Self-lubricating sintered bearings
A self-lubricating sintered bearing is a metallic component with high porosity (20-25% in volume), impregnated in a lubricant oil. The oil contained in the porosity provides a constant lubrication between bearing and shaft, so the system does not need any additional external lubricant. Self-lubrication allows this type of sliding bearing to work under hydrodynamic conditions, resulting in a very low friction coefficient.
Self-lubricating sintered bearings have some advantages compared to other types of dry sliding bearings:
Reliability.
The constant oil presence eliminates the risk of seizure, and allows the bearing to work during thousands of hours without wear.
Economy.
Maintenance-free, no need for lubricants.
Performance.
Able to work under loads of up to 10 MPa, and speeds up to 8 m/s.
The maximum working PV is is the range of 10 MPa·m/s, but can be surpassed in special cases.
The dimensional precision is very high (up to IT 5 in diameter), and produces extremely low noise.
AMES manufactures the self-lubricating bearings at AMES Solsona plant, which is specialised in this product. This plant includes a R&D laboratory specialised in bearings, able to provide customized solutions to their customers, in terms of material choice, oil, shapes, tolerances, and assembly method.
The main applications for self-lubricating sintered bearings are:
AUTOMOTIVE
Wiper motors, power windows, sunroofs, seats, rear-view mirrors, etc.

INDUSTRIAL
Electromagnetic (Solenoids), pneumatic or hydraulic actuators

Washing machines, fans, extractor fans, shaving machines, depilators, juicers, rostisserie, air conditioning, handtools, coffee machines, wishking machines, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, boilers, etc.

Locks, garage doors, awnings, roller shutters, sliding windows, office swivel chairs, trolley rolling wheels, hinges, furnitures, gardening, etc.

Bottling machinery, carpenter machinery, assembly machinery in general, automation, key duplicating machines, sewing machines, industrial vehicles, electrical switchgears, mobility, medical, catering, farm machinery, toys, etc.
