Automotive bearing manufacturer Saint-Gobain has developed a new range of customisable composite bearings. Combining new design features, leading material advancements and Saint-Gobain’s proprietary polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) compound liner.
An aluminium encapsulation with a steel support, acts as a cathode to prevent rust, while innovative scoring exposes the core material when in contact with steel housings, further minimising electrical conductivity issues.
Each bearing is designed to ensure that it is the perfect fit to control the amount of conductivity and torque produced during assembly. Saint-Gobain states that this allows OEMs to carry out the painting process with ease, without affecting the performance of the bearing. The design of new bearing range presents lightweight, space saving capabilities while the PTFE compound layer minimise any noise issues. Ultimately this reduces weight, space concerns and operational costs for the OEM, whilst enhancing end user driving experience.
Test results show that the corrosion resistant bearings stand up to salt and moisture conditions well beyond their normal applications. After 1,000 hours in salt spray tests, where galvanized steel or Aluminium hinges housed the component, the bearings displayed no red rust at all.
“We have seen a trend for multi material hinges in the industry, as such, to facilitate this with OEM needs for bearings that are resistant to corrosion without compromising on load capabilities we developed a new range of bearings,” said Hans-Jürgen Jäger, global market manager, Automotive Exterior. “The brand of a car can live or die by its ability to perform well throughout alternating weather conditions – having components that perform well whatever the weather, and load, is essential for reputation and repeat sales. We are confident that our Norglide corrosion resistant bearings will keep the OEM ahead of others in an extremely competitive marketplace and also save them bottom line costs through facilitating the manufacturing process.”
