Machinable KAron bearing liner system

Citation

(2002), "Machinable KAron bearing liner system", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774aad.009

Machinable KAron bearing liner system

Keyword: Bearings

FAG/Barden reports that it has extended its range of bearing products with the KAron bearing system from the Kamatics Corporation of the USA. Claiming a high performance and low wear rate, the KAron system is believed to be an innovative alternative to traditional lubricated bