| Lubrication Knowledge Menu | Products and Services Directory
Metal-solid Lubrication: Composites
containing lamellar solids rely on film transfer to achieve
low friction. The significant amount of solids required to
improve film transfer produces a weak composite with reduced
wear life. Addition of nonlamellar solids to these
composites can increase strength and reduce wear. Various
manufacturing techniques are used in the production of
metal-solid composites. These include powder metallurgy,
infiltration of porous metals, plasma spraying, and
electrochemical code position. Another fabrication technique
requires drilling holes in machine parts and packing the
holes with solid lubricants. One of the most common
applications for these composites is self-lubricating roller
bearing retainers used in vacuum or high temperatures up to
400°C (752°F). Another application is in fail-safe
operations, where the bearing must continue to operate for a
limited time following failure of the normal lubrication
system.
|
