3.0 PLASTIC AND NONMETALLIC BEARINGS

3.1 General Characteristics

Among the significant characteristics of plastic bearings, the following are noteworthy:

• Self-lubricating

• Low wear rates

• Relatively high performance rating (PV) among sleeve bearing materials

• Bearing O.D.’s compatible with standard sintered bronze sizes for upgrading existing equipment

• Kinetic and static coefficient of friction virtually the same under heavy loads

• Extremely low coefficient of friction, as shown in Figure 3-1

• Lightweight

• Ability to conform under load

• Resistance to chemicals

The design characteristics of plastic and nonmetallic bearings bear both similarities and differences relative to those of porous-metal bearings. This will now be described in greater detail.

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