Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of self-lubricating wear-resistant plates

1、 Core advantages

1. Significant self-lubricating performance

No need for external lubrication: By embedding solid lubricants (such as graphite, PTFE, molybdenum disulfide, etc.), lubricating particles are automatically released during the friction process, forming a stable lubricating film and reducing direct contact between metals. For example, the friction coefficient of high-strength brass+graphite composite plate can be as low as 0.05-0.1, significantly reducing frictional resistance.

Adapt to harsh environments: able to maintain lubrication effect even under high temperature, humidity, corrosive media or vacuum conditions, avoiding the problem of traditional lubricating oil failure.

2. Excellent wear resistance

High load-bearing capacity: The base material (such as high-strength brass, aluminum bronze) provides high strength and hardness, combined with the anti friction effect of solid lubricants, and the wear resistance is 5-10 times higher than ordinary steel. For example, the wear rate of high-strength brass+graphite composite plate is only 0.05-0.1 mm ³/N · m (under dry friction conditions).

Anti sediment erosion: The dual lubrication system (such as graphite+molybdenum disulfide) can effectively resist the wear of sediment containing media and extend its service life.

3. Low maintenance cost

Reduce downtime: No need to frequently add lubricating oil or replace worn parts, reducing maintenance costs. For example, in injection molding machines or automotive stamping dies, self-lubricating sliders can withstand frequent start stop cycles, improving overall stability.

Environmental advantages: Avoiding oil leakage and pollution, meeting the requirements of clean production.

4. Strong adaptability

Wide coverage of working conditions: suitable for complex working conditions such as low-speed heavy load, high-frequency motion, impact load, etc., such as excavators, rollers and other equipment.

Wide temperature range: Graphite based products can withstand high temperatures of up to 300 ℃ in the short term, while PTFE based products are suitable for temperatures as low as -200 ℃. Some products improve low-temperature brittleness by adding rare earth elements and are suitable for temperatures as low as -60 ℃.

5. Flexible design

Rich size specifications: customizable hole positions and shapes according to customer needs to meet different installation methods.

Sealing design: Adding a rubber protective sleeve can prevent lubricant loss and foreign object intrusion, improving reliability.

2、 Potential drawbacks

1. High cost

Material and process costs: The embedding process of special copper alloy substrates and solid lubricants (such as sintering and casting) increases manufacturing costs. For example, the price of aluminum bronze self-lubricating skateboard may be several times higher than that of ordinary steel.

2. Lubricant consumption risk

Uneven distribution or rapid consumption: If solid lubricants are unevenly distributed or consumed too quickly during friction, it may lead to a decrease in lubrication effect. It is necessary to regularly check the precipitation of lubricants (such as checking every 500 hours in the initial stage).

3. Limited high temperature resistance

Graphite based products: The long-term use temperature generally does not exceed 250 ℃, and they are prone to oxidation failure at high temperatures (>400 ℃).

PTFE based products: The applicable temperature is usually below 200 ℃, and cold flow should be avoided.

4. Insufficient impact resistance

Limitations of copper based materials: Under extreme impact loads, copper based self-lubricating sliding plates may deform or break, and steel based composite structures (with a substrate thickness of ≥ 15mm) need to be selected to enhance impact resistance.

5. Strict installation requirements

Contact surface accuracy: It is necessary to ensure that the flatness of the contact surface is ≤ 0.05mm/100mm and the roughness Ra is ≤ 1.6 μ m, otherwise it may affect the lubrication effect.

Bolt connection torque: The torque value should be controlled at 60% -70% of the yield strength of the base material to avoid failure caused by over tightening or over loosening.

3、 Suggested application scenarios

1. Priority selection scenario:

In situations where high-frequency motion or lubrication is inconvenient, such as mold manufacturing (such as mold positioning), injection molding, construction machinery (such as excavators and rollers), metallurgical equipment (such as rolling mills and continuous casting machines), etc.

2. Careful evaluation of the scenario is required:

Special materials or reinforced designs are required for working conditions such as extreme high temperatures (>400 ℃), highly corrosive media (such as sulfur-containing or chlorine environments), and extreme impact loads.

4、 Summary

The self-lubricating wear-resistant plate has the core advantages of self-lubricating, wear-resistant, and low maintenance, significantly improving equipment operation efficiency and reliability, but it needs to balance cost, high temperature performance, and installation requirements. Under the premise of reasonable selection and standardized installation, its comprehensive benefits are much higher than traditional lubrication schemes, especially suitable for the modern industrial demand for high efficiency, cleanliness, and long service life.