In the UK, engineers traditionally specify 
standard rolling-element bearings for 
general machinery and naturally replace 
what was originally in the machine on 
a like-for-like basis. Plain bearings are 
introduced primarily as problem-solving 
retrofits when there seems no other 
option because operating conditions 
prove too hostile for conventional rolling 
elements and maintenance has become 
too difficult.
The Industrial Takeaway
Self-lubricating plain bearings can be 
incorporated into heavy machinery at 
the design stage. This Japanese model 
of proactive tribological integration is 
increasingly being adopted elsewhere.
“In the UK, the opportunity 
is to move beyond reactive 
replacement and consider self-
lubricating sliding technology 
earlier in the design process.  
As global manufacturing 
increasingly prioritises reduced 
maintenance, improved uptime, 
lower lubricant consumption and 
lower total cost of ownership, 
this approach is becoming 
increasingly relevant.” 
Daisuke Kobayashi, International 
Sales Manager
Contact here:
+44 1793 615171
gary@sblservices.co.uk
www.sblservices.co.uk/sankyo-oilless
SANKYO productions in the SBL factory
27

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