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The performance of hydrodynamic bearings depends crucially on the quality and type of bearing material. In recent years, Miba has been working intensively on innovative coating technologies for bearing materials.
Various processes have become established in this field. One of these is laser cladding. This is a thermal process that offers high precision and great flexibility.
In this article, we present different coating technologies and compare their properties and possible applications.
Laser cladding is an innovative process for generative coating of surfaces. Due to its flexibility, it represents an efficient alternative to conventional casting processes.
A laser beam serves as the energy source, which is focused onto the component surface via optical components. The continuous supply of powdered or wire-shaped bearing material forms a local molten pool on the component surface. When this solidifies, it creates a material bond with the base material. Any layer thickness can be achieved by welding in tracks or layers. Depending on the material, deposition rates of up to 18 kg/h can be achieved with laser deposition welding.
Thanks to its versatility, laser cladding is suitable for almost any geometry and a wide range of different materials, both in hydrodynamic bearing production and beyond.
Thanks to low post-processing costs, laser cladding is particularly suitable for for small and medium batch sizes, individual geometries, and the reconditioning of components.
Admos Gleitlager is is part of the Miba Group and uses laser cladding specifically for coating hydrodynamic bearing shells, shafts in planetary gears, thrust rings, axial segments, and other rotationally symmetrical components. Bronze alloys and white metal alloys are primarily applied to steel bodies to create highly resilient, smooth-running, and wear-resistant surfaces.
In addition to laser cladding, there are other processes for the functional coating of hydrodynamic bearings, primarily electromagnetic pulse technology (EMPT) and PVD technology for sputter bearings. Both offer specific advantages that make them particularly interesting for certain applications.
Electromagnetic pulse technology involves accelerating a conductive material using a strong electromagnetic pulse and joining it to a carrier material in a form-fitting manner. Unlike laser cladding, which uses thermal energy, this process is based on a purely mechanical principle that does not involve any heat input.
Advantages of EMPT coating:
• No heat input: Ideal for sensitive materials or components with tight tolerances
• Form-fitting and force-fitting connection: High load-bearing capacity and reliable layer bonding
• Direct application to cylindrical surfaces: Particularly suitable for series components such as shafts in planetary gears (e.g., wind power)
• Recyclable: Recoating of already used components possible
Miba uses EMPT, for example, to manufacture crimped bearings with high power density while reducing installation space and material usage.
Sputter bearings are based on a physical vapor deposition process in which material is dissolved from a target source and deposited onto the workpiece. The process produces extremely thin, uniform and dense coatings.
Advantages of sputter bearing technology:
General advantages of coating technologies over conventional hydrodynamic bearings – customer benefits at a glance:
The choice of the right coating process depends heavily on the requirements for the hydrodynamic bearing and the component geometry, as well as on production conditions. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, as each technology has its own specific strengths. We are happy to assist you in finding the right solutions for your specific application.
Recommended for:
Strengths:
Limitations: Heat influence can be critical for thin-walled components
Recommended for:
Strengths:
Limitations: Higher investment costs, less flexible for individual parts
Recommended for:
Strengths:
Limitations: Limited layer thickness, high equipment and process costs
Whether for new production or reengineering, choosing the right coating technology is crucial in determining the service life, functionality, and cost-effectiveness of a hydrodynamic bearing.
Laser cladding impresses with its precision, flexibility, and material efficiency.
EMPT offers an innovative alternative for thermally sensitive or particularly compact components, while sputter bearings play to their strengths in high-precision niche markets.
Our experts will be happy to advise you on selecting the optimal coating process.
