Plain bearing vs. roller bearing: How plain bearings are successfully replacing roller bearings

In many applications, the question plain bearing vs. roller bearing goes in favor of plain bearings, due to their increase in performance. Our expertise, as one of the world's leading manufacturers of hydrodynamic plain bearings, enables us to use Miba plain bearing technology to your advantage, including in wind power and aviation.

Plain bearings vs. Roller bearings

These applications benefit from the upgrade in technology

Airplane turbines
Wind turbines
Gearboxes
Refiners
Gas and steam turbines

In addition to plain bearings very successfully replacing rolling bearings when developing new applications, for existing applications switching to plain bearing technology also delivers customer benefits.

Interested in more information about plain bearings vs. roller bearings?

Johannes Reisenberger
Technology Unit Leader Future Products

We would be pleased to provide you with more information about your options.

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Plain bearings as a key element in gearboxes for wind turbines

Since 2008, we have been working on bearing solutions for main gearboxes on wind turbines that are already in series production. During a detailed design process, we develop customer-specific and application-driven plain bearing solutions. Power density can be increased even further in future by integrating the bearing functionality into the component using a direct coating. The question of plain bearing vs. roller bearing does not arise here.

Why plain bearings are replacing roller bearings in wind turbines:

Compact construction: reduces space needed and weight
Increased power density
Higher load capacity and excellent impact resistance
Reduced noise during rotation
Comprehensive material portfolio and expertise
Easy installation and reduced maintenance required

Are you interested in your benefits with plain bearing vs. roller bearing technology?

Marcus Bohlmann
Sales Manager Wind

We would be pleased to provide you with more information about your options.

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The advantages of plain bearings (in contrast to roller bearings) in aviation

Higher load capacity
Higher speeds
More resistant to abrasion, corrosion, cavitation and fatigue
Tribological properties — emergency running capability
Reduced noise (-20 dB)
Increased efficiency
15% lower fuel consumption
15% lower CO2/NOx emissions

Would you like to switch from roller bearing to plain bearing technology?

Stefan Aigner
Key Account Manager Aerospace

We are with you right from the start.

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Merging material and design competence: Miba technology is unique on the market

As the Bearing Division, we combine the competencies of engine plain bearing technology and industrial plain bearing technology. For engines, we deliver an impressive range of materials expertise for a high load range at moderate speeds. For turbines and compressors, we deliver plain bearing technology as opposed to roller bearings based on broad design expertise for very high circumferential speeds. Our interdisciplinary technical and application knowledge enables us to offer bearing solutions for a variety of applications with a wide range of specifications. So plain bearings will be able to replace roller bearings in other industries as well over the long term.