A Polish R&D institution has invented a new way to produce composite, self-lubricating sintered bearings by means of a special powder preparation, introduction of an additive and a special method of sintering. There is no seizing in the developed bearings at higher rubbing speed, with only slightly reduced load. The institution is looking for a partner for the product to be used in further applications.

New sintered self-lubricating sliding bearings have been developed, of higher load rating compared to currently commercially manufactured iron and bronze bearings. Introduction of fine copper into the iron bearings, with reduction in diffusion between the iron and the copper during the sintering process, results in an undamaged copper layer between particles. The remaining copper layer on the friction face partly lubricates the pores, which guarantees preservation of an oil wedge under a journal. There is no seizing in the developed bearings at higher rubbing speed, with only slightly reduced load. Over double increase in load rating has been achieved for these bearings at the speed of 6 m/s. The tests of the bearings were performed with the use of a newly developed methodology for the stand tests, on a modernised, automated testing equipment called "Tribotester", designed for quick determination of the slide properties of self-lubricating bearings.

Innovative Aspects:
- Implementation of the copper-covered iron powder
- Obtaining of a material with low permeability and high oil content

Main Advantages:
There is no seizing in the sintered porous self-lubricating bearings up to the rubbing speed of 10 m/s with only slightly reduced load, i.e. they can operate at pv (pv = pressure time velocity) product of approximately 5 Mpa x m/s.

• Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulics, Vibration and Acoustic Engineering related to construction technology
• Metals and Alloys
• Properties of Materials, Corrosion/Degradation
• Electrical Engineering and Technology / Electrical Equipment

• Automation/Robotics
• Construction technology
• Materials technology
• Transport
• INDUSTRY

• Industrial Equipment and Machinery
• Power transmission equipment (including generators and motors)
• Other industrial equipment and machinery
• Transportation
• Motor vehicles, transportation equipment and parts

• Technical Co-operation