Plastic bearings are ideal if you need corrosion resistant bearings. Where some metal bearings would corrode over time, plastic bearings will stay intact. This is because plastic doesn’t absorb any moisture. They are also much lighter than steel bearings.
As a result, plastic bearings are a great option for applications that exposure bearings to regular washdowns, like the equipment in the food industry. Similarly, plastic bearings are suitable for applications requiring non-magnetic bearings. It is important to note that plastic bearings are made to looser tolerances than our precision bearings and are referred to as “semi-precision”.
Of course, we can’t mention the advantages of plastic, without mentioning the reasons other materials might be better suited for your application. Plastic bearings are generally made from acetal resin rings and nylon cages, which are softer than steel. Therefore, these bearings are intended for light loads and low speeds. Additionally, the maximum temperature for the acetal bearings with a nylon cage combination is 100°C. But if you swap both materials for PEEK, this raises the temperature resistance up to 250°C.
Don’t worry, we can provide a full consultation for your exact application. Want to know more? E-mail us at sales@smbbearings.com or call us on +44 (0) 1993 842 555.