Abstract: A self-lubricating composite material is disclosed. The self-lubricating composite material can include discontinuous polymer fiber segments dispersed within a woven matrix of semi-continuous thermoplastic fiber. The woven matrix can be embedded within a thermosetting resin. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the self-lubricating composite material.

Abstract: A solid lubricant composition comprising a wax carrier and agglomerates of PTFE micropowder dispersed throughout the wax carrier is disclosed. In some embodiments, the solid lubricant composition is applied to an interior surface of a cylindrical plain bearing. In other embodiments, a polymer sliding layer having a plurality of indentations formed therein is applied to the interior surface of a metal shell, and the solid lubricant composition described herein is disposed in the indentations, to thereby form a cylindrical plain bearing having a sliding layer of both the polymer material and the solid lubricant composition.

Abstract: A bearing comprises a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, graphite, and other discrete particles of an additive material that is attached to a backing material. A method for manufacturing a bearing comprises depositing to a backing material a fluid polymer bearing material comprised of a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, various fillers, and discrete particles of an additive to form a continuous consolidated bearing material, and curing the lining material to bond the lining material onto the backing material.

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 bearing comprises a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, graphite, and other discrete particles of an additive material that is attached to a backing material. The specific selection and mix of fillers with the resin matrix provides the desired blend of bearing properties such as wear resistance, fatigue and erosion resistance and low friction whilst maintaining sufficient flexibility for being formed into flanged cylindrical geometries without detriment to the adherence of the lining to the backing. A method for manufacturing a bearing comprises depositing to a backing material a fluid polymer bearing material comprised of a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, various fillers, and discrete particles of an additive to form a continuous consolidated bearing material, and curing the lining material to bond the lining material onto the backing material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a bearing for a piston engine has a bearing made of a plastic material and having a substantially planar base and a substantially hemispherical portion. The base is configured to engage with a swash plate, and the hemispherical portion is configured to engage with a piston.

Abstract: A bearing comprises a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, graphite, and other discrete particles of an additive material that is attached to a backing material. The specific selection and mix of fillers with the resin matrix provides the desired blend of bearing properties such as wear resistance, fatigue and erosion resistance and low friction whilst maintaining sufficient flexibility for being formed into flanged cylindrical geometries without detriment to the adherence of the lining to the backing. A method for manufacturing a bearing comprises depositing to a backing material a fluid polymer bearing material comprised of a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, various fillers, and discrete particles of an additive to form a continuous consolidated bearing material, and curing the lining material to bond the lining material onto the backing material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a bearing for a piston engine has a bearing made of a plastic material and having a substantially planar base and a substantially hemispherical portion. The base is configured to engage with a swash plate, and the hemispherical portion is configured to engage with a piston.