As outlined above, composite plastic bushings often outperform metal bushings. Some of the other advantages of using composite plastic bushings in place of metal bushings include:

• Customizable composites to meet different engineering criteria. Plastic bushings are chemical resistant, resist high temperatures up to +482°F, and are lubrication- and maintenance-free. They are available at a low cost, have a long service life, manage high loads, can be used in wet environments, are FDA-approved, and have many other useful features.
• Little to no maintenance required. Plastic bushings are self-lubricating, which eliminates the need for manual application and re-application of lubrication. The elimination of lubrication also enables greater resistance to debris and other contaminants, which lowers the risk of plastic bushings seizing up.
• Lower equipment costs. Plastic bushings are highly durable due to their lower coefficient of friction and greater wear resistance. As they tend to last longer and cost less, the switch from metal to plastic can save industry professionals up to 25% in costs.
• No need for lubrication. As plastic bushings self-lubricate, they don’t attract the dirt and dust that messy grease or oil does.
• More consistent coefficient of friction. The design of plastic bushings enables them to keep a low coefficient of friction (COF), creating less heat and wear. Additionally, plastic doesn’t scratch like metal does, which helps maintain a steady COF throughout the bushing’s service life.
• Greater corrosion resistance. Unlike metal bushings, water, salt, and other chemicals do not impact the performance of plastic bushings. Similarly, unlike metal bushings, water can even be used as a lubricant in plastic bushings.

Emerson Bearings
www.emersonbearing.com/plastic-bushings