A bearing might appear simple, but the material behind it plays a critical role in determining performance.

Different bearing materials bring different strengths to the table. Some are built to handle high loads or temperatures while others are designed to resist corrosion, wear and challenging operating conditions. Choosing the right material is therefore more than simply meeting specifications, it requires finding the perfect balance of strength, durability, efficiency and cost.

So, how do you know which material is right for the job?

In this blog article, we will explore why you should not settle for bearing material and identify key factors to consider during material selection.

Why It Matters

Selecting the right bearing material requires more than finding a bearing that fits.

In demanding industrial and automotive applications, the material you choose can have a direct impact on performance, reliability and service life. The wrong choice could result in premature wear, vibration, unexpected failure and costly downtime. Proper material selection ensures predictable performance, extending the working life of your machinery and reducing maintenance requirements over time.

Ultimately, the right bearing material is an investment in the bigger picture.

Key Factors to Consider

The first thing to understand is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ material does not exist.

The right choice depends on a combination of factors. This includes the load that the bearing needs to handle, operating speed and temperature. This is particularly important as heat and friction can push materials to their limits.

Exposure to moisture, chemicals, dust or other contaminants can also significantly affect bearing performance and service life, making material resistance an important consideration. Lubrication conditions and maintenance access should also be considered, especially in applications where regular servicing may be difficult or impractical.

By evaluating these factors together, technical experts can match bearing material properties to real-world operating demands, achieving reliable performance and longer service life for equipment.

The SBS Difference

At SBS – Singa Bearings Solutions®, we believe the best solutions start with seeing you as our technical partners, not clients.

With more than 50 years of experience in bearing engineering and over 20 years of operations in Singapore, we combine German engineering know-how, deep technical expertise and extensive cross-industry experience to solve some of the most demanding bearing and bushing challenges.

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. By continually exploring new materials, designs and engineering approaches, we uncover new possibilities for what sliding bearings and bushings can achieve.

Our team works closely with you to understand operating conditions, challenges and performance requirements before consulting with an extensive range of bushing materials available. We draw on decades of documented best practices, technical knowledge and real-world application experience to tackle challenges across industries.

Discover real feedback here: https://sbs-bearings.com/the-sbs-partnership

From material selection and customised designs to reverse engineering and application-specific solutions, SBS’s analytical capabilities continue to help customers across the globe achieve significant improvements in performance and reliability.

Our Material Options

We cater to a wide range of industries, each bringing its own unique challenges, operating conditions and performance requirements.

In this section, we are putting the spotlight on two industries and exploring the bearing solutions SBS offers to keep them moving.

Marine and Offshore

In the Marine and Offshore industry, bearings are often faced with exposure to moisture, sea water, corrosion, heavy loads and/or harsh operating conditions.

SBS offers an extensive range of sliding bearings designed to meet these challenges, backed by a proven track record across demanding marine and offshore applications. Over the past 20 years, our team have gained valuable access to shipyards, conducting inspections of equipment approaching overhaul. These real-world investigations give our engineers practical insight on bearing materials, hinge designs and counter surfaces that truly stand the test of time, refining our marine/ offshore solutions.

SBS’s COM-KU®/D and LUB-MET® are the two most widely used materials for this industry.

Composed from fibre-reinforced plastic composite, the COM-KU®/D is maintenance-free and designed to deliver excellent sliding performance under demanding operating conditions. Its robust construction makes it particularly well suited to high load capacities, including applications exposed to impact and edge loads.

One of its key advantages is excellent corrosion resistance. As a non-metal-based alloy, the COM-KU®/D is one of the best materials for marine/offshore applications. It also boasts a long lifespan, excellent damping features and good chemical resistance.

The LUB-MET®, on the other hand, combines high load capacity with the benefits of self-lubricating solid-lubrication plugs, making it a reliable choice for humid conditions.

When standard dimensions do not fit the job, the LUB-MET® can also be supplied in custom sizes, providing a precise fit to suit your specific application requirements.

Agriculture

The Agriculture industry is a diverse and constantly evolving sector.

From forestry machines to harvesting and fertiliser systems, today’s equipment is becoming larger, smarter and more efficient. Demands placed on components are advancing with equipment capabilities. As such, bearings are expected to withstand higher loads, repeated impacts and longer operating cycles.

SBS has been at the forefront of meeting these challenges, pioneering the COM-KU®/M as a maintenance-free solution designed to handle extremely high load capacities for various outrigger applications.

The COM-KU®/M is a composite sliding bearing with a specially woven PTFE and synthetic fibre sliding layer. It possesses superb mechanical properties plus fatigue strength. We recommend the COM-KU®/M for rotating, oscillating and reciprocating movements under slow speeds.

To discover our full industrial capabilities, view our general catalogue here: https://sbs-bearings.com/

Contact Us Today

Today, SBS sliding bearings and bushings are trusted across demanding industries around the world, from offshore and hydropower to mining and steel.

With nearly half a century of documented best practices and cross-industry experiences, our customers have experienced increased machine performance after adopting SBS-designed bushing material groups and solutions.

Experience the SBS difference today!

Email info@sbs-bearings.com.sg or call+65-6316 3850 and ask about an SBS partnership.