Cast Polyamide 6 (nylon 6) +Oil as Bushing Material

Many applications which use rotating parts can benefit from the use of cast polyamide 6 + Oil (nylon 6 + Oil) as a bushing material. Cast polyamide 6 + Oil offers several advantages over traditional bearings and bushings:

low coefficient of friction
good sliding properties
high wear resistance
good dry running properties
mostly maintenance free
low weight
non-corrosive
good vibration dampening
physiologically innocuous
good chemical resistance

Material

Of the many known plastics, those with partially crystalline structures are best suited for sliding parts

Material	Abbreviation	Max Temp F	Properties
Cast Polyamide +Oil	PA6G+Oil	+195	Highest wear resistance, low coefficient of friction
Cast Polyamide 6	PA6G	+195	High wear resistance
Polyamide 6-E	PA6E	+195	Medium wear resistance
Polyacetal	POM	+175	Medium wear resistance, Good compressive strength
Polyethylene Terephthalate	PET	+195	High wear resistance, low coefficient of friction
Polyethylene UHMW	UHMW-PE	+122	Low coefficient of friction, low strength, low strength, acid resistant

Dry running

Under certain conditions, plastic bushings can run without lubrication. As a rule, lubricated bushings can take higher loads, have less wear and have a longer life. In all cases, including dry running, an initial lubrication at the time of installation should be made. The break-in properties will be greatly improved, and the working life will be lengthened. The plastic bushing materials listed above can be used with most commonly used lubricants.

Non-corrosive

Although the bushings will never corrode, the steel shaft should be protected from corrosion if there is no lubrication in order to prevent pitting of the shaft, which would significantly reduce the wear life of the bushing. It is recommended to use stainless steel or to chrome plate or harden the bushing journal.

Dirty applications

The amount of wear due to dirt particles such as dust or sand in the bushings is significantly less with plastic bushings than with metal bushings. This is because plastic can embed the dirt particles within itself. In extremely dirty applications, the bushings can be provided with grease grooves for removal of dirt particles.