After nearly thirty years of business, UK based ACM Composite Bearings is enjoying an ever growing reputation and great success in new and challenging markets.

advanced composite materials

Located in South Yorkshire and formed in 1988 Advanced Composite Material (ACM) Bearings Ltd is a leading manufacturer of composite materials; developing, manufacturing, supplying and supporting the application of these advanced materials into a wide range of markets including marine, hydropower, hydraulics, rail, offshore, and construction.

The current management team completed a buyout in 2002, retaining British Steel Enterprise Ltd (Tata Group) as a shareholder. Fundamentally ACM is a ‘family’ business with corporate backing which allows the personal touch to customers which is often not provided by conglomerates.

Over the past ten years the company has significantly expanded production operations and now supplies into over fifty countries worldwide, both direct to market and through a network of distributors, agents and long term partners.

Today, with many years of solid, stable growth under its belt ACM Bearings Ltd is re-branded as ACM Composite Bearings to reflect its core product, and is rapidly becoming the number one choice for composite bearing solutions.

self-lubricating, low friction

The composites offered by ACM are resin bonded, fabric reinforced self-lubricating materials with properties tailored to differing environments and operational requirements.

The ACM Composite Bearings range of materials exhibit low friction, low wear, high compressive strength and very low moisture absorption; encompassing speciality high temperature, very low friction, chemical resistant and extra high strength variations. These materials are designed specifically to replace traditional metal based bearings, to give low wear and therefore longer life together with other technical advantages.

In most cases the application of ACM’s non-metallic materials can eliminate the requirement for regular lubrication; a fit and forget solution.

ACM products can be supplied as fully machined components including plain bearings, flange bearings, washers, pads, staves, wear rings, wear strip and spherical bearings. The materials are also available in sheet or tube form for final machining at the customer.

engineering solutions

ACM specialise in the design, engineer and manufacture of composite bearings for rudder systems, propeller shafts, pumps, turbines, cranes, winches, handling equipment, construction vehicles, hydraulics and much more, with some surprising applications included in their references. Many of these engineering solutions are tailor made; ACM’s highly experienced team working closely with their customers to ensure their requirements can be met.

highly experienced

The ACM Composites’ engineering team aim to provide efficient telephone and email support, with most enquiries answered the same or next day and offer design advice, technical proposals and quotations, machining recommendations and continued support.

ACM’s engineers are available for all technical queries customers may have regarding the use of ACM materials; from suitability, to material selection, through quotation, supply and after-sales support there is a high level of experience to call upon.

worldwide presence

Further growth is always on the agenda for the ACM Composite Bearings team with new applications, new markets and new partners. With a strong presence in Europe, the Far East, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas through a growing network of distributors, ACM take part in exhibitions around the world to open up new possibilities and meet new potential partners as well as visiting customers to provide direct support.

The aim of ACM’s marketing and engineering support efforts is to set up long term partnerships with respected companies; many of ACM’s distributors have been with the company for almost ten years and are considered friends.

These efforts, together with ACM Composite Bearings existing reputation and a focus on quality products and support ensure that the next few years will be busy and rewarding.