonly used bearings in mechanical engineering are plain bearings and anti friction bearings. It is a bearing where two surfaces slide past one another. The lubricating film eases the sliding process. The sliding movement happens directly between the sliding layer and the mounted parts. If you use such a bearing and want it manufactured and repaired, you can depend on reputed organizations in Ontario, Canada.

Applications of plain bearings

Of its versatile property, the use of plain bearings happens in almost all industrial sectors. You will notice its use as radial bearings to withstand the forces perpendicular to the shaft; it is used as axial bearings, floating bearings, and locating bearings to absorb transverse and longitudinal forces. It is also used as sliding strips, half shelves, and in other designs.

The varieties of plain bearings

There are various types of plain bearings that you can use. You need to consider the application, the load, the speed, and the material while selecting one. The materials usually used to manufacture such bearings are copper alloys, tin, zinc, lead, oil-impregnated sintered materials, and plastics.

When you select such a bearing, you need to pay special attention to the following:

• There should be a perfect match between the material and the lubricant
• The lubricant needs to cover the friction surface totally
• The material needs to have appropriate fall-safe property
• The material also needs to have high wear resistance and high thermal conductivity

A simple plain bearing is a radial bearing. In such a case, the shaft remains surrounded by the bearing bush. The material can vary between bronze, white alloy, metal alloy with lead, aluminum alloy, plastic, ceramic, or brass.

Solid plain bearings are the classic ones having oil and grease lubricant. It is made of singular material and is frequently made of copper alloys with oil grooves.

You will notice ceramic bearings in pumps. The pumped liquid lubricates the bearing in this case. Such a bearing has resistance to corrosion and low wear. However, you may face a problem if the pump runs dry.

The use of plastic bearings is to reduce maintenance, not use lubricants, and cost-saving and extend the shelf life.

You may also notice the use of sintered bronze plain bearings. These bearings are mainly resistant to corrosion, highly thermally conductive, and anti-magnetic.

The advantages of using plain bearings

There are various associated benefits of using pain bearings. A few of the advantages are:

• Less noise produced compared to anti friction bearings
• Maintenance is free and easy to install and can adapt to various designs
• The lubricating film absorbs vibration, shock, and noise
• Requires little radial installation space
• Ideal for high velocity
• Have less ware
• It is cheaper than a rolling bearing

If you are using any plain bearing and face any problems or require manufacturing such bearings, it is wise to contact Canadian Babbitt Bearings Ltd. They can repair and manufacture such bearings. Call them at 1 800 963 9863 to know more about their services.