Graphite-metal/Alloy Bearings
A range of graphite-metal/alloy bushings and bearings is available from ISO-Reliability Partners. Graphalloy is an ideal solution for any bearing or bushing application where lubricants fail due to the surrounding environment, says Craig FitzGerald. Known as Graphalloy, the material is a graphite-metal/alloy that is solid, uniform, self-lubricating, non-galling, and can operate in temperature extremes from –260°C to 535°C, with a low friction coefficient.
“The material is basically graphite in solid form, with the pores filled with metal,” explains Craig. Graphalloy is the registered name for graphite-metal/alloy materials manufactured by the Graphite Metallizing Corporation under ISO 9001:2015 Certification. Such bearings do not require oil or grease lubrication and instead depend on the combination of graphite and metal for lubrication and durability.
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Up to 20 years
It means these bearings are extremely long-lasting. Whereas oil and grease-lubricated bearings can seize, and thermo-plastics fail, Graphalloy provides lifetime cost-savings and significant operating advantages over conventional bearing materials. Such bearings have operated for up to 20 years in some applications without any maintenance requirements.
The alloy is available in over 100 grades with specific properties to meet a diverse range of engineering solutions and specifications. FDA-accepted grades are available for food-contact equipment, while NS International and WRAS certified water grade for municipal well and water treatment applications.
No production loss
Standard designs are available as pillow blocks, cam followers, and bushings, which can be customised to OEM requirements or retrofit applications. Graphalloy bushings are ideal for remote locations and applications where lubrication is difficult or impossible to apply, such as cam rollers, vertical shaft guide bushings, or dampers. “There is no production loss due to bushing failure, product spoilage, or replacement or maintenance costs,” highlights Craig.
Graphalloy is particularly advantageous in extreme conditions where traditional bearing materials fail. Its ability to withstand harsh environments makes it suitable for high-temperature furnaces, ovens, and submerged pump applications where conditions such as high humidity, caustic substances, or abrasive materials are present.
Resistant to chemical corrosion
It can also be used in cryogenic applications, demonstrating its versatility across a broad temperature spectrum. In addition, its non-galling nature ensures smooth operation even in instances of marginal misalignment or shaft deflection.
Another significant benefit of Graphalloy is its resistance to chemical corrosion, making it ideal for use in the chemical, wastewater, and process industries. Applications where traditional lubricants would wash-out, degrade or contaminate the environment benefit greatly from Graphalloy’s solid, self-lubricating properties.
