Fluoroglide@Slide Bearings

Either virgin or glassfilled Fluorinoid@

PTFE is used as the

In a wide range of applications, Fluoroglide@ slide bearings

are superior to conventional expansion plates. rollers and

bearing material Virgin PTFE is recommended for bearing

pressures up to about 70kg/ cm2.The load bearing capacity is
increased to 140kg/ cm2 by using Fluorinoid@FL 129. Loads in
excess of these can be accommodated by confining the
material within a recessed housing and by using a polished
stainlesssteel counterplate - proposed configurations should

rocker arms. accommodating

expansion. contraction
and
other reciprocating motions of any structure that moves as a
result of thermal, seismic or differential forces.

Such bearings must operate at high loads and low speeds,

and it is under just these conditions that the self-lubricating
properties of Fluorinoid@ PTFE are at maximum. This,
together with its no stick-slip and anti-weathering
characteristics, is the main reason why Fluorinoid@PTFE has
proved so successfulas a slide bearing material.

be discussedwith our designers.

Fluoroglide@ Skidway Plates
Fluorocarbon design and manufacture a range of
Fluoroglide@skidway plates based on the proven PTFE slide
bearing technology.
Fluoroglide@ skidway plates are used in many construction
yards throughout the world to assist in skiddingjackets,
Decks and Bridges.jackets and Decks with weights up to
30000 Tonnes have been successfully loaded out on
Fluoroglide@skidway
plates.

Typical applications are:

. steam heated pipelineson North Sea oil production
modules
. oil, water and chemicaltransportation- aboveground

Typical friction values are 5-10% for static breakout and

1-5%for dynamic skidding. These values are dependent upon:
. Surface finish of the Timber Skid Shoe
Flatnessof the installed Skidway plates
Use of Fluoroslip@.

..

pipemains

. structural steel fabrications/buildings,.flue-gas mains,

de-sulphurisationplant, offshoreflare stackstructures.

. large complex concrete buildings- multi-storey car

parks,civic centresetc.
The Slide Bearing
Normally, a slide bearing consists simply of two pads of
PTFE sliding agai~st each other; for very high pressure
applications, a single pad may be used to counterface a
polished stainless steel pla~e. The assembly is designed so
that one pad (generally the top pad) is larger than the other
by an amount equal to the expected movement, so keeping
the contact area constant throughout the cycle of motion.
Fluorocarbon Company produces slide bearings in a range of
configurations - though each bearing is designed specifically
to suit the application. The basic element is usually a 2.5mm
PTFEsheet. factory bonded to a 3mm steel backing plate for
straightforward field installation by welding or bolting.
Alternative thickness and materials for the backing plate can
be supplied.
Where operating conditions require them, thermal insulation
and vibration damping pads may be bonded between the
PTFE sheet and the backing plate, or between the backing
plate and the structure. To allow operation at high ambient
temperature, a high temperature epoxy resin system is used
for bonding, and the adhesives are cured under strictly
controlled conditions, ensuring that the bond is stronger than
the PTFE itself.

Fluorocarbon are able to offer a range of skidway plates to

suit all customer requirements. A typical Fluoroglide@skidway
plate comprises of 2.5mm Fluorinoid@PTFEhot bonded to a
3mm carbon steel plate with a 25mm welding lip. for on site
tack welding without damage to the PTFE. All exposed
metallic surfaces should be protected against corrosion.
Fluoroslip@ FL41 5 Lubrication System
To reduce breakout friction we recommend the use of
Fluoroslip@415 which is a combination of Fluoroslip@414
with PTFEadditive. The combination of materials will reduce
the initial static friction caused by:
Long construction time
Absorbent Timber Skid shoe
Uneven loading
c5nstruction Yard debris

..
..

Bonding the PTFE

Chemical bonding is the only method which Fluorocarbon
recommended for locating the bearing material on its
support. The shear value of the epoxy adhesive is greater
than that of the PTFE.
All hot bonded Fluorinoid@ PTFE elements supplied by
Fluorocarbon
Company meet the requirements of BS5400
and we recommend the use of black, filled Fluorinoid@ PTFE to
ensure the bond is not affected by exposure to ultra violet light.

