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The TriStar engineering team has been working with a leading manufacturer of satellite arrays in its latest deployment. The satellite arrays or antenna are launched with a tri-fold design with three legs per satellite and 4 joint pins per array. For this joint pin application, the Tri-SteelTM Bearings are the logical choice for this rugged environment, requiring no lubrication or maintenance.
The first picture shows the stowed position of the satellite before launch (minus the arrays) and the second picture is the orbiting satellite with the three arrays deployed. This is one of several lunar photo satellites being sent up to survey the moon, and later, Mars.
Tri-SteelTM Bearings are able to handle PV's up to 1 million without lubrication and even higher with lubrication. Friction coefficients of 0.8-1.2 without lubrication allow the user to operate without stick slip at very high loads and speeds. The bearings are capable of taking extensive side loads and will operate without maintenance in very hostile environments.
Tri-SteelTM Bearings are also available with ACETAL and PEEK liners, as well as enhanced wear versions of each of the liner configurations. They are currently available in metric and inch, sleeve, flange and thrust bearings. Custom sizes are available with quick turnarounds. Liner materials can also be applied to both the ID and OD of the bearings for rod and piston designs.
For more information about Tri-SteelTM Bearings and other products available from TriStar Plastics Corp., call us at 1-800-TRISTAR or visit our website at tstar.com
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TriSteel
