Vesconite self lubricating bearings and bushes solve wear problems Vesconite is a specialised thermoplastic made from internally lubricated polymers. Proved since the 1960's as an exceptional bearing material in demanding conditions, Vesconite gives low wear even in dirty or unlubricated conditions. Up to 10 times the life of bronze in dirty conditions. Vesconite has high dimensional stability and does not swell in water, in contrast to most synthetic materials which swell in water. For example, nylon swells up to 3% water and softens.

Vesconite machined bush

Use Vesconite when

• Long life is required

• High loads must be carried with small clearances

• Conditions are dirty

• Greasing is irregular or not possible

• Moist, or under water conditions

• Health or the environment is a concern

• Long shaft or pin life is required

• Chemical attack is a problem

• Cost savings are desired

Vesconite gives excellent savings over its installed life cycle. Vesconite offers many advantages over traditional bearing materials. More.

Internally lubricated
Vesconite has built in lubricants which give a low friction and long life even when greasing does not frequently occur.

Wear resistance
Vesconite provides outstanding wear resistance, resulting in many times longer service life when compared with bronze. It is also less affected by poor lubrication and dirty conditions.

High load bearing strength
Vesconite has very low creep rates and is suited to design loadings up to 30 MPa (4275 psi). It has a much higher load capacity than nylon, and its compressive strength and clearances are not affected by water absorption.

Dimensional stability
Vesconite does not swell when exposed to water or humid conditions, while nylon can swell up to 3% when immersed.

The thermal expansion factor of Vesconite is only 2.5 times that of bronze. Nylon is 5 times greater and UHMWPE is 10 times greater than Vesconite.

Vesconite therefore needs only slightly more clearance than the corresponding metal parts. No allowance needs to be made for moisture changes in most applications.

Low friction
Vesconite has outstanding dynamic friction, with a friction coefficient of less than half that of bronze or nylon. This allows for higher combinations of loads and speeds.

Greasing of Vesconite bushes on assembly further decreases friction, allowing higher speeds to be used and generally improving performance.

Water is an excellent lubricant for Vesconite, making Vesconite ideal for many immersed applications.

Vesconite Hilube offers even further reduced friction (down by 50%), making it an ideal material for unlubricated applications.

Temperature limits
Vesconite is suitable for continuous use at 100º to 120°C (212º to 248°F) in dry conditions and 60° to 70°C (140° to 158°F) in wet conditions.

Longer life of shafts and pins
The wear of metal pins and shafts is reduced by as much as 90% when Vesconite bushes are used. The high cost of replacing expensive shafts and pins can often be saved. This valuable benefit alone justifies the change over to Vesconite in many applications.

Chemical resistance
Vesconite is resistant to dilute and moderate acids, organic solvents, oils and petroleum. It has limited resistance to strong acids and alkalis. Lengthy immersion in boiling water should be avoided. See the Vesconite Chemical Resistance Chart for details.

Easy to machine
Vesconite machines easily on wood working and metal working equipment, such as lathes, milling machines, bandsaws, drilling machines, planers, spindle moulders and routers.

Stock sizes
The Vesconite stock range includes hundreds of sizes of machineable rods, bushings, plates, finished bushes, discs, washers and ready to use parts.

If you need to know a stock size visit Stock Finder

The Vesconite stock range includes:

Rods from 8 to 135 mm diameter (0.32" to 5.5").

Bushings available up to 730 mm (26") diameter.

Plates standard from 3 to 50 mm thick (0.12" to 1.97").

Custom components made at request.

Applications
Vesconite bushes are ideal for many demanding applications.

These include

• High load, low speed applications in earthmoving, construction, materials handling, mining, cranes and hoists, transport and much more.

• Wet or immersed applications in pumps, marine, hydro, valves and water processing plants.

Updated Apr 07 2005             visitors since Mar 22 2005