Site bonding of PTFE is not recommended - strictly

controlled
conditions of cleanliness. pressure and
temperature are required to obtain a satisfactory bond
between the PTFE and the substrate. If site bonding is
unavoidable. it is recommended that Fluorocarbon engineers
are consulted.

Design Considerations
. Determinethe total load of structure- this will indicate
the total bearing area required at a suitable bearing
pressureand temperature.
. Decide the number and positions of the bearings
accordingto the rigidity and function of the structure.
. Take account of operating environment and specify
gradesof steelfor backingplates.
. Considerany unusualconditionsaffectingthe bearings,
such as the need for additional the:rmal insulation,
vibration padsand deflectionof bearingsurface.
. Decidethe most appropriatemethod of mountingthe
bearings.

. Select the types of bearings required from the

Recommended Design chart and specify their
dimensions.
Typical bearing configuration

for storage vessels.

PTFE

Material thickness
From Basic Fluorocarbon tests coupled with independent
and empirical testing. the ideal thickness has been found to
be 2.5mm, although this can be reduced to I .5mm as an
absolute minimum. This is thin enough to achieve the
maximum reduction in cold flow and creep. yet thick enough
to allow for some constructional misalignment and to allow
for dirt and grit embedment.
Installation
The bearing components can be fixed to the installation by
bolting, tack-welding, full welding or mortar embedment, and
the appropriate type of bearing should be chosen according
to the installation method The PTFEshould be adequately
protected against weld spatter, paint spray, metal swan etc.,
during installation.
Pad Dimensions
The top bearing pad should be larger than the bottom pad by
an amount in excess of the expected movement, in order to
maintain a constant area and prevent ingress of dirt on the
bearing surfaces.

Bearing Temperature
The temperatureat the surfaceof the PTFEshouldgenerally
be lessthan 120.Cand shouldnever exceed200.C. Typical
data suggeststhat under normal conditionsthe temperature
falls by 200.C for every IOOmmfrom the heat source (in
ambientair).

II
Base

\\

Plate

However. if the bearing temperature is likely to exceed

120.C a thermal insulator should be fitted between the
structureandthe bearingbackplate.(Seegraphon page5).
Vibration/Acoustic

Damping

Pads

Slidebearingunits can be built with a variety of elastomeric

J" "'~""

..~ I

composite interlayers or backings to suit customer's design

parameters when acoustic or vibration damping is necessary.
Elastomers may be used when simple angular or rotational
movements are required.
...

EXAMPLEPART
NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

FC 2530-MST

CONFIGURATION

Tack Weld Bearing

2.5mm PTFEpad bonded to 3mm backing plate for
tack welding. Welding Lip surounding PTFE.

Existing Substrate

PTFE Sliding surface

Tack
Load Capacity: 70kg/ cm2.

TemperatureRange:-30.C to + 120.C*.
Backing Plate Incorporating Weld Lip
FC 25120-MST

Full Weld Bearing

2.5mm PTFEtop pad bonded to 12mm backing plate

for full welding to substrate.2.5mm PTFE bottom pad
bonded to 12mm backing plate for full welding to
substrate.
TemperatureRange:-30.C to + 120.C*.

FC 2560-MSB

Bolted Bearing
2.5mm PTFEpad bonded to 6mm backing plate with

Sliding surface

countersunk holes for bolting.

Load Capacity: 70kg/ cm2

Bolted

TemperatureRange:-30.C to + 120.C*.

