Recently, Trelleborg launched its new lightweight thermoplastic composite bearing – HiMod® Advanced Composite Bearing Plus. This enhanced double layer bearing has a low friction modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK) layer to reduce friction and improve wear resistance for bearing, wear ring and bushing applications.
Trelleborg's patented Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology creates low-friction thin liners that can be bonded to the inner diameter of a bearing or added to the outer diameter of a bearing for a wide range of industry applications Provide high-quality solutions. Unlike metal bearings, HiMod™ Advanced Composite Bearings Plus will not seize or wear, which reduces the potential for pump damage in chemical processing applications. HiMod® Advanced Composite Bearings Plus have a low coefficient of friction and can also withstand extreme temperature ranges.
Reid Hislop, Product Manager, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, said: "Thermoplastic bearings offer high durability and toughness for demanding applications. We have added a low friction layer to our HiMod® advanced composite bearing, reducing sliding friction compared to standard bearings. 50% to improve performance and prevent damage to hardware components."
“These unique bearings are capable of operating in extreme temperatures ranging from -156°C to +274°C, are designed to last even in wet environments, and have virtually zero water absorption. Unlike other non-metallic bearings, these bearings are It will not crack or swell, making it a reliable choice for many applications."
Trelleborg's automated fiber placement (AFP) technology is part of a continuous fiber thermoplastic composites manufacturing process that uses unidirectional prepreg tapes to produce strong, lightweight composite bearings and other components.
The manufacturing process uses in-situ consolidation (ISC) technology that eliminates the need for autoclaves or other post-processing processes to eliminate fiber wrinkling and is available in a variety of fiber angle options. Parts can be rapidly formed through a fusion bonding process without the use of adhesives, fasteners or welding. ISC technology enables the bonding of dissimilar materials, resulting in new composite structures.
Hislop concludes: “Our low-friction PEEK liners also act as a highly impermeable sealing surface, offer broad chemical compatibility, including solvents and environmental pollutants, and unlike traditional thermoset composites, thermoplastic composites Materials can be recycled at the end of their useful life."
