Plastic Flange Mounted Bearings
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Plastic flange mounted bearings are components designed to support and guide rotating or oscillating shafts. They consist of a plastic bearing insert housed within a flanged mounting unit, which allows for easy installation and secure positioning. These bearings are typically used to accommodate both radial and axial loads, providing a stable and reliable support structure for various mechanical systems.
Working Principle
Plastic flange mounted bearings operate by providing a low-friction interface between the rotating shaft and the stationary housing. The plastic material used in these bearings is often self-lubricating, which reduces the need for additional lubrication and maintenance. The flange design helps to secure the bearing in place, preventing axial movement and ensuring proper alignment. This makes them particularly useful in applications where ease of installation and maintenance are critical.
Applications
Plastic flange mounted bearings are used in a wide range of industries and applications. Specific examples include:
- Automotive Industry: Used in convertible tops and automobile seats to provide smooth and reliable motion.
- Aerospace: Employed in aircraft seats for their lightweight and durable properties.
- Packaging Machines: Utilized for their low maintenance and self-lubricating features.
- Medical Devices: Chosen for their corrosion resistance and hygienic properties.
Advantages over other Flange Mounted Bearings
Plastic flange mounted bearings offer several advantages over traditional metal bearings:
- Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metal bearings, plastic bearings are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.
- Lightweight: The plastic construction reduces the overall weight of the bearing, which can be beneficial in applications where weight is a critical factor.
- Self-Lubricating: Many plastic bearings are self-lubricating, reducing the need for maintenance and the risk of contamination from lubricants.
- Cost-Effective: Plastic bearings are often more economical than their metal counterparts, both in terms of initial cost and long-term maintenance.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, plastic flange mounted bearings have some limitations:
- Load Capacity: Plastic bearings generally have a lower load capacity compared to metal bearings, which may limit their use in heavy-duty applications.
- Temperature Sensitivity: They may not perform well in high-temperature environments, as excessive heat can degrade the plastic material.
- Perceived Inferiority: There is a common misconception that plastic bearings are weaker than metal bearings, which can affect their acceptance in certain engineering communities.
Considerations
When selecting plastic flange mounted bearings, several factors should be considered:
- Initial Costs: While generally more affordable than metal bearings, the cost can vary depending on the specific material and design.
- Operating Expense: The self-lubricating nature of plastic bearings can reduce operating expenses by minimizing maintenance requirements.
- Durability: Consider the environmental conditions and load requirements to ensure the chosen bearing material will provide adequate durability.
- Accuracy: Ensure the bearing meets the necessary precision requirements for the application.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Evaluate the ease of replacement and potential maintenance costs over the bearing's lifespan to ensure cost-effectiveness.
from IBT Industrial Solutions
Industrial bearings have been a mainstay of the IBT Industrial Solutions business from the very beginning, when IBT was founded in Kansas City in 1949. With this legacy of service, you can be confident that you are working with the pros when you partner with IBT. Whether you are replacing an... [See More]
- Bearing: Stainless Steel; Sintered Bronze; Plastic
- Bearing / Housing Features: Split Bearing
- Bearing Type: Ball; Roller
- Housing: Stainless Steel; Plastic; Bronze
from OILES America Corporation
Oiles #80 is a proprietary blend of polyacetal resins and uniformly dispersed bearing lubricants. There are several derivatives of this material, each specifically formulated to satisfy a wide variety of application requirements. Oiles #80 is available in both flanged straight bore bushing and... [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
from Spyraflo, Inc.
Flange-Mounts are widely used in applications requiring field service or applications which are not suitable for clinching. Features. ±5 ° Static self-alignment option. Electrically conductive. Easy installation and multiple bearing choices. Special flange design service. High and Low... [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
from Quality Bearings & Components
Plastic Four-Bolt | With Insert Ball Bearings. FLANGE MOUNTING BLOCKS – INCH. • Polyester Block. • 316 Stainless Steel Balls. • Acetal Ball Bearings. • Removable Insert [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from igus® inc.
The igubal split 2-hole flange bearings and split bearing inserts provide a special installation option that significantly cuts downtime. Upon the wear and tear of single-piece bearings, replacement may require significant adjustments based on accessibility. The igubal split solutions provide a... [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Bearing / Housing Features: Split Bearing
from Climax Metal Products Company
Two-piece housing unit. USDA and FDA approved. For wash-down applications in wet or harsh environments or where sanitary conditions are a factor. Self-lubricating bearings resist corrosion, high impact, and abrasion. [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic; UHMW-PE
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Quality Bearings & Components
Plastic Two-Bolt | With Insert Ball Bearings. FLANGE MOUNTING BLOCKS – INCH. • Polyester Block. • 316 Stainless Steel Balls. • Acetal Ball Bearings. • Removable Insert [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from igus® inc.
The igubal split 4-hole flange bearings and split bearing inserts offer a unique assembly solution that drastically reduces downtimes. When one-piece bearings wear out, major modifications might be necessary to replace them, depending on accessibility. This is resolved by using the igubal split... [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Bearing / Housing Features: Split Bearing
from Climax Metal Products Company
Entire unit is UHMW-PW. USDA and FDA approved. Ideal for wash-down applications in wet or harsh environments or where sanitary conditions are a factor. Self-lubricating bearings resist corrosion, high impact, and abrasion. Interchangeable with most metal units. [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic; UHMW-PE
- Mtg Configuration: 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Quality Bearings & Components
Delrin FLANGE-MOUNTED PRESSBEARINGS - INCH. Delrin Bearing. Carbon Steel Flange & Retainer, Black Oxide Finish Features: Flange-mounted. Self-aligning to ±5 °. Self-Lubricating Operating Temperature: -40 °F to +300 °F SHAFT RECOMMEDATIONS:Finish: 16 μin. or finer.Material:... [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
from igus® inc.
xiros ® flange bearings with stainless steel or glass balls are a combination of xiros ® plastic ball bearings and igubal ® housings. The self-aligning bearings were developed for maintenance-free applications in conveyor belts, cam rollers and support housings. The lightweight,... [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt; 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Shaft Size: 0.3150 to 0.4724
from Climax Metal Products Company
Entire unit is UHMW-PW. USDA and FDA approved. Ideal for wash-down applications in wet or harsh environments or where sanitary conditions are a factor. Self-lubricating bearings resist corrosion, high impact, and abrasion. Interchangeable with most metal units. [See More]
- Bearing: Plastic; UHMW-PE
- Design Units: Inch
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Shaft Size: 0.5000 to 1