FC 2530-SSNRT

Elastomeric Backed Bearing

2.5mm PTFEpad bondedto 3mm backingplatefor
tack welding.
2.5 PTFE bottom pad bondedto 3mm backingplate,
6mm Elastomer to accommodate small angular
misalignments and 3mm mounting plate for tack
welding or bolting.
Load Capacity: 70kg/ cm2.
I

TemperatureRange:-30.C to + 120.C*.
TS 2530-STD

Skidway Plate
2.5mm PTFEpad bonded to 3mm Carbon Steel with
25mm welding lip for tack welding to skid beam.
Dimple PTFE
Typical size:

Carbon Steel600x2000
PTFE SOOxI9S0.
*Specia/isedbanding systems are available for temperatures
outside this range.

Bearing configurations shown are typical. Variations are

possibleto suit the application.
Alternative thicknesses of PTFE, backing plates, thermal
insulation pads and vibration damping pads may be specified see Part Number Key.The dimensionsgiven are typical.
Alternative backing materials are availablefor all bearing
types - see Part Number Key. Dimpled PTFEis availablewhen
required by the application.

The high temperature

limit of each configuration should be
regarded as the absolute maximum. Normally the temperature at
the surface of the PTFE should not exceed + 120.C.
For glass-filled PTFE bearings, the load capacity should be
multiplied by 2. For contained glass-filled PTFE bearings the load
capacity may be multiplied by 4 Under these conditions the
deformation of the bearing material will not exceed O.O5mm.
Load ~hversion
factors: IkP/cm2 = 14.20Ibf/in2 = 9804kP:I

DESCRIPTION

CONFIGURATION

EXAMPLE PART
NUMBER
FC SS
65-MS125T

Recessed Bearing

6.0mm PTFE pad containedin a recessedbacking

plate. finished for tack welding. full welding or bolting.
Counterfaced by a larger. mirror finished stainless steel
plate.
3mm Recess
3mm PTFE Proud

Load Capacity: 140kg/ cm2.

TemperatureRange:-30.C to + 120.C*.
Anti-Vibration

~~~~( I

Bearing

FC
2530-SSVP125

2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 3mm backing plate for

tack welding. 2.5 PTFEbottom pad bonded to 12.5mm
anti-vibration pad. Held in place by mechanical friction.

Elastomer

Load Capacity: 70 kg/ cm2.

Temperature Range: -30.C to + 120.C*.

Concrete
substrate

Thermal

~~~~~~~~~

"

Termal
insulator

Insulation

Bearing

FC
2530-MS250TI

Usedwhenthe PTFEtemperaturecouldexceed+ 180'C.

2.5mmPTFEtop padbondedto 3mm backingplate,25mm
thermalinsulatorand3mmmountingplatefor tackweldingor
bolting.2.5mmPTFEbottom padbondedto 3mmbackingplate
for weldingor bolting.
LoadCapacity:70kg/cm2.
TemperatureRange:-30'C to + 120'C*.

Counterfaced Bearing

FC
SS 2530-MST

Mirror finished stainless steel

2.5mm PTFEpad bonded tr;>3mm backing plate for
tack welding. full welding or bolting. Counterfaced by a
larger. mirror finished stainless steel plate.
Load Capacity: 70kg/ cm2.

TemperatureRange:-30.C to + 120.C*.

Skidway Plate
2.5mm Dimpled PTFE pad bonded to 3mm Carbon
steel with 25mm welding lip and central welding holes.

J5 2530-5P

Typical size:
Carbon Steel 1200x2000
PTFE 500x19502 pads.
*Specialisedbanding systemsare available (ar temperatures
outside this range.

Part Number Key

BackingPlateMaterials:MS Mild Steel AI Aluminium
SS Stainless
Steel- EN 55304/316

The first figures in the part number indicate the thickness of

the PTFEand backing plate. in mm x 10.
e.g. FC 2530 is 2.5mm PTFE bonded to a 3mm backing plate.

Intermediate

Materials:NR Neoprene TI Thermallnsulation

InstallationMethod:

VP Vibration Pad
T Tack Weld L Full Weld
B

Bolted

Figuresfollowing an Intermediate Material code indicatethe

thickn~s of that material, in mm x 10.
j

e.g.FC2530- NR60hasa 6mmNeoprenepad.

