World's first metal-polymer bearing turns 60 this year

The world's first self-lubricating metal-polymer plain bearing material, DU bearings combine the high load capacity and dimensional rigidity of lubricated metallic bearings with the performance and economic benefits of self-lubrication. The structure of the bearings consists of a rigid steel or corrosion-resistant bronze backing (DU-B), which provides mechanical strength, while a porous sintered bronze interlayer impregnated with a homogeneous mixture of PTFE and lead provides low friction and high wear resistance.

The low friction of the bearings reduces power losses for improved energy efficiency, while the wear-resistant bronze layer provides extended service life. Being self-lubricating, the bearings require little to no maintenance. However they can also be used with lubricant to prevent potential shaft/bearing seizure under boundary conditions.

The compact, lightweight design and thin-wall construction of the bearings provide space and weight savings, and because there are no moving parts or metal-to-metal contact, the bearings are quieter. In addition, assembly can be done quickly and easily without costly mounting tools.

Today, GGB produces millions of DU^® bearings for use in numerous applications in a wide range of industries. These include agricultural and other off-highway equipment; automotive including trucks; aviation; business machines; garden, lawn and outdoor equipment; hydraulics and valves; homes appliances and consumer goods; material handling; medical and dental; marine; packaging; recreational vehicles; railway equipment; textile equipment; and tools. 

When they were introduced, DU^® bearings represented a major technological breakthrough, becoming an industry standard and establishing GGB as the global leader in self-lubricating, metal-polymer plain bearings. They also served an important foundational role in the subsequent development of a range of stronger, more durable and environmentally friendly lead-free, metal-polymer bearings.

These include marginally lubricated DX® bearings for grease or oil lubricated applications (1965); HI-EX® marginally lubricated bearings for high-temperature applications (1986); DP4 bearings for automotive shock absorbers and other hydraulic applications (1995); DP31 bearings for improved performance under lubricated conditions, wear resistance, fatigue strength and low friction (2003); DX®10 bearings for Class 7-8 trucks; DP10 and DP11 bearings for superior performance under marginally lubricated and dry running conditions (2010); and DTS10® machinable metal-polymer bearings for the fluid power and compressor markets.