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What are hydrodynamic and hydrostatic plain bearings?
1 Lubrication wedge | 2 Shaft | 3 Direction of rotation | 4 Housing
Functionality of hydrodynamic plain bearings
A hydrodynamic plain bearing is a type of bearing in which there is minimal clearance between the bearing and the shaft. This gap is filled with lubricant. When at rest, the shaft also rests on the plain bearing.
When the shaft starts to rotate, lubricant is drawn into the constriction between the bearing and shaft and the pressure in the lubricant increases as the rotational speed increases. This forms a so-called lubrication wedge underneath the shaft, which lifts the shaft. As a result, the plain bearing and shaft no longer touch and are separated from each other by a lubricating film.
Advantages of hydrodynamic bearing points
- Wear-free continuous operation is possible thanks to hydrodynamic lubrication
- Ideal for large bearing forces and diameters as well as high speeds
- Oil film has a dampening effect
- Simple installation
Coolant pump with hydrodynamic plain bearings
Hydrodynamic plain bearings are used here
Hydrodynamic plain bearings are often used in the automotive industry, where they are used in thermal management. They are also widely used in ships and subsea turbines, as they provide optimum performance when operating in humid environments. They also play an important role in power generation, particularly in wind turbines and hydroelectric power stations. In addition, hydrodynamic plain bearings are used in industrial machinery, such as large machine tools and pumps. Their ability to carry high loads with low friction makes them the ideal choice for these applications.
1 Oil inlet | 2 Shaft | 3 Direction of rotation | 4 Housing | 5 Oil outlet
How hydrostatic plain bearings work
A hydrostatic plain bearing is a type of bearing in which a pump is used to pump lubricant between the shaft and the bearing. In contrast to hydrodynamic bearings, there is therefore permanent full lubrication.
Hydrostatic plain bearings are used when it is necessary for the shaft to run in the centre. However, as the oil supply or oil pressure represents a safety risk, hydrodynamic bearing points are generally favoured.
Advantages of hydrostatic bearing points
- Permanent oil film means there is no sliding resistance when starting up and running down
- Low wear of the bearing point
- Low frictional power
Hydrostatic plain bearings are frequently used in machine tools
This is where hydrostatic plain bearings are used
Hydrostatic plain bearings have similar areas of application to hydrodynamic plain bearings. However, as they have a higher true-running accuracy, they are often used where high-precision operation is required. For example, in measuring equipment or machine tools. Like hydrodynamic plain bearings, they are also used in power generation. Here they are used in turbines and generators, among other things.
Our plain bearings for hydrodynamic applications
igus offers various plastic bearings that are suitable for use in hydrodynamic lubrication. These differ primarily in the various application parameters, such as e.g. temperature or chemical resistance, for which they were developed.
Free iglidur plain bearing sample box
Convince yourself of the quality of our products. The iglidur improves sample box contains:
✅ 39 iglidur plain bearings made from the most important materials
✅ Templates for finding the perfect material for your application
✅ iglidur bearing technology catalogue with information about our plain bearings
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