Figure I. Coefficient of Friction: Effect of Load

Coefficients of Friction
The coefficient of friction of PTFEmaterials is dependent on
many variables, including pressure, sliding velocity and
temperature. Opini<;>nis divided about the effect of some
variables, although it is agreed that high pressure and low
velocities favour low friction.
The coefficient is less than that of any other solid engineering
material. It has been variously reported from 0.02 to 0.2, but
this depends on surface preparation and the test method.
The load/friction chart (Figure I) shows the effect of load.
In general, the coefficient of friction between the mating
surface and the PTFE slide bearing pad will be at a minimum
when the stress in the PTFEis at a maximum (consistent with
acceptable limits of creep), the bearing is made from unfilled
PTFE,and the finish of the mating surface is highly polished.

Figure 2. Recommended Maximum Bearing Pressures

In addition, one of the most important frictional

characteristicsof PTFEis the absenceof 'stick-slip',because
unlikeall other conventionalbearings,the statisticfriction of
PTFEis equalto or only marginallyhigherthan the dynamic
friction.

Recommended Maximum Bearing Pressures

Figure2 indicatesthe optimum pressure,but dependingon
circumstances,
designpressuresmaybe allowedto vary from
the oPtimum.
With these pressures,a designcoefficientof friction of O.I
for unfilledPTFEor 0.12 for filled PTFEwill give a significant
margin of safety when all operating conditions cannot
accuratelybe predicted.but the figuresobtainedin practice
will normallybe considerablylessthan these.

Figure 3. Monolux 500:Temperature change for various

thicknesses
Thermal

Insulation

Where the temperatureat the facesof the PTFEis likelyto

exceed I 50.C by conduction through the bearing
components, a thermal barrier must be interposed between
the heat source and the sliding unit. Fluorocarbon
recommend the use of Monolux 500 - the thickness
required can be computed from the graph in Figure 3. The
graph shows the external surface temperature that can be
anticipated using Monolux 500 in constructions up to 100mm
thickness, based on practical tests. The actual surface
temperature will differ with variations in surface
conductance.

..

Bearing Wear
The conditions of high pressure and low sliding velocity
under which slide bearings normally operate are such that
bearing wear is insignificant in most applications. By
calculation, a reasonable estimate of the service life of the
bearing can be made, and is likely to be in the region of 100
to 150 years. In any case, the life of the bearing will probably
exceed the life of the associated structure.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
of Fluorocarbon PTFE Slide Bearings

.
.

There is no stick-slip action.

They have indefinite life, since chemicals and weather
have no effect on PTFE- moisture absorption is less than

The life of a bearing can be calculated using the Archard wear

0.0 I % even under icing conditions

material is chemically inert.

equation:

T=

PTFE hasthe lowest coefficientof friction of any known

solid 'engineeringmaterial'includinglubricatedmetal.

PxVxK

where T = life in hours

V = sliding velocity in m/s
K = wear factor

L = linear wear in mm
P pressure in kg/ cm2

or immersion,

. No maintenanceis required.PTFE
.

and the

will never cold weld to

itself and therefore requires no lubrication.

The bearings are easily installed, either pre-assembled

or

on site.

K is not necessarilya constantfor a given material,but will

vary with velocity,pressureand conditionsof test. We can
specifyK for variousconditionson request.

PTFE bearings are less bulky than alternative assemblies.

There is no possibility of fatigue failure.

. Electrical and thermal insulation minimise galvanic

corrosion and heat loss.

. Vibrationsare damped.
. Small particles which may become embedded do not
causebindingof the surfaces.
.

Dimple Sheet EN I 337pt 11/855400

For applications such as pot bearings for use in railway and
highway bridges. Fluorocarbon produces dimpled sheet
conforming to these standards. It is available in a variety of
thicknesses in sheets up to 1200mm square, or discs and
segments cut to the client's requirements.

The slide bearing can accommodate

Dimple PTFE can be supplied plain for retained bearings or

etched for bonding into pot bearings or vulcanising with
elastomer to produce slip bearings.

