SKF Plain Bearings (also known as sliding bearings) are engineered to provide reliable, maintenance-free operation in applications requiring high load capacity, shock resistance, and corrosion tolerance. Unlike rolling bearings, these bearings operate through sliding contact, making them ideal for oscillating, slow-rotating, or linear motion systems. SKF’s advanced material technologies and innovative designs ensure optimal performance in harsh environments across industries such as construction, agriculture, marine, and renewable energy.
SKF’s plain bearings are a type of equipment used to reduce friction and support heavy loads, particularly suitable for applications that require bearing heavy static and dynamic loads, multi-directional motion, and the presence of misaligned and deformed components
SKF’s plain beads have the following characteristics:
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for application scenarios that require heavy static and dynamic loads, multi-directional motion, and the presence of misalignment and component deformation.
Manufacturing and design features: able to adapt to wide manufacturing tolerances, can use cost-effective welded components, and has multiple lubrication options to choose from
Product types: SKF offers a variety of plain bearings, including spherical flat bearings, rod end joint bearings, bushings, thrust washers, and strips. In addition, according to specific application requirements, SKF can also provide customized plain beads
SKF Group was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is one of the world’s leading bearing manufacturers. SKF operates in over 130 countries worldwide, with over 40000 employees and more than 17000 dealerships. SKF is committed to technological innovation and product quality, with an average of one new patent issued every two days, and is the first bearing company to pass ISO14001 environmental certification.
Key Technical Specifications
Design Features
Bearing Types:
Radial Bushings: For rotational/oscillating shaft support
Thrust Washers: Axial load management in linear systems
Spherical Bearings: Self-aligning capability (up to ±5° misalignment)
Composite Bushings: Multi-layer materials for enhanced durability
Material Combinations:
Steel-backed polymer liners
Bronze-based sintered metal with PTFE/Graphite
Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics
Lubrication Systems:
Self-lubricating: Embedded solid lubricants (PTFE, graphite, MoS2)
Oil-Impregnated: Porous bronze structures for continuous lubrication
Performance Characteristics
Load Capacity:
Static Radial Load: Up to 250 MPa (fiber-reinforced variants)
Dynamic Load: Up to 50 MPa at 0.1 m/s sliding speed
Edge Load Tolerance: Up to 2x nominal pressure (special polymer grades)
PV Limit:
Standard: 1.5–3.0 MPa·m/s
High-Performance: 5.0 MPa·m/s (e.g., SKF DX materials)
Temperature Range:
Standard: -50°C to +150°C
Extreme: -200°C to +300°C (metal-polymer hybrids)
Friction Coefficient:
Dry Operation: 0.05–0.15
Lubricated: 0.01–0.08
Competitive Advantages
- Maintenance-Free Operation
Self-Lubricating Designs: Eliminate grease replenishment for 10+ years
Embedded Sensors: SKF Insight® monitors wear in real time
- Environmental Resilience
Chemical Resistance: Withstands acids, alkalis, and solvents (pH 1–14)
UV/Weather Resistance: Fiber-reinforced polymers for outdoor applications
- Customization Capabilities
3D-Printed Bushings: Complex geometries for prototype/repair applications
Multi-Axis Machining: Tolerances down to ±0.01 mm
- Energy Efficiency
Low Friction: Reduces drive power by up to 20% vs. traditional bearings
Lightweight Designs: Aluminum composite variants for aerospace
Typical Applications
Construction Equipment: Excavator bucket linkages, crane sheaves
Automotive: Suspension joints, steering column bushings
Renewable Energy: Wave energy converters, hydropower turbines
Rail Transport: Pantograph bearings, brake system guides
Medical: MRI scanner components, surgical robot arms
Wear Analysis Software: Predict bearing life under specific loads/temperatures
Custom Material Testing: Tribological labs for friction/wear optimization
Global Inventory: 24-hour delivery for standard sizes
Failure Mode Analysis: Root cause diagnostics via SKF Reliability Systems
This technical profile positions SKF Plain Bearings as the optimal solution for demanding applications requiring durability, minimal maintenance, and environmental adaptability. Their innovative material science and application-specific designs make them indispensable for engineers tackling extreme operational challenges.
