The METAFRAM® brand

METAFRAM® is a French brand known for its high performance sintered self-lubricating bearings in bronze (BP25) and ferrous alloys (FP20 & SO16).

METAFRAM® products are suitable for a large number of sectors: general and industrial mechanics, aeronautics, food processing, transport, automotive, chemical industry, new technologies, etc.

The lubrication principle of self-lubricating bearings

The lubrication principle of the bearings is quite simple. It differs according to the stage of use of the self-lubricating bearing.

First stage : Stationary position

At standstill, the shaft is in contact with the self-lubricating bearing. The presence of an oil meniscus, due to capillary forces at the contact point, promotes lubrication at start-up. 

Second stage: Rotating shaft

When the shaft is rotating, the oil is drawn out of the bearing in the upper area zone, which is under pressure. The oil is then driven by the rotation of the shaft and forms an oil wedge which produces the pressure necessary to lift the shaft. The prerssure produced forces part of the circulating oil into the pores of the bearing.

Last stage: After operation

After operation, the oil is re-absorbed by the porous bearing under the action of capillary forces. The oil meniscus remains at the point of contact, ready for instant lubrication at startup.

The technical advantages of a METAFRAM® self-lubricating bearing

Depending on the grade of the metal alloy and the nature of the lubricant, a self-lubricating bearing can have the following technical advantages: