Self-Lubricating Bearings are made with Teflon®.

Press Release Summary:




PolyLube(TM) MRP self-lubricating composite journal bearings offer Teflon® fiber technology. They are able to withstand static loads of ~60,000 psi, and ~30,000 psi under dynamic loading. Fiber's oriented Teflon® multi-filaments are primary anti-friction components in bearing's ID. Heat-stabilized bearings have operating temperature range of +/-325°F, and may be used as new or replacement parts.



Original Press Release:



New Line of Self-lubricating Composite Bearings Introduced



PolyLube(TM) MRP designed for equipment in high-impact loading stress applications

Walkerton, INDIANA- Polygon Company, a leader in composites technology, has introduced PolyLube(TM) MRP, a new line of self-lubricating composite journal bearings. The new bearings, featuring the latest in DuPont(TM) TEFLON® brand fiber technology, promises to be especially effective in equipment that undergoes impact or impulse loading stress, such as construction and material handling equipment. The result is a self-lubricating bearing with improved design and wear characteristics over other bearings, regardless of material or method of lubrication.

Strength and performance advantages

The superior wear characteristics of PolyLube(TM) MRP-ability to withstand static loads of approximately 60,000 psi, and 30,000 psi under dynamic loading-over other bearings is due to a new form of TEFLON® fiber, and Polygon's proprietary composites technology. The fiber's oriented TEFLON® multi-filaments are the primary anti-friction components in the ID of the bearing. TEFLON® brand fiber used in the PolyLube(TM) MRP bearing allows a greater amount of the PTFE in closer proximity to the shaft than in other bearing styles.

In addition to improved wear characteristics, the PolyLube(TM) MRP bearing using the new TEFLON® fiber offers better functional response than other materials. Therefore, there is less chance of a slip/stick phenomenon occurring. TEFLON® brand fiber also allows for faster break-in wear than other bearing materials.

Design flexibility and cost effectiveness

According to Ben Shobert, vice president of marketing at Polygon Company, the technology behind the PolyLube(TM) MRP bearing allows for greater design flexibility and cost effectiveness, over other bearing materials. He points out that with metal and alloy bearings, performance characteristics are finite. On the other hand, composite components-fiber reinforcement, resin and additives-can be changed to meet the needs of the application.

"The exciting thing about a bearing with liner technology from DuPont is that you can now change the construction content and composition of the liner itself for ultimate design flexibility," said Shobert. "With these capabilities to mold the design to a specific task, there are few applications you can't go into-from those requiring food contact, to highly caustic environments."

Adding to the design features is the stability of the PolyLube(TM) bearing. The bearing's operating temperature range is +/-325°F. Polygon heat-stabilized the bearings at these temperatures to greatly diminish dimensional change in the bearing during operation. The coefficient of expansion of the PolyLube(TM) MRP bearing is similar to that for steel, and actually less than some metals.

PolyLube(TM) MRP bearings can be used as both replacements in existing equipment or in new equipment designs. For the OEM, incorporating self-lubricating bearings can help eliminate many issues caused by poor maintenance. Lower manufacturing costs also may be an advantage.

"OEMs using a PolyLube(TM) MRP bearing may be able to reduce costs by changing pin material, eliminating fabrication steps required for a grease fittings, the zerk itself and the cost of the grease system," said Shobert.

According to Shobert, the total cost of ownership of a greased bearing is approximately 50 percent greater than that of a self-lubricating bearing. For business owners who lease heavy-duty equipment, as well as operators, the advantages of a self-lubricating bearing mean maintenance personnel can be better utilized on other tasks. Plus, the possibility that a returned piece of equipment having bearing problems due to improper maintenance on the job site is virtually eliminated.

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