SKF
Sliding Material and Bushing Type Selection Guides
SKF’s sliding materials range from PTFE-based composites for low friction and chemical resistance, to POM-based thermoplastics for higher loads in wet environments, to sintered bronze for high temperature and high load with lubrication. The selection guide includes load/speed diagrams and temperature tolerance ranges. Bushing type selection considers cylindrical bushings (for radial loads), flanged bushings (for combined load and axial location), thrust washers (for pure axial loads), and strips (for custom linear guide surfaces). The guide matches the mechanical constraints of the application to the ideal material/bushing type pairing.
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PTFE‑Based Composites
Lowest friction, widest chemical resistance, for light‑to‑medium loads.
POM‑Based Thermoplastics
Higher load capacity, dimensionally stable in water.
Sintered Bronze
Very high load, requires lubrication, for high temperature.
Fibre‑Reinforced Backings
Provide compressive strength and edge‑load tolerance.
Cylindrical vs. Flanged Type
Flanged bushings carry axial load and locate the shaft.
Thrust Washer Families
Discs for pure axial loads in transmissions and steering systems.
When to Choose POM over PTFE for a Wet Environment
PTFE offers the lowest friction but can show higher wear rates when continuously submerged in water containing abrasive particles. POM‑based materials (e.g., SKF’s SP series) maintain their low wear even in muddy or saline water, making them the preferred choice for marine hatch covers and water‑treatment gate pins.
The Material Selection Graphic: Load vs. Speed Map
SKF’s pV‑curve graphic for each material shows a safe operating region. Designers plot the application’s pressure and sliding speed on the graph; if the point falls below the curve, the bushing will survive. This visual tool eliminates complex calculations and makes material selection intuitive.