Maya Ellison
Plastic bearings are often self-lubricated, with solid lubricant particles integrated into the material to ensure low friction and smooth operation. However, in some cases, additional lubrication may be beneficial. The type of lubrication depends on various factors, such as temperature, load, speed, and the specific plastic material. Common options include grease, oil, and dry lubricants, with mineral-oil-based lubricants being a good choice for plastic bearings as they do not attack most plastic materials. Other options include synthetic lubricants like hydrocarbon (PAO) and silicone-based lubricants. It is important to select a compatible lubricant to avoid negative effects on the plastic's performance and structural integrity.
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What You'll Learn
Self-lubricating plastic bearings
There are two ways in which lubrication is produced in plastic bearings:
- Smearing Systems: A soft lubricating material is wiped onto the surface of the bearing, creating a layer of lubricant. This helps reduce wear and tear on the bearing and the shaft. However, the lubricant is not transmitted during mating.
- Debris Systems: These systems are made from materials embedded with lubricant particles or debris. They have low friction, but the debris migrates over time. Debris materials are more inexpensive than smearing systems.
It is important to note that the term "self-lubricating" has become a buzzword in the industry, leading to some misunderstandings. For a material to be considered self-lubricating, the lubrication must be an integral component of the bearing material and must not break down or become ineffective over time. It should be applied consistently and evenly to the surface, without adding additional cost to the overall system.
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Mineral oil-based lubricants
While plain plastic bearings do not require lubrication, mineral oil serves as a good choice if lubrication is needed. Lubrication is essential for reducing friction between moving parts, especially in industrial settings.
Mineral oils generally have good compatibility with different plastics, making them a safe choice for lubrication. They can be used in combination with metal soaps to further enhance their lubricating properties and reduce the coefficient of friction.
When selecting a mineral oil-based lubricant, it is important to consider the specific type of plastic and its compatibility with the oil. Blends of mineral and synthetic oils are also available, providing a combination of the benefits of both types of oils.
In some cases, grease may be preferred over plain mineral oil. Grease is simply mineral oil with a thickener added, which increases its viscosity and makes it easier to apply and maintain in the bearing. The choice between grease and oil depends on the specific application and the demands placed on the bearing.
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WD-40
Although WD-40 can be used to lubricate plastic bearings, it may not be the best option. WD-40 is a penetrating oil, meaning it can enter small openings and cavities and get under corroded surfaces. While this can help to drive out corrosion, dust, and grease, its high viscosity means it does not last very long, providing only a short-term lubricating effect.
Additionally, WD-40 does not contain antioxidant additives, which are commonly found in other lubricants, to protect against degradation and the formation of sludge. It also lacks rust inhibitors, which are crucial for preventing corrosion, particularly rusting, in bearings. The absence of these additives may result in increased wear and reduced service life of the bearings.
Despite these limitations, WD-40 can still be useful for initial lubrication of plastic bearings. In one test, bearings that were initially lubricated with WD-40 showed no significant signs of wear after four days of continuous rotation. However, it is important to note that WD-40 tends to dry off quickly, leaving behind a residue that can contribute to increased wear and noise over time. Therefore, while WD-40 can be used for short-term lubrication of plastic bearings, there are likely better options for long-lasting performance.
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Grease
Although plastic bearings are designed to be self-lubricating, there are cases when additional lubrication is beneficial. For instance, some users have eliminated squeaking during the start-up phase with WD-40 and protected the housing against corrosion by adding wax.
When it comes to grease, it is primarily used to provide protection from external factors such as dirt, moisture, and temperature increases due to friction. Grease is also easier to apply and maintain at the bearing point compared to oil due to its higher viscosity.
The type of grease used depends on the specific application and its parameters. For example, bearings subjected to weather extremes, moisture, and dirt often use mineral-oil-based grease, with OKS 400 being a recommended option for iglide® materials. However, other greases with similar compositions can also be used.
The selection of the right grease is crucial, as some traditional lubrication formulations can weaken or degrade plastic parts. Synthetic lubricants, which have high aging resistance, are ideal for long-term applications. Mineral-oil-based lubricants are also a good choice as they are compatible with most plastics and offer excellent performance at a reasonable cost. Silicone-based lubricants are another option, offering excellent compatibility and a wide temperature range but may be more expensive.
When choosing a grease, it is essential to consider the compatibility with the plastic material. Manufacturers assess this compatibility by monitoring changes in physical properties of the plastic, such as weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation under various conditions.
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Synthetic lubricants
While some plastic bearings are self-lubricating, being made from special polymer blends that remain lubricated throughout their lifetime, other plastic bearings may require additional lubrication.
When selecting a synthetic lubricant, it is important to consider the specific application and the type of plastic bearing being used. For example, solid additives like graphite or molybdenum disulfide (moly) can weaken plastic components and should be avoided. PTFE solid additives, on the other hand, can be useful for lowering startup friction or providing dry lubrication. High-viscosity oils can also penetrate and degrade plastic, so greases with an NLGI of 1 or 0 are generally recommended for plastic bearings to reduce friction and grease-induced noise.
In terms of specific synthetic lubricant products, OKS 400 is often recommended for use with plastic bearings, although other similar grease-based products can also provide good results. Ultimately, the selection of the right lubricant depends on the specific application and the characteristics of the plastic bearing.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bearings do not require lubrication, but they can benefit from it. Lubrication allows plain bearings to move smoothly, prevents corrosion, and reduces friction and wear.
The type of lubricant depends on the application and the type of plastic. Mineral oil-based lubricants are a good option for plastic bearings as they do not attack most plastic materials and offer excellent performance. Other options include synthetic lubricants such as hydrocarbon (PAO) and silicone-based lubricants like PFAE and SHC.
Yes, WD-40 can be used on plastic bearings. It can help eliminate squeaking and protect against corrosion. However, it tends to dry off quickly and may not provide long-lasting lubrication.
Yes, self-lubricating plastic bearings are available. These bearings are made from special polymer blends and remain lubricated throughout their lifetime. They require less maintenance and can handle heavy loads.
