Self-lubricating bearings are an ingenious innovation that eliminates the need for frequent external lubrication. But despite their growing popularity in industrial equipment, some misconceptions still prevail, leading to improper bearing selection and handling.
Continue reading this article to debunk some common myths with facts and make well-informed decisions when using these bearings.
Myth #1: Never Needing Maintenance
This is arguably the biggest myth about these bearings. The truth is that they do need periodic inspections, cleaning, and part replacement to perform optimally. The lubricant fill inside allows operation without frequent oiling but gets used up over time.
Neglecting basic maintenance steps like regular inspection and replacement of worn parts can lead to premature bearing failure and unexpected downtime. So don’t just install and forget these bearings. Schedule routine maintenance even if you don’t lubricate them daily.
Myth #2: All Types Are the Same
This myth can lead to inappropriate bearing selection and operational issues. In reality, many types of bearings are available for different applications. Significant factors that necessitate bearing differentiation include:
- Design: Radial, thrust, linear, angular contact, ball, roller and more
- Materials: Stainless steel, bronze, plastic, and other material options
- Lubricants: Greases, oils, woven fibers, coatings, solid lubricants
- Load Capacity
- Speeds and temperature
- Environmental resistance
Consider all operating conditions and then select the optimal bearing configuration. One universal bearing can only handle some application needs.
Myth #3: Can Manage All Types of Loading
These bearings are often assumed to handle every possible load condition. In reality, their load-handling capacity differs widely. Light and moderate loads generally pose no issues. Still, heavy or shock loads can overwhelm the lubrication layer and damage the bearings.
So verify the load demands and handpick bearings with adequate dynamic and static load ratings. To prevent premature failure, consider enhanced bearing configurations with roller elements or special design features for heavy loads.
Myth #4: Unaffected by High Temperatures
Wrong. Excess heat impacts the lubricant fill and can drastically reduce its effectiveness. Under high temperatures, the lubrication medium can thin out, drip away, or solidify. This decreases lubrication properties and accelerates wear and dimensional changes.
Always ensure ambient and operational temperatures stay within the permitted range when using bearings. Special high-temperature greases and materials allow reliable performance at elevated temperatures.
Myth #5: Performs Equally in All Directions
Specific solid lubricants, like PTFE, perform better under unidirectional sliding motion. While the lubrication layer provides low friction in one direction, reversing the motion can remove the transfer film and temporarily increase friction and wear.
So, check for the directional limitations of solid lubricants being used. Many bearing manufacturers now offer omnidirectional solid lubricant options using specially engineered materials and blends.
Myth #6: New and Unproven Technology
Because these bearings sound like a modern innovation, some people think they are a new technology and, therefore, less reliable than traditional bearings. However, this bearing type has been around for decades and is a well-established technology.
They have been used successfully in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, proving their reliability and effectiveness over time. The technology behind these bearings has been continuously refined, leading to advanced materials and designs that offer superior performance. So, while they seem like a new concept to some, these bearings still need to be proven.
Myth #7: Shorter Lifespan Compared to Lubricated Bearings
A prevalent myth is that self-lubricating bearings wear out faster because they rely on the lubricant embedded within the bearing material, which might deplete over time. A bearing’s lifespan depends on several factors, including the material, operating conditions, and maintenance. These kinds of bearings are designed with longevity in mind.
In many cases, they can outlast traditional lubricated bearings because they eliminate the risk of insufficient lubrication, a common cause of bearing failure. Additionally, since they reduce friction and wear, they often have a longer operational life. As always, selecting the correct bearing for the specific application and ensuring proper installation can significantly influence its lifespan.
Conclusion
Make decisions on facts instead of myths to gain the full benefits of these bearings. Remember to keep these points in mind:
- Don’t neglect the maintenance of these bearings
- Select the right bearing type based on operating conditions
- Ensure adequate load capacity and temperature rating
- Consider any directional limitations of solid lubricants used
Contact your local expert today for further guidance on bearing selection or technical queries. They would be happy to offer recommendations tailored to your exact application needs.
