Engineering Plastics: Reasons to Use Plastic Bearings Over Metallic Bearings

Engineering plastics refer to plastic materials that have been enhanced to have a higher mechanical as well as thermal performance. This makes them much stronger than regular plastic that is used for commodities such as polyethene or PVC, which are used in the manufacture of plastic bottles, plastic containers and more. Since engineering plastics have enhanced performance, they tend to be more expensive than their conventional counterparts are. As such, they are produced in smaller quantities and are used for applications such as bearings and other mechanical parts. Below is an outline of why engineered plastic bearings are more beneficial than metallic bearings in the processing and manufacturing industry.

Engineered plastic bearings are low maintenance

Materials that are commonly used to manufacture bearings include steel, bronze and other metals. Although these are the traditional option, they need routine inspections and maintenance as they have a propensity to accumulate grime due to the regular lubrication there require. Over time, you will also find that these metals begin to disintegrate, which will affect the performance of your machinery. Engineered plastic bearing, on the other hand, are resistant to chemicals as well as dirt. This makes them an ideal replacement for their metallic counterparts.

Engineered plastic bearings are cost effective

Granted, engineered plastic bearing may be more expensive to invest in at the offset. Nevertheless, you stand to gain a significant amount of cost saving in the long term. Firstly, since the plastic bearings have a higher resistance to wear and tear when compared to their metallic counterparts, you will not be incurring additional costs to repair or replace them. In addition to this, the plastic bearings have a low COF.  COF stands for coefficient of friction. This refers to the amount of friction that the bearings are susceptible to throughout their lifespan. Plastic bearings have consistently low COF, which means they are less likely to rub against the component they have been attached to.

Engineered plastic bearings prevent messy lubrication

One of the biggest benefits of engineered plastic bearing is they are designed with a self-lubricating mechanism. This gives the bearings the capability to transfer lubricant onto the various components they are attached to on a need to basis, rather than you being tasked with regularly lubricating these parts. The self-lubricating mechanism ensures that only the appropriate amount of lubrication is administered, which in turn means a decreased attraction to dirt and other contaminants.


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