How can polymer plain bearings be used in the engine compartment?
Dirk Tietz | 16. April 2020
Plastic and high temperatures? Yes, even as connection to actuators of turbochargers or in EGR valves, iglidur® high temperature materials are found millions of times as plain bearings or coupling joints. Polymer plain bearings are used in almost all engine components at a permanent application temperatures of up to 250°C and short-term 300°C. Only when it goes into the engine or exhaust gas system do the temperatures and p*v values often become too high, so that metal bearings have to be fitted. Due to the hydrodynamic effect, however, enormous speeds can also be achieved. iglidur® materials frequently replace very expensive ceramic or graphite bearings.
Plastic and liquids? It will swell! Yes, if the wrong plastics are used in the coolant or oil circuit, they absorb the liquid and expand. In the worst case, the bearing will jam and the engine component will fail. In hot coolants or oils, even PPS-based materials decompose. So what to do? The table below lists some iglidur® materials that are suitable in the engine compartment:
iglidur® H4 – the standard up to +200°C
iglidur® X – extremely temperature-resistant up to 310° for the short term
iglidur® H1 – exceptionally low coefficient of friction
iglidur® H2 – the low-cost solution
iglidur® G1 – the standard for low temperatures up to +180°C
The igus automotive experts will be pleased to select the right plain bearing material for your application. Just send a mail to dtietz@igus.net or call + 49 (0) 2203/9649-562.
Would you like to do some browsing yourself? You will find the right material in the igus online configurator: