2016 marks the 60th anniversary of GGB Bearing Technology’s iconic DU® bearings. In 1956, Glacier Metal Company, GGB’s predecessor introduced world’s first self-lubricating metal polymer plain bearings.
These DU® bearings possess composite bearing structure comprised of a steel backing for mechanical strength and a porous sintered bronze interlayer impregnated with PTFE and lead for high wear resistance and extremely low friction properties.
This structure provides the following benefits: Improved energy efficiency due to low friction of PTFE-enriched overlay ; extended service life with a strong wear-resistant bronze layer ; Zero maintenance as self-lubricating bearings can operate perfectly dry; Greater reliability with lubricant to avoid potential shaft/bearing seizure under boundary conditions; Compact, lightweight designs with a thin-wall bearing construction; Reduced noise due to no metal-to-metal contact and quick, simple assembly without expensive mounting tools.
Since this initial breakthrough development, GGB has developed series of self-lubricating metal-polymer bearing products optimized for greater performance.
These advances have resulted in a range of stronger, more durable and environmentally friendly lead-free bushings and bearings (in accordance with EU directives – ELV, RoHS and WEEE) that perform excellently under extreme conditions in both dry and lubricated applications.
