While metal bearings are utilized in a wide range of different applications and settings, they do offer certain drawbacks in some scenarios. Metal bearings, for example, may be robust and durable, but they are also heavy and magnetic. Add to that, the fact that they can rust and corrode overtime, and you can see why people are looking for viable alternatives. This is where thermoplastic bearings prove so useful.
Plastic bearings, also known asthermoplastic bearings, or polymer bearings, offer all the advantages of regular metal bearings with several additional benefits. They are particularly useful in damp, coastal, and harsh environments where metal bearings would rust, corrode, and weather. They require less maintenance, are ideal for harsh conditions, are lighter in weight, and are non-magnetic and non-corrosive.
Not all plastic bearings are created equal, however. While plastic bearings can be utilized in a wide range of applications and industries, different bearings need to play different roles. As a result, there are a wide range of plastic materials used in the manufacturing of these products.

Here are 4 of the best plastic bearing materials currently available.

PEEK

Bearing grade PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), is an organic, high performance engineering thermoplastic used widely in the production of plastic bearings.
PEEK is ideal for the production of bearings as this material is renowned for its durability, chemical and corrosion resistance, stability, mechanical strength, and low rates of friction. Add to this, the fact that it can withstand harsh temperatures and fluctuations, and you can understand why it’s such a useful plastic.
PEEK bearings are particularly resistant to high temperatures, seawater, and steam. They’re typically utilized in coastal regions and offshore settings for these very reasons.

Lubricated PET

Lubricated PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a thermoplastic material which features internal lubrication for added resistance.
Lubricated PET offers durability, sturdiness, and resistance to general wear and tear, with the bonus of being less susceptible to wear and tear caused by friction. This is thanks to its internal lubrication, making it an ideal material for bearings.
Because of its unique design, Lubricated PET requires less maintenance and no lubrication as it is dry running. You’ll typically find plastic bearings used in mechanical settings are made from this very material.
During operation, the lubrication is released naturally from within, helping to prolong the life of theaspectosand reducing the already low coefficient of friction which this material possesses.
Because of its unique design, Lubricated PET can not withstand elevated temperatures for prolonged durations of time. It is best suited in settings with continual service temperatures of 210F or less.

PPS

PPS, or Polyphenylene Sulfide, is another bearing grade thermoplastic which offers superior rates of resistance and low levels of wear. As a result of its makeup, PPS plastic is also both corrosion, and chemical-resistant, making it ideal in industrial settings.
PPS can withstand elevated temperatures of up to 425F and offers superior tensile strength. Typically, you’ll find that PPS plastic bearings are commonly used in chemical processing and industrial settings, while proving staples in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Torlon PAI

Finally, we have Torlan PAI (Polyamide-imide).
Torlon PAI is widely regarded as the highest quality polymer on the market today. Needless to say, it’s considered the gold standard when it comes to the production of plastic bearings.
This thermoplastic is arguably the strongest, most durable material of all as far as plastic bearings are concerned. It offers amazing resistance to chemicals and general wear and tear, high creep resistance, while also offering a very low coefficient of friction. Torlon PAI also performs extremely well at extreme temperatures. It can easily withstand temps up to 500F, if not higher.
Typically, because of its durability, you’ll find bearings made from this material used in roller bearings in things like heavy machinery, turbines, and engine components.
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From cylindrical and tapered roller bearings to rod end bearings, needle roller bearings, and plenty more besides, we’re your go-to for all things bearing-related.
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