Plastic bearings and bushings offer unique advantages over metal: they run quieter, resist corrosion, and often require no external lubrication. CNC machining delivers the precision needed for functional bearing surfaces in engineering plastics.
Best Materials for CNC Machined Plastic Bearings
| Material | PV Limit (MPa·m/s) | Max Temp | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| POM (Delrin) | 0.12 | 100°C | General purpose bushings |
| Nylon 6/6 | 0.11 | 120°C | Medium load, intermittent |
| PTFE-filled POM | 0.18 | 100°C | Low friction sliding |
| PEEK | 0.25 | 260°C | High temp, high load |
| UHMWPE | 0.10 | 80°C | Impact, low speed |
| PTFE | 0.07 | 260°C | Chemical environment |
| PBI | 0.35 | 340°C | Extreme conditions |
Bearing Tolerance Guide
- ID tolerance: H7 typical, H6 for precision (e.g., 20mm ID: +0.021/0 mm)
- OD tolerance: h6 or press-fit allowance
- Concentricity: 0.02mm TIR maximum
- Surface finish: Ra 0.8 µm on bearing surface
- Length: +/-0.05mm standard
Self-Lubricating Plastic Bearings
Many engineering plastics are inherently self-lubricating. POM and PTFE-filled materials eliminate the need for grease or oil, making them ideal for cleanroom, food processing, and medical applications where contamination is unacceptable.
Common Plastic Bearing & Bushing Types
- Sleeve bushings: Most common, straight cylindrical bore
- Flanged bushings: With thrust face for axial location
- Thrust washers: Flat bearing for axial loads only
- Spherical bearings: Self-aligning for misalignment compensation
- Custom profiles: Grooves, notches, keyways per drawing
Upload your bearing drawing for a free quote. ISO 9001 certified. PEEK, POM, PTFE bearings in 5-7 days.