In high-wear, high-stress applications, bearings provide critical support, reducing friction and promoting smooth motion. When it comes to heavy equipment, marine, and industrial machinery, metal bearings have been the go-to choice for decades. Now, traditional metal bearings are being increasingly replaced in challenging operating conditions by composite bearings and bushings.
These composite, non-metal components can deliver longer lifespans, lower maintenance needs, and lightweight performance. If you’re an engineer or maintenance professional prioritizing durability and uptime, here’s everything you need to understand about OEM-validated composite bearings, specifically those featuring Ryertex® laminates and Timco™ technical thermoplastics and the numerous ways they outperform traditional metal.
Advantages of Composite Bearings Over Metal Bearings
Composite bearings are engineered using advanced thermoset resins and thermoplastics designed to perform well in environments that promote corrosion and wear. Unlike generic plastics, materials like Ryertex® are reinforced with glass, linen, or paper fabrics to provide structural integrity that rivals bronze and steel.
Corrosion Resistance
Even with expensive coatings or stainless alloys, metal bearings are constantly threatened by oxidation. Composite bearings, particularly those made from Acetal (Delrin®) or UHMW, do not degrade, pit, or rust when exposed to chemicals, salt spray, or water. This makes them the gold standard for marine applications and chemical processing where exposure is unavoidable.
Reduced Friction and Wear
Composite bearings enable low-friction performance, often with self-lubricating properties. Materials such as PET-GLor MoS2-filled Nylon incorporate lubricants directly into the polymer matrix. As a result, less energy is lost and wear rates remain low, especially in oscillating or slow-moving applications where metal bearings often suffer from “stick-slip” issues.
Stable Performance Across Temperature Fluctuations
While some plastics struggle with heat, high-performance composites like PEEK and specific Ryertex® grades are designed to maintain dimensional stability across a broad range of temperatures (from cryogenic up to 572° F). This prevents the binding and performance degradation common in metal-on-metal systems during thermal expansion.
No Lubrication Requirements
Many composite bearings are “fit and forget.” By eliminating the need for regular grease intervals, maintenance teams benefit from cleaner operating conditions and a total removal of the risk of lubrication-related failures. This is especially critical in “clean” industries like food processing or in remote heavy equipment where service calls are costly.
Common High-Wear Applications of Non-Metal Bearings
Heavy Equipment
In agriculture, construction, and mining, equipment operates under extreme shock loads. Ryertex composite bushings are often preferred here because they can absorb impact and resist contamination better than rigid steel, protecting the more expensive pins and housings from damage.
Marine Applications
In propulsion components and steering systems, composite bearings excel. Because materials like Nylon and Acetal have low water absorption and resist salt-water corrosion, OEMs trust them to operate fully submerged for long periods without seizing.
Industrial Machinery
Timco™ Technical Thermoplastics are frequently used in conveyors and processing equipment. Whether it is the chemical resistance of PEEK or the impact strength of UHMW, these materials ensure that repetitive motion doesn’t lead to the rapid wear-down common with brass or bronze bushings.
Why OEM Approval Matters
Not all composite materials are created equal. OEM approval signifies that a material such as a specific grade of Ryertex® has been thoroughly vetted to meet the exact tolerances and load requirements of the original equipment manufacturer.
At WS Hampshire, we don’t just provide plastic; we provide engineered solutions. Our OEM-approved composite bearings provide:
- Consistent Material Quality: Precise resin-to-fabric ratios in every Ryertex® sheet and tube.
- Seamless Compatibility: Fabricated in-house to match original equipment blueprints exactly.
- Lower Risk: Proven performance that prevents unplanned downtime and premature failure.
Contact WS Hampshire for OEM-Approved Composite Bearings
If you’re looking at bearing solutions for your high-wear applications in heavy equipment, marine systems, or industrial machinery, WS Hampshire is ready to help identify the right Ryertex® or Timco™ material for your operation.
Contact us today and let’s optimize your equipment’s lifecycle.