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Difference Between PTFE and PEEK Bearing Cages
The bearing cage is an important part of the bearing, mainly used to support and guide the balls or rollers to achieve the smooth operation of the bearing. The material of the cage has an important influence on the performance and life of the bearing. At present, the commonly used materials for bearing cages are polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). This article will conduct a detailed comparative analysis of the cages made of these two materials.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)
Polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon, is a fluoroplastic. It has excellent chemical stability and can resist corrosion from most chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and salts. In addition, PTFE has excellent sliding properties and a low friction coefficient, and can maintain good performance in high and low temperature environments. However, PTFE has relatively low strength and poor wear resistance.
PEEK (polyetheretherketone)
Polyetheretherketone is a high-performance thermoplastic. It has excellent mechanical strength, wear resistance, and high temperature resistance. PEEK can maintain good performance in high and low temperature environments, and its wear resistance is much better than PTFE. In addition, PEEK also has good chemical stability and electrical properties. However, PEEK is relatively expensive and difficult to process.
Application
PTFE
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and low friction coefficient, PTFE bearing cages are widely used in low-noise, low-friction equipment in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other industries. At the same time, PTFE bearing cages are also widely used in occasions that need to withstand medium loads and speeds.
PEEK
PEEK bearing cages are mainly used in equipment that needs to operate under high loads, high speeds or in high temperature environments. For example, high-end bearing equipment in aerospace, petrochemical, new energy and other fields. In addition, due to PEEK's excellent wear resistance and high temperature resistance, its bearing cages are also suitable for personal consumer products such as high-speed power tools and electric bicycles.
Maintenance
PTFE: Compared with PEEK, PTFE bearing cages are cheaper and easier to maintain. This is mainly because PTFE raw materials are relatively cheap and the processing technology is relatively simple.
PEEK: Since PEEK is a high-performance polymer, its raw material cost is relatively high and the processing technology is relatively complex, resulting in a relatively high cost of its bearing cage. However, due to its excellent performance, the long-term use cost may be better rewarded.
Conclusion
Both polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are excellent bearing cage materials, with their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a cage material, it is necessary to make comprehensive considerations based on the specific application scenario and requirements. If it needs to withstand large loads and impacts, and has high requirements for mechanical strength and wear resistance, then PEEK is a better choice. If it needs to work in an extreme temperature environment, and has high requirements for chemical stability and low friction coefficient, then PTFE is a better choice. If the budget is limited, you can consider using PTFE as a cage material.