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).