Many times, high-performance plastic bearings are confused with PTFE-lined metal-backed bearings, which are a much older technology. Over the past 3 decades, there has been a revolution in the advancement and use of engineering plastics in bearing applications.

Plastic bearings are designed to stand up to high speeds and loads, temperature extremes, caustic chemicals, and a wide range of other application requirements and environmental factors. Robert Dumayne, dry-tech director at igus, uncovers the top 5 reasons for replacing PTFE-lined bearings with engineering plastic options.