What is a plain bearing?

A plain bearing, also known as a slide bearing and sliding contact bearing, is a simple bearing that includes only a bearing surface without rolling elements or moving parts. Plain bearings are technically cylinders that vary in design depending on motion.

Three plain bearing designs include thrust, journal and linear. Plain bearings are often the cheapest kind of bearing on the market and come in several different materials including plastics, PTFE, bronze, graphite and polyacetal. Plain bearings can either be self-lubricating or require manual lubrication on their exterior.

What are the benefits of plain bearings?

Plain bearings come with several benefits, including:

• Suitable for static and dynamic loads
• Accommodate misalignment
• Allow for multi-directional movements
• Accommodate deformation of components
• Accommodate different tolerances

What industry applications are plain bearings used in?

Some common industry sectors where you can find plain bearings include:

• Mining
• Construction
• Farm and forestry
• Solar power