Influence of Radial Load on PEEK Plastic Bearings Life Cycle under Water Lubricated Conditions

Abstract:

Radial ball bearings made of metal, ceramics and plastics are commonly used as important components in industrial machinery. Usage of high performance engineering plastic polymers is increasing progressively as a replacement for metal components due to the latest markets demands. Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a promising material for precision-machined custom bearings, products that are expected to suit special market needs. In the present study, PEEK radial ball bearings were manufactured by lathe machining under different parameters and their rolling contact fatigue (RCF) resistance under water lubricated conditions was investigated. We observed the surface of the bearings prior and after testing by laser confocal microscope. The wear loss was measured by weighing the bearings before and after test. Cracks and/or flaking failures were identified on the bearing surface after testing. From the RCF tests results, we found that, at water lubricated conditions, crack initiation occurred later in the material that was machined at slower feed rate while at dry condition, the feed rate had little influence on the wear loss and cracking. Wear loss in the case of bearings tested under water was much less severe than that of bearings tested at dry conditions.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 217-218)
• Pages: 1260-1265
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.217-218.1260
• Online since: March 2011
• Authors: Hitonobu Koike, Takashi Honda, Katsuyuki Kida, Edson Costa Santos, Justyna Rozwadowska, K. Houri, M. Uryu, Yuji Kashima, Kenji Kanemasu
• Keywords: Crack, Lubrication, Plastic Radial Bearing, Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF), Wear

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