Treotham Automation introduces a new range of plastic bearings suitable for applications involving fans and electric motors.
The new iglide L500 self-lubricating plastic bearings offer several advantages over sintered bearings thanks to their material properties. Providing excellent wear resistance in long-running, high-speed applications, the L500 material enables continuous rotational speeds of more than 5 m/s, and allows the bearing to perform even under extreme environmental conditions, such as temperatures ranging from -100°C to +250°C, as well as media contact. Low moisture absorption and thermal expansion are also some of the other characteristics of the iglide L500 material.
Sintered bearings are often used for applications involving high speeds and low loads, for instance, in electric motors. However, sintered bearings have their disadvantages due to their structure, making them more vulnerable to shocks and edge loads than solid bearings. Additionally, a sintered bearing’s oil impregnation restricts the operating temperature range, making them unsuitable for operation without external lubrication.
Comparison tests carried out between sintered bearings and self lubricating bearings made of the iglide L500 material revealed that sintered bearings had higher wear rates in all tested speeds, in some cases, by more than five-fold.
The material properties of the iglide L500 plastic bearings allow the self-lubricating operation of electric motors, fans and ventilators, where sintered bearings were previously used.
