Corrosion Resistant Bearings: Eliminate Rust with Composite Materials
In Tough Industrial Applications, You Count On Your Bearings To Power Through Corrosive Environments
Why Metal Bearings Corrode
Metal and bronze bearings depend on a lubricant film for protection. When that film breaks down under moisture, chemical exposure, or washdown cycles, the exposed metal surface oxidizes. Rust and pitting increase friction, change the dimensional tolerance of the bearing, and eventually lead to seizure. In food processing, marine, and chemical processing environments, this cycle repeats fast because the operating conditions are already hostile to metal.
How Corrosion Resistant Bearings Solve This
Plastic and composite bearings do not rust because they are not metallic. Materials like Rulon and Ultracomp are inherently hydrophobic, meaning they resist water absorption rather than allowing moisture to penetrate the surface. This keeps running clearance stable and prevents the swelling or degradation that can occur in materials that absorb liquid.
Because these bearings are also self-lubricating, there is no grease film to break down in the first place, removing the main failure mechanism entirely. This is what makes a corrosion resistant bearing fundamentally different from a metal bearing with a protective coating: the resistance is inherent to the material, not applied to its surface.
A: No. Plastic and composite bearings contain no ferrous material, so they cannot rust, pit, or corrode the way metal and bronze bearings do.
Q: Are composite bearings safe in saltwater or washdown environments? +
A: Yes. Hydrophobic composite materials resist moisture absorption and maintain dimensional stability in wet, corrosive, or frequently sanitized environments.
Q: What is the difference between corrosion resistance and chemical resistance? +
A: Corrosion refers specifically to oxidation in metals. Chemical resistance refers to a material's ability to withstand solvents, acids, or cleaning agents without degrading. Composite bearings are engineered to resist both.
Sourcing bearings for a corrosive environment?
Ask a TriStar engineer to recommend a material matched to your specific chemical and moisture exposure.
