• In contrast to conventional bearings, the lubricant (graphite) in a solid lubicant plain bearing is firmly integrated into the bearing body.
• During movement, a uniform amount of graphite is released onto the sliding surface, forming a dry lubricating film.
• Lubrication therefore functions autonomously and evenly, even if the bearing is not moved for long periods or is exposed to high temperatures.
• The result is a thin, stable lubricating film that minimises friction and wear.

Advantages of the solid lubicant plain bearing for machine operation:

• No relubrication required.
• Lubrication is always available, even during start-up or dry running.
• No centralised lubrication or lubrication lines, therefore very low maintenance.
• No leakage or splashing of lubricant.

Typical application situations for solid lubicant plain bearings:

• Die-casting machines where high temperatures and forces prevail.
• Plastic injection moulding machines, e.g. as guides in casting frames.
• Turbo generators & hydraulic turbines, with rotating masses and critical lubrication conditions.
• Mining & shipbuilding in corrosive environments and under high mechanical stress.
• Conveyor technology, lifting machines, cranes and winches, with high compression and low sliding speed.

Typical areas of application for the LUMET-5 solid lubicant plain bearing:

• Guides for lifting systems
• Bearings in heavy conveyor systems
• Support axles in winches and cranes

Important for the design and maintenance of the LUMEN-5 solid lubricant bearing:

The LUMET-5 should not be used in contact with water or chemically aggressive media. 

We recommend the following solid lubicant plain bearings for such operating conditions:

• LUMET made of solid bronze
• LUMET-SH3 made of high-alloy tin bronze (CuSn12)
• LUMET-4 made of cast iron HT250

If you are looking for a plain bearing that runs reliably under high loads, heat and without constant lubrication, solid lubicant plain bearings from the LUMET series are a good solution. They ensure stable operation and reduce the cost of maintenance and spare parts during the life cycle of your machine.

LUMET-4 more favourable, because:

• HT250 cast iron is cheaper than solid bronze or hardened tool steel.
• The material is easier and faster to process.
• The structure is designed for applications with clearly limited mechanical requirements - i.e. without oversizing.

These factors reduce production costs and enable an attractive price (especially for larger quantities or series applications).

What are the technical limits of the LUMET-4 solid lubicant plain bearing?

Compared to other LUMET types, LUMET-4 has a...

• lower dynamic load limit (60 N/mm²).
• lower hardness (HB180-230).
• lower chemical resistance compared to bronze or steel.

These limitations make the solid lubicant plain bearing LUMET-4 unsuitable for high-impact, high-precision or highly dynamic applications.

When is LUMET-4 still the best choice?

If the mechanical loads are clearly defined and rather moderate, e.g:

• Guide rails in moulds
• Bearing points in mechanical engineering without peak loads
• Applications with higher sliding speeds (up to 30 m/min)
• Cost-sensitive projects with high volume throughput

Here, LUMET-4 offers the best price-performance ratio within the solid lubicant plain bearing series.

Important for selecting the right solid lubicant plain bearing:

• The temperature limits must not be permanently exceeded, otherwise the performance of the solid lubricant (graphite) will drop and the bearing may wear.
• The maximum sliding speed and the ambient temperature must be considered together: the warmer and faster, the greater the thermal load.

What you should pay attention to with regard to gliding speeds:

• The specified maximum speed applies to dry-running conditions. In the case of a combined load (e.g. pressure + temperature + speed), you should allow for a safety reserve.
• In cases where high speeds and high loads occur simultaneously (e.g. in cyclically moving guides, tool holders or rotating built-in parts at high temperatures), an adapted LUMET type with balanced properties should be used. LUMET-SH2 is a good ‘all-rounder’ here.

• temperature
• load
• and movement profile.

If you know these factors, you can make a targeted decision between graphite, graphite + MoS₂ and PTFE, thereby extending the service life of the bearing.