Plain bearings demonstrate their advantages to the full in marine applications and in the solar- and water-power sectors, as they are optimised for the combination of slow swivel movements and high forces that these applications involve. Schaeffler has systematically expanded its range of plain bearing solutions. In addition to maintenance-free INA plain bearings with ELGOGLIDE that have proven themselves for several years, the product range also includes metal-polymer composite plain bearings and INA plain bearings with ELGOTEX.
INA plain bearings with ELGOTEX WA, which are MCM-0112-certified by Germanischer Lloyd, are resistant to seawater and have been specially developed for use as rudder- and stabilizer-bearings in marine applications. This design is specifically suitable for water lubrication and does not require complicated seals, unlike conventional rolling and plain bearings.
INA plain bearings with ELGOTEX WA provide increased load carrying capacity for marine applications. While the standard thus far has been a maximum contact pressure of 10 N/mm2, ELGOTEX WA can support loads of up to 25 N/mm2. Germanischer Lloyd has certified ELGOTEX WA for loads of up to 15 N/mm² in marine applications. The higher power density ensures that the operating life of bearings with ELGOTEX WA is significantly increased under same operating conditions. This opens the door for new design options for downsizing and reducing the number of different bearing variants used in an application. Because the plain bearing is self-lubricating in water, there is no need to use oil or grease, and no seals are required. This means a major benefit in ecological terms when used in water.
