Abstract: A modular plain bearing is provided. The modular plain bearing includes a first end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of first fingers and a second end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of second fingers. The plurality of fingers cooperatively engage to provide a snap fit connection between the parts. For longer plain bearings, a bearing extender is provided. The bearing extender includes at least a first connector having a plurality of first connector fingers. The bearing extender may include either a second connector opposite the first connector having a plurality of second connector fingers.

Abstract: A modular plain bearing is provided. The modular plain bearing includes a first end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of first fingers and a second end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of second fingers. The plurality of fingers cooperatively engage to provide a snap fit connection between the parts. For longer plain bearings, a bearing extender is provided. The bearing extender includes at least a first connector having a plurality of first connector fingers. The bearing extender may include either a second connector opposite the first connector having a plurality of second connector fingers.

Abstract: A modular plain bearing is provided. The modular plain bearing includes a first end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of first fingers and a second end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of second fingers. The plurality of fingers cooperatively engage to provide a snap fit connection between the parts. For longer plain bearings, a bearing extender is provided. The bearing extender includes at least a first connector having a plurality of first connector fingers. The bearing extender may include either a second connector opposite the first connector having a plurality of second connector fingers.

Abstract: A modular plain bearing is provided. The modular plain bearing includes a first end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of first fingers and a second end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of second fingers. The plurality of fingers cooperatively engage to provide a snap fit connection between the parts. For longer plain bearings, a bearing extender is provided. The bearing extender includes at least a first connector having a plurality of first connector fingers. The bearing extender may include either a second connector opposite the first connector having a plurality of second connector fingers.

Abstract: Thermoplastically deformable composite materials have a core layer with a glass fiber woven ply connected on both sides thereof to a fiber nonwoven ply of polypropylene fibers and glass fibers. The core layer is connected with at least one cover layer which comprises polypropylene fibers and polyethylene terephthalate fibers. The composite materials are produced by needling the individual layers and heating to melt the polypropylene fibers. The composite materials are useful for preparing automotive parts.

Abstract: Rigid yet lightweight composite sheets contain a core layer formed by thermal consolidation of a needled non-woven mat of glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, optionally with a melt-bonded polypropylene film on at least one side thereof, sandwiched between layers of GMT. The core contains from 20 to 80 volume percent air voids, whereas the GMT outer layers have a very low or zero void content. The composite sheets may be used for structural panels, for fabricating furniture, and for other uses.