What is a composite bearing

 What is a composite bearing?

A bearing composed of different components (metal, plastic, solid lubricating material) is called a composite bearing. The composite bearing itself is a sliding 

bearing, also known as a bushing, bearing shell, or sleeve bearing. It is usually cylindrical and does not contain moving parts.

The standard configuration includes cylindrical bearings for radial loads, flanged bearings for radial and light axial loads, gaskets and flip over gaskets for heavy 

axial loads, and sliding plates of various shapes. Customized designs can also be made, including special shapes, features (oil grooves, holes, notches, protrusions, 

etc.) and sizes.

Composite bearings are used for sliding, rotating, swinging, or reciprocating motion. Sliding applications are commonly used as sliding bearings, bearing pads, 

and wear-resistant plates. Sliding surfaces are usually flat, but can also be cylindrical and always move in a straight line, not in rotation. Rotating applications 

involve cylindrical surfaces and one or two directions of travel. Swing and reciprocating motion applications involve planar or cylindrical surfaces, traveling in 

both directions.

Composite bearing structures can be solid or easy to install with separate joints (rolled bearings). Matching bearings with applications is crucial. High load 

requires bearings to increase contact area and have higher load-bearing capacity. Compared to bearings lubricated with lubricating oil or grease, solid lubricant 

bearings are designed to operate at higher temperatures. High temperature applications require special lubrication measures to minimize heat accumulation 

and friction.Composite bearings are manufactured using different structures. The selection of products depends on the working conditions and performance 

requirements.

2、 Types of low friction bearing materials

Metal composite bearings are composed of a metal backing (usually steel or copper backing), on which a porous copper interlayer is sintered, impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene and additives to obtain a running surface with anti friction and high wear resistance bearing performance. This type of bearing can operate 

under dry or externally lubricated conditions.

Composite bearings can also be made of engineering plastics, which have excellent wear resistance and low friction performance, and are widely used in dry friction 

and lubrication working conditions. Injection molding can be designed into almost any shape and made of various resins mixed with reinforcing fibers and solid 

lubricants. These bearings have excellent dimensional stability, low friction coefficient, and good thermal conductivity.

Fiber reinforced composite bearings are another form of composite bearing, consisting of fiber winding, glass fiber impregnation, epoxy wear-resistant low friction 

bearing lining and various backings. This structure enables the bearing to withstand high static and dynamic loads, and the inherent inertness of the material makes 

the product an ideal choice for corrosive environments.

Single metal, bimetallic, and sintered copper composite bearings are designed for industrial applications on land and underwater, with slow movement speeds under 

high loads. Lubricant impregnated solid copper bearings can provide maintenance free performance in high-temperature applications, while single metal and bimetallic 

bearings are designed for lubrication applications.