GGB-SZ: New Lead-free Bimetallic Bearings from GGB

GGB Bearing Technology, formerly Glacier Garlock Bearings, has expanded its line of lead-free, bimetallic bearings with the addition of its GGB-SZ material. Developed in anticipation of future customer requirements, the material is a lead-free alternative to its well-known SY lead-bronze bimetallic bearings. 

The GGB-SZ plain bearings consist of a tin-bismuth-bronze sliding layer sintered onto a steel backing. This construction provides high load capacity, particularly high specific loads with low-frequency, oscillating motion.

The new bearings have a broad temperature range with very good fatigue resistance at higher temperatures, and good corrosion resistance. Potential applications include agricultural and construction equipment, textile machinery, pneumatic equipment, king pins, brake callipers, oil pumps and small end bearings.

The company introduced its lead-free GGB-CBM^® series of bimetallic bearings in 2013. The GGB-CBM^® series is based on a range of bronze alloys, with a choice of stainless, carbon, seawater-resistant steel and bronze backings. The bearings are manufactured using a powder metallurgy process to produce a metallic matrix with homogeneously distributed solid graphite lubricant, which forms a lubricating film with the bearings’ motion.

Potential applications include steel works and civil engineering, turbines (water, steam and gas), pumps and compressors, food and beverage equipment, packaging and handling equipment, tire molds, agricultural and construction machinery, and general mechanical engineering, among others.

Both GGB-SZ bearings and GGB-CBM^® series of bimetallic bearings comply with the requirements of the EU directives 2002/95/EC and 2002/96/EC (RoHS et WEEE directives) concerning the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and the directive 2000/53/EC on End-of-Life-Vehicles. They are available by special order to customer-supplied designs and drawings.

For more information, contact germany@ggbearings.com.

about GGB Bearing Technology

GGB is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance, self-lubricating and prelubricated bearings with production facilities in the U.S., Germany, France, Brazil, Slovakia and China. The company serves more than 30,000 customers worldwide in a broad spectrum of applications and industries including automotive, fluid power, agricultural and construction equipment, sports and recreation equipment, renewable energy, primary metals and general industrial. Its product offerings include metal-polymer, solid polymer, filament wound and metal bearings and bushing blocks.  Also provided are industry-leading R&D and testing capabilities, flexible manufacturing, superior technical support and a global network of distributors. www.ggbearings.com.