As a core technology within the Schaeffler Group portfolio, INA Plain Bearings redefine reliability in applications requiring silent operation, shock absorption, and contamination immunity. Unlike rolling-element bearings, INA’s plain bearings leverage advanced polymers, composites, and specialty metals to deliver maintenance-free performance in harsh environments—from automotive suspensions to construction equipment and food processing machinery.
Product Taxonomy
- Radial Bushings
IGLIDE® G Series (PTFE Composite)
Self-lubricating | Chemical resistance: pH 1–14
Applications: Hydraulic cylinder mounts, agricultural pivots
- Thrust Washers
DX Dry-Running Series
Load Capacity: 100 MPa static | Speed: 2 m/s
Structure: Steel-backed PTFE/aramid fiber matrix
- Spherical Bearings
GE..C Series (Corrosion-Resistant)
Misalignment: ±4° | Material: 1.4404 (AISI 316L)
Sealing: Triple-lip seals (IP69K)
- Linear Bearings
KIT..E Guides
Precision: ±0.1 mm/m | Load: 50 kN dynamic
Integrated Wiper Systems: Particle exclusion
Engineering Innovations
- Tribological Advancements
Embedded Solid Lubricants:
Graphite/MoS₂ reservoirs replenish lubricant over 100,000+ cycles
Laser-Textured Surfaces:
Micro-dimples retain grease, reducing wear by 40%
- Structural Optimization
Feature Benefit Data Point
Fiber-Reinforced Backing 3× shock load capacity 15g impact resistance
Thermal Expansion Slots Prevents binding at ΔT >100°C 0.02 mm/m clearance
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings Salt spray: 2,000+ hrs (ISO 9227)
- Smart Bearing Integration
INA WearSense™ Sensors:
RFID tags track wear depth (±0.01 mm accuracy)
Wireless alerts at 80% wear limit
Industry-Specific Solutions
◼ Automotive & Transportation
Challenge: Suspension joint wear in electric vehicles
INA Solution: IGLIDE G300
PV Limit: 1.8 MPa·m/s | Noise: <30 dB(A)
Life: 500,000 km (validated per ISO 7148)
◼ Construction Equipment
Pain Point: Excavator bucket pin seizure
Response: GE40-KTT-2RS spherical bearing
Sand-resistant seals | Axial load: 200 kN
Maintenance interval: 10,000 hrs
◼ Food & Beverage
Requirement: Washdown-safe conveyors
System: DX500-P Stainless Series
FDA-compliant materials | Steam cleaning resistance
Performance Advantages vs. Bushings
Parameter INA Plain Bearing Standard Bushing Advantage
Wear Rate 0.01 μm/km 0.5 μm/km 50× lower
Dry-Running Capability Full PV range Requires grease Zero maintenance
Corrosion Resistance 1,500-hr salt spray 500-hr 3× durability
Shock Load 15g sustained 5g 3× resilience
Design Guidelines
✔ Material Selection Matrix
Operating Condition Recommended INA Series
High humidity + chemicals IGLIDE® P (PTFE composite)
Extreme loads (>50 MPa) DU® (Bronze/steel backed)
Vacuum environments DX Dry-Running
FDA compliance FDA-GLX Polymer
✔ Installation Best Practices
Housing Tolerance: H7 (ISO 286)
Press-Fit Force: ≤ 50 MPa (use arbor press)
Surface Finish: Shaft Ra ≤ 0.4 μm
Initial Lubrication: Food-grade grease for break-in
Why INA Plain Bearings?
✅ Maintenance-Free Operation – Self-lubricating up to 100,000 hrs
✅ Contamination Immunity – No failure from dust/water ingress
✅ Custom Solutions – 50+ material variants for niche applications
✅ Smart Monitoring – RFID-enabled wear tracking
Conclusion: Redefining Simplicity in Motion Control
INA Plain Bearings transform sliding applications through:
50% cost reduction vs. rolling bearings in low-speed systems
Zero unplanned downtime in mining/construction equipment
Hygienic operation for pharmaceutical/food industries
Specify INA Plain Bearings Today—Where German Tribology Meets Uncompromised Reliability.
