Ancient Technology in a Composite World   

Composites are a combination of two or more different materials resulting in a stronger product. Their use dates to as far as 1500BC when the early Egyptian settlers used bricks made from mud and straw to create strong buildings. Advancements in composites followed and many were a result of wartime needs. World War II accelerated the advancement of composite materials, driven by the need for lightweight and complex solutions in applications such as aircraft and weaponry. The popularity of composites led to the birth of the Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP).

FRP are composite materials made of a polymer matrix of resin reinforced with fillers and additives. When integrated, they work in synergy, as their combined strengths overcome their individual weaknesses. Common FRP components are FRP bearings and FRP Tubes.

FRP Bearings   

FRP composites are a popular material choice for applications involving relative motion between two surfaces due to their many physical attributes over traditional bronze or alloy materials. An example is their use in plain bearings, also known as bushings, which are often utilized for reciprocating, rotating, and sliding applications. FRP bearings consist of a filament-wound material reinforced with a variety of low-friction, wear-resistant fillers, allowing them to be used in non-lubricated, high-speed, and high-load environments. These bearings can operate in corrosive conditions and have high compression strengths for both static and dynamic loads.

FRP bearings are used in various industries, including:

  • Energy
  • Industrial
  • Construction
  • Railroad construction
  • Agricultural Equipment
  • Fluid Power
  • Hydroelectric Generation
  • Water & Waste
  • Marine

 

FRP Tubes 

FRP tubes are an excellent alternative to aluminum or steel, delivering exceptional strength and superior corrosion resistance. They are non-magnetic, low-maintenance, and have long life cycles. These tubes provide lightweight and corrosion-free durability across countless applications.

FRP tubes are used in a variety of industries, including:

  • Fluid Power
  • Transportation
  • Medical
  • Electricity generation

Get High-Performance FRP Bearings and FRP Tubes

Hi-Tech Seals offers FRP tubes in a wide range of bore, wall thickness, and tube lengths in various materials and colors. FRP bearings are available in standard and custom bearing profiles, in imperial and metric sizes.

Contact our Winnipeg team at info@hitechseals.com for more information about FRP Bearings and FRP Tubes.

 

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