Bearings exposed to water?
Our no-swell bearing materials may be the answer
Our customers often choose our Vesconite materials since they:
- experience negligible swell even when at saturation
- have high compression strength when wet
- have excellent resistance to creep
All in all, this means that they cope well with being submerged or operating in environments in which they are exposed to liquids.
GOOD DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
The Vesconite range has excellent no-swell properties. Vesconite shows a 0.03% percentage change in size in 30 days, compared with nylon that has a 3% change in size, elastomers that exhibit a 1.25% change in size and various phenolics that can change in size from between 0.5% and 2%.
In most applications, Vesconite’s linear swell can be ignored.
With Vesconite, close clearances can be maintained, reducing vibration and shaft runout. Large clearances are also avoided, which reduces the bearing wear rate, increases shaft life and reduces vibration, making the shaft more stable.
Above: Swell of synthetic bearing material due to water.
HARDNESS WITH WATER SWELL (SHORE D)
Many applications require that bearing materials retain their hardness after long-term immersion in water, and this is the case with Vesconite bearings, as shown in tests spanning six months.
COMPRESSION STRENGTH WITH WATER SWELL
The Vesconite range has a compression strength of 90 MPa (12,750 psi). The recommended design limit is 30 MPa (4,250 psi) for static and slow-speed applications.
VESCONITE WATER EXPOSURE CASE STUDIES
Other Industries
