Sintered bushings vs. polymer bushings

While both kinds of slide bushings are equally suitable for many applications under normal circumstances, the technology and performance parameters of sintered bushings and polymer bushings differ significantly in part. What are the advantages of bushings made of sintered bronze? And when are polymer bushings more suitable? We will contrast both technologies.

How the bushings work in comparison

Structure of sintered bushing

Sintered bushings

Sintered bushings consist of a sintered bronze body - hence, the name. The main feature of sintered bronze bushings is their porous design, which contains lubricant. Should the viscosity decrease due to increasing operating temperatures due to friction, the oil leaks out. At higher speed, a lubrication wedge develops, which lowers the bushing's friction. 
Structure of iglidur® polymer plain bearings

iglidur® polymer plain bearings

The homogeneous, consistent structure with solid lubricants and reinforcing materials operates without requiring lubrication. This ensures that the solid lubricants incorporated in the material are always available irrespective of the type of movement. Excellent coefficients of friction and wear are given over the entire product life cycle.

Overview: advantages and disadvantages of sintered bushings and polymer bushings

Sintered bearings

Sintered bushings

Lubrication lower coefficients of friction and enables higher speeds

Limited lubrication impacts linear and pivoting movements

Oil limits resistance to media and temperature stability

Sensitive to edge loads and impacts

Dirt can clog pores

iglidur® G plain bearings

iglidur® polymer bushings

No additional lubrication necessary

Cost-effective

Service life can be calculated online

Long service life and low coefficients of friction regardless of motion type

100% corrosion-resistant

High chemical and temperature resistance

RoHS compliant

Lightweight

Resistant to dirt

Vibration dampening

Enables the use of low-cost "soft" shafts

Company solves problems in blown film plant with iglidur® plain bearings

One of Reifenhäuser GmbH's blown film machines
In order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted production process, the calibration basket of the machine must be cleaned at regular intervals. In most cases, modern high-pressure cleaners are used. In solutions with conventional bearings, this procedure washes the lubricant out of the plain bearings or even flushes particles of dirt in. This causes problems in the form of downtime which results in additional costs. To solve this problem, iglidur® plain bearings, which are self-lubricating, are now used.  
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iglidur improves sample box

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See the quality of our products for yourself. This sample box contains the most important igus® plain bearings and helps you choose the right bearing for your application.
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More about iglidur® slide bushings

Test laboratory with test rigs for plain bearings Find out more about iglidur® slide bushings, visit our online shop or get useful tips and information on dimensioning, installation and many more topics related to bearing technology.

Knowledge base

Hands tap on tablet Here you can find answers to the most important questions regarding iglidur plain bearings. Compiled and answered in detail by our experts in the area of plain bearing technology. 
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iglidur plain bearings in use

Farm machinery in field More and more design and maintenance engineers rely on iglidur® polymer plain bearings for their applications. They are up to 40 per cent more cost-effective than metal solutions, delivered quickly, maintenance-free and lubrication-free.
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