Improving the performance of engines with slide bearings

Internal combustion engines are at the heart of many of the vehicles and machines that power our everyday lives. From cars and lorries to ships and industrial machinery, these engines convert fuel into mechanical energy and enable movement and performance.

 

In this blog article, we look at how the targeted use of modern hydrodynamic slide bearing in these engines has significantly improved their performance.

 

Find out

- the challenges that have been overcome,

- which innovative solutions were used and

- the impressive results that have been achieved with this technology.

What challenges do slide bearings in engines have to overcome?

Hydrodynamic slide bearings in engines are not only exposed to high loads of up to 160 MPa and extreme temperatures, but also have to cope with constant shock loads. In addition to the issue of fatigue, there is also the issue of unacceptable wear. This can significantly reduce the service life. This leads to

- increased frictional resistance,

- abrasion and

- in the worst case, premature bearing failure.

What does the solution look like?

To meet the challenges of engine operation, the internal components, especially the hydrodynamic slide bearings, play a decisive role.

Our solution is the development of advanced bearing structures. These are specially designed to minimize friction between moving parts and at the same time bear high loads. They are particularly advantageous during the critical start-up of the system.

Depending on the specific requirements of the engine, the slide bearings are made from different materials:

  • Traditionally, slide bearings with a steel backing and a bearing metal such as bronze, aluminium or white metal are used. These materials offer an ideal combination of strength and lubricity.
  • Depending on the engine type, we also use polymer layers and special coatings such as galvanic or sputter coatings. This increases the service life of the bearings.

 

A number of other factors are taken into account as early as the design phase. These include load requirements, operating temperatures, surrounding structures and the lubricant used.

We also rely on state-of-the-art manufacturing processes such as high-precision CNC machining and forming processes. They ensure that every bearing meets the highest quality standards.

What results do hydrodynamic slide bearings deliver in engines?

The use of these bearings in engines leads to remarkable results for our customers. They have improved both performance and efficiency:

 

  • Reliability: these slide bearings are highly resilient, even under shock loads. In addition, their compact design makes a decisive contribution to increasing efficiency
  • Durability: The robust design of these bearings ensures a long service life. This also reduces operating costs.
  • Performance: The use of modern hydrodynamic slide bearings in engines has made it possible to achieve higher speeds.

Innovative hydrodynamic slide bearing technology for the engines of the future

Hydrodynamic slide bearing technology is in a constant state of development. The current focus is on the further development of materials and coating technologies that further increase the efficiency of bearings in engines, particularly when using alternative fuels.

At the same time, intensive work is being carried out on lead-free bearing metal solutions that offer more environmentally friendly and sustainable options.

Another forward-looking field is the integration of sensor technology in hydrodynamic slide bearings. This enables the collection of real-time data on the condition of the bearings and proactive maintenance. This minimizes downtimes. The use of innovative simulation methods also enables potential weak points to be identified and optimized at an early stage.

These continuous developments and innovations ensure the performance of today's engines. They also pave the way for future engine technologies and technologies for other applications.

 

With our experience and our advanced products, we are ready to help shape this future. This is how we continue to maximize the efficiency and reliability of engines with our hydrodynamic slide bearings. We are convinced that with our experience and our innovative bearing technology, we can also optimize your system accordingly. Contact our team of experts to develop flexible solutions for your systems.

Contact us now!