Lots of interesting bearing selection questions coming into our Ask the Experts portal - have you submitted your bearing design challenge? The latest query involves Rulon W2 in a wet application. Our partner wants to know if grease is required to maintain low friction.
Q: Our company is using Rulon W2 in a fluid application (fresh water, seawater, oil) for hydraulic and pneumatic components. The Rulon disc mates against 316 stainless steel hardware. Operating conditions are loads up to 500 psi, with intermittent high-speed cycling.
Is lubrication needed between the Rulon disc and the stainless steel hardware?
A: Rulon W2 is actually designed for exactly this type of environment. It is a self-lubricating bearing material that never needs additional grease to perform in any application. It gives low friction against most materials, plus superior wear and good thermal dissipation in fresh water. In fact, Rulon W2 actually improves in performance when wet. The material does not expand and can help prevent shaft distress without any manual greasing needed - ever.
Check out our complete Rulon Bearings Comparison Chart for details on Rulon bearing selection, or see the W2 specifications below. And thanks for the question!
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Color
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Black
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Performance
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Max Load "P" (psi) Mpa: 1,000/6.9
Max Speed "V" (fpm) m/s: 400/2.0
Max "PV" (psi-fpm) (Mpa • m/s): 10,000/0.35
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Mating Surface Steel and Stainless Steel
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Rb35 and higher
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Environment
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Steam, wet, dry
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Relative Rating (1=Low, 5=High)
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Coefficient of friction: 2
Creep resistance: 4
Insulative property: No
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Rod and Tube
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Extruded up to 10' long
Molded up to 12" long
Extruded 2" max O.D.
Molded 47" max O.D.
Precision grinding or machining available for some sizes
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Sheet and Tape
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Tape 38" width max. Skived up to 1/4" thick
Molded up to 24" x 3" thick. Max thickness 3"
Precision grinding or machining available on thickness
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Custom
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Contact district sales manager
Full machining capabilities available
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Dave Biering