Transportation
BargeshowingFluoroglide@
skidwayin position.

some misalignment in

consruction without setting up stress corrosion along a

leading edge. as can occur in conventional brearings.

A selectfonof Fluoroglide@
slidebearings.

Company Profile
FluorocarbonCo Ltd is a wholly Britishowned private limited companyformed in 1962to
manufactureand market PTFEproducts.It hasbecomethe largestprocessorof PTFEin the UK and
hasexpandedits rangeto encompassthe full spectrumof fluoropolymer materials,high-performance
polymersand elastomers.
ISO 9002 qualitysystemis operated,together with approvalsfrom major industrialcompanies,and all
nationaland internationalstandardsare observed,to ensurethat productsare world class.

Seeall our products at www.fluorocarbon.co.uk or email your

enquiry to info@fluorocarbon.co.uk
Fluorocarbon Company Ltd
CaxtonHill, Hertford SG137NH (UK)
Tel:+44 (0) 1992550731Fax:+44 (0) 1992584697

Fluorocarbon
EuropeanSalesOffice
Redelestraat
2 3316,BSDordrecht,The Netherlands
Tel: (31) 78 6540851 Fax:(31) 78 6540852

Polymer Division
PTFE finished and semi-finishedproducts. Subcontractprecision

machinedcomponents,assembliesand tools
Special Products Division
Specialitymouldingsin Fluoropolymersand high performance
plastics,PTFEslide bearings

FLUOROCARBON
LTD
Northbank Industrial Park, ExcaliburWay, Irlam,
Manchester M44 5BL
Tel: +44 (0) 161 7776300
Fax: +44 (0) 161 776 2503/2507

Coatings Division
Surface coatings in Fluoropolymers and odJer advanced plastics

Fluorocarbon Seals Ltd

HighPerformancePTFEsealsand bearings
Tel: +44 (0) 1992550731 Fax:+44 (0) 1992587983
Export Sales Office
Worldwide Salesand Marketing
Tel:+44 (0) 1992550731 Fax:+44 (0) 1992504~50

Fluorocarbon Bakeware Systems Ltd

LilacGrove.Beeston.NottinghamNG9 I PF
Tel:+44(0)1 I 15943 1111 Fax:+44(0)1 15943 1177

Linings Division
Corrosionresistantlined piping and accessoriesfor the
ChemicalProcessIndustry.Ardu~ lined pumps
High-buildcoatingsapplied in Halar and PFA,for chemical
processplant, equipment and accessories
PTFECustomMouldings by IsostaticMoulding
Sheet and Tape Division
PTFESheetand Tapeproducts
Bellows Division
PTFEexpansionjoints

Pans,racks, haops and trays for the bakery industry

Hose Division

Fluorocarbon Bakeware Systems Ltd

PTFE lined hoses

BirleyValeAvenue.SheffieldS122AX
Tel: +44 (0) 1142530353 IFax:+44 (0) 1142530355
Advancednon-stickcoatingsfor industria!bakewareand the food
industry

Fluorocarbon Engineering Plastics Division

(Scotland)
6 Rutherford Square, Brucefield Industrial Estate,
Livingstone, West Lothian EH54 9BU (UK)
Tel: +44 (0)150 641 1865 Fax: +44 (0)150 6412720
Machined componentsin PTFE,Nylon and engineeringplastics

@ Registered trade name:

Fluorinoid Fluorocarbon Co. Ltd
Fluoroglide Fluorocarbon Co. Ltd
Fluoralon - Fluorocarbon Co. Ltd
Fluoropak - Fluorocarbon Co. Ltd

Fluoroline - Fluorocarbon Co. Ltd

Fluorioetch Fluorocarbon Co. Ltd

This publicationis basedon the best informationcurrentlyavailableand is offeredto usersin goodfaith but without offeringor
implying a warranty that such information is correct or has been amended. Nor may it be assumed that patents, copyrights or
design registrations concerning systems referred to herein may be ignored.
... )