Technical

ACM grades - laminated composites composed of synthetic fabrics impregnated with thermosetting resins and solid lubricant fillers - offer engineers a real and effective alternative to traditional bearing materials...

Advantages over Phosphor Bronze

ACM materials have the ability to take high loads without compressing out, and are self lubricating so if servicing is neglected our materials will continue to perform. The self lubricating properties permit further value engineering by allowing the removal of greasing systems.

Our materials can also operate in dry, gritty environments, hence preventing the formation of grease/grit lapping pastes which can abrade shafts to destruction.

Advantages over Nylon

Nylon materials are sold under various trade names, but all are limited to relatively lightly loaded applications.

ACM materials exhibit a far higher load capacity than nylons and are dimensionally stable in fluids with an absorption of less than 0.1%, compared to nylon at up to 9%. This low level of absorption means that there is negligible swelling and degradation of properties. It also means that it is possible to operate tighter running clearances which increases the available bearing area and excludes to a greater extent the ingress of foreign particles (which in the case of nylon get embedded in and proceed to abrade the shaft).

ACM properties will remain stable no matter where in the world they are used, whereas those of nylon can be affected by the glass transition temperature.

Advantages over Phenolic Asbestos

For many years, phenolic asbestos laminates were the best materials available to engineers as a replacement for phosphor bronze. ACM materials have around 35% more compressive strength and are non-toxic, containing no asbestos. Phenolic Asbestos absorbs around 2% fluids, so ACM has similar advantages over this as it does for nylon materials.

In addition, we are able to impregnate with solid lubricants, such as graphite, PTFE or MoS2 which is there for the life of the component unlike oil impregnation.


Composite Tubes