The wider distribution and improvement of SKF’s stainless steel backed composite bushings brings a solution to the food and beverage industry.

Previously, in applications where bushings must withstand strong corrosive attack, they have been backed with either zinc plate and chromated steel or with bronze, both having limited application in food and beverage machinery.

SKF’s composite bushings employ a stainless steel backing that makes them especially suited to these applications. The composite comprises a fabric of PTFE fibres and metal filaments that have been soldered onto the stainless backing; the sliding surface is strengthened with a filling of synthetic resin. Optimisation of the manufacturing process has resulted in an improved service life.

SKF’s stainless steel backed composite bushings are used in other applications, including printing and paper machinery, agricultural machines, filling and packing machines for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and water hydraulics. They are also applied in pipeline valves, water turbines, segment gates and bridges.