How to Choose the Right Spherical Bearing Material

Industrial bearings are one of the most critical components of a machine’s design. Selecting the best materials for bearings is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Choosing the best plain bearing materials for your application

Industrial bearings are one of the most critical components of a machine’s design. Selecting the best materials for bearings is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Bearings are manufactured using different treatments and processes to meet load capacities and maximize bearing life and performance. Using the right spherical bearing materials can be the difference between a long service life and premature failure.

Your application dictates the material used for bearings. Resistance and load requirements vary by industry, as manufacturing food processing equipment, agricultural machinery, lawn and garden equipment, medical equipment, fitness equipment, industrial equipment, pumps and valves, HVAC equipment, marine machinery and automotive equipment have different demands. All of these considerations play into identifying the material used for bearing manufacturing.

Commonly used bearing materials

To understand the best bearing material for your industry, it is important to understand commonly used bearing materials.

• Sintered Bronze – A commonly used material, bronze bearings are long-lasting, corrosion-resistant and noise-dampening. Bronze offers a low coefficient of friction and high tolerance for shock loads.
• Sintered Iron – Iron bearings have features similar to bronze. Iron is known for its quiet operation and ability to work well in dirty environments, even those with sand and grit. Iron bearings are well-suited to low loads and providing a cost-effective bearing material.
• Nylon – Sometimes called plastic bearings, molded nylon bearings can be used in wet environments and are resistant to salt water and harsh chemicals.
• Cast Iron – Cast iron bearings are ideal for applications with low speed and high loads. They are gall-resistant and tolerate high heat.

Each bearing material used holds specific properties. A thorough understanding of the application and bearing capabilities, correct sourcing and selections based on application requirements (rather than cost) help ensure a bearing will perform as expected. In the long-term, the types of bearing materials selected influences product performance, lifespan and repairs. Choosing the ideal bearing material produces ideal performance.

Best bearing material for wet conditions

If you are searching for a bearing that can excel in wet conditions and wash-down applications, spherical nylon bearings, also known as plastic bearings, are the best choice. Nylon is a commonly used bearing material for these use cases due to its resistance to salt-water and chemicals. Nylon bearings are also lubricated by water, allowing the material to excel in damp and wet environments.

Best bearing material for sandy, gritty conditions

Sintered iron bearings are highly cost-efficient for applications requiring corrosion resistance. As a result, sintered iron bearings are uniquely suited to situations where a high tolerance for sand and grit is crucial.

Best bearing material for heavy loads or high shock load tolerance

If you’re looking for the best bearing material for exceptional performance and longevity, go with sintered bronze bearings. This bearing material can perform for decades under conditions such as large loads, high shaft speeds, unclear operating environments, and high temperatures. Sintered bronze bearings also have a high tolerance for shock loads.

Find the right spherical bearing material for your application

Selecting the right spherical bearing material has a long-term impact on your product lifespan. Triangle engineers partner with you to not only help determine the best bearing material, but also automate processes, reduce costs and maintain or improve quality. Find out how Triangle Manufacturing can meet the bearing needs for your industry.