Top Plastic Bearing Materials: Vespel®, Torlon®, and Fluorosint®

At Craftech, we engineer plastic bearings from a wide range of high‑performance materials. Some deliver superior performance for demanding applications.

When selecting a material for a high‑performance bearing, three stand out: Vespel®, Torlon®, and Fluorosint® (mica‑filled PTFE). Below we examine why each is ideal.

1) Vespel®

Vespel® is DuPont’s premium polyimide plastic, renowned for its exceptional heat resistance, low friction, and dimensional stability. It can operate reliably from cryogenic temperatures up to 500 °F (260 °C) and remains stable in highly corrosive environments. Because it does not out‑gas, Vespel® is suitable for vacuum systems, and its low density offers a lightweight alternative to metal, ceramic, or conventional engineering plastics. The material does absorb a small amount of moisture, which can affect pump‑up times in a vacuum, but its performance at extreme temperatures, resistance to wear, and chemical durability make it a top choice for automotive, aerospace, and industrial bearings.

2) Torlon®

Torlon® is a high‑temperature, amorphous polyamide‑imide (PAI) that combines the toughness of nylon with the heat tolerance of Vespel®. With a glass‑transition temperature of 537 °F (280 °C) and a continuous service temperature of 500 °F (260 °C), Torlon® offers superior compressive strength and impact resistance. It is commonly used in aerospace bearing assemblies. However, its hygroscopic nature can lead to moisture absorption and out‑gassing in vacuum environments. When molded properly—ideally via injection molding—Torlon® delivers consistent mechanical properties and can outperform PEEK or Vespel® in oxygen‑rich plasma processing applications.

3) Fluorosint® (Mica‑filled PTFE)

Fluorosint® is a proprietary blend of chemically bonded mica and polytetrafluoroethylene. It retains PTFE’s excellent chemical resistance while providing a 500 °F (260 °C) service temperature and nine‑fold reduction in deformation load compared to virgin PTFE. The 500 grade delivers high wear resistance and dimensional stability, making it ideal for tight‑tolerance sealing. The MT‑01 variant is engineered for extreme service conditions, offering high strength, stiffness, and minimal deformation under load. Fluorosint® has successfully replaced metal and aluminum seals in compressors and chemical processing equipment, enabling designs where mating parts “cut” their own clearance for enhanced efficiency.

For tailored material selection, contact Craftech and let our expertise guide you to the right bearing solution.

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