6 Advantages of Composite Bearings Over Metallic

Are you not sure whether to use composite bearings instead of metallic ones? If yes, then this article is worth your read. Today, we will clear all your doubts about composite bearings. Below, we have given the top seven reasons to use these bearings: 

Lightweight

The biggest reason to use composite bushings is their weight. The composite ones are more lightweight then metallic. So, by using them, you can reduce the component's weight upto 25% and even more. Also, the density of composite bearing material is around 1 to 3 g/cm3. Which, on the other hand, is 7 to 9 g/cm3 for metals. This is the reason why composite bushings are lightweight compared to metal ones. 

Corrosion Resistance

Another excellent feature composite bearings offer is resistance to rust. These bearings do not get affected by rust which makes them strong and tough. And they are not only rust resistance but corrosion resistance, too. Corrosion occurs when a metal comes in contact with base solutions of any lubricants. Since these bearings do not contain the elements of any metal, hence they do not get corroded. Moreover, composite bearing materials are also resistant to strong acids like HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) and even the UV and other high-energy radiations. 

Shock Proof

Plastic composite bearings run silently and absorb vibrations. Their vibration-dampening capability is upto 250 times more than that of the metallic bearings. This means they are perfect for marine, hydropower & those industrial applications that generate massive vibrations. The vibrations that we feel while operating a machine or tool result from rusted metal bearings that cannot bear vibrations anymore. Replacing the metal bearings with composite ones will make the application run smoothly and increase its hardware's life.

Minimum Or No Maintenance Required

After many experiments and studies, experts have concluded that composite bearings are maintenance-free. One can simply fit these bearings in their applications and can forget about it. But do you think the same thing is possible with the metal bearings? People who frequently use these bearings know how difficult it is to maintain them. Time-to-time lubrication is necessary for the metal bearings to work properly. Otherwise, they'll get jammed, affecting the performance of the application.

On the other hand, the composite bearings don't require any lubrication and still, perform well for years. Now think yourself, which bearing is better- the one that needs proper attention and maintenance or the one that doesn’t. Obviously, the one that requires less or zero maintenance, and that is the composite bearing.

Dust And Dirt Resistance

Metal bearings generally stop working if the dirt particles get into them. But when we talk about the composite bearings, the story is a little different. These bearings do not get affected by dirt particles. In fact, the composite bearings absorb the dirt particles and incorporate them into the material itself. This is another reason why the life of composite bearings is more than that of metallic ones. Hence they are a worthy investment if you are looking for bearings that last long.

Materials And Customization

Whether you want bearings to use in underwater applications or high load carrying applications, composite bearings can be used in various applications. Perhaps, there are so many brands or sellers that fulfil the needs of each of their customers. If you think your requirements for composite bearings are different and no seller can fulfil that, do a little market research. There are various brands in the market that offer the facility of material customisation. This means you will have the option to choose which material bearings you want to buy. Different applications demand different types and sizes of bearings. You have to first understand the kind of bearing you want. Then only you’ll be able to choose the right bearings for your applications.

Final Words

We hope this blog helps you make the right decision on which bearing to choose, the metal one or composite bearings. If you ask any expert, they'll always say composite bearings are the best. So why don't you go with the expert suggestions, too?