Engineering Collaboration for High-Load PTFE Bearing Applications
- Industry: Marine & Infrastructure
- Application: High-Load Slide Bearing
The Challenge
A leading EPC contractor in the offshore sector required a PTFE bearing solution for a recessed sliding application within a large infrastructure project. The bearing needed to withstand minimum compressive loads of 85MPa while maintaining a low and stable coefficient of friction against a stainless-steel counterface.
The application was non-standard, incorporating a recessed design and tight installation constraints. At the same time, the customer required robust load-capacity data to support internal approvals, while commercial pressures demanded rapid confirmation of pricing, lead times, and logistics. Early evaluation showed that a standard PTFE solution would not meet the performance requirements without introducing risk.
Fluorocarbon’s Approach
Fluorocarbon adopted an engineering-led, collaborative approach, working closely with the client and end customer to fully understand the design intent and operating conditions. Rather than assessing the material in isolation, Fluorocarbon reviewed the complete bearing assembly, exploring alternative configurations and thickness options to meet the load and friction requirements safely.
Clear, transparent communication was maintained throughout, ensuring all stakeholders understood both the technical possibilities and the limitations at each stage.
The Solution
To overcome the combined load and installation constraints, Fluorocarbon delivered a hybrid bearing assembly consisting of an Fluorinoid® FL830 material pad fastened to steel backing plate. The backing plate ensured flatness across the bearing surface and was supplied in multiple sizes to suit the application. A non-standard, purpose made, counter surface was specified to further reduce friction.
After installation and verification, the steel backing plate was welded into the existing structure, eliminating the need for structural modification.
Figure 1: Typical maximum dynamic load-bearing capability of different bearing materials and designs
Proven Performance
Material performance was validated product supplied with EN 10204 3.1 Testing on compression and Friction testing.
Compressive testing showed a repeatable stress–deformation response across the sheet, with the Fluorinoid® FL830 material comfortably exceeding the 85MPa compressive load requirement and providing a clear safety margin (Figure 3). Figure 3 compares stress-strain behaviour of traditional PTFE bearing compounds (FL129) against new high pressure bearing material (FL830).
As shown, FL830 delivers exceptionally high compressive strength (~above 100MPa) at very low strain (<1%), far exceeding traditional PTFE materials.
FL830 Clearly outperforms FL129 in strength, rigidity, and structural support, making it ideal for demanding, high-load applications.
Friction testing demonstrated a low and stable coefficient of friction under 90MPa specific load, with minimal variation over repeated cycles and negligible wear, indicating predictable long-term sliding performance against stainless steel (Figure 4).
Figure 3: Compressive test results comparing stress-strain behaviour of comparing traditional PTFE compounds (FL129) against new high pressure bearing material (FL830).
Figure 4: Coefficient of Friction data comparing traditional PTFE compounds (FL129) against new high pressure bearing material (FL830).
The Outcome
Early technical engagement and open collaboration enabled the customer to make informed decisions with confidence. The final solution reduced technical and commercial risk, avoided unsuitable material selection, and demonstrated Fluorocarbon’s capability to support complex, high-load applications where standard solutions are insufficient.
Why Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon combines deep fluoropolymer expertise with an engineering-led approach to problem solving. By focusing on application understanding, transparent communication, and long-term performance, Fluorocarbon helps customers deliver reliable solutions for demanding, non-standard applications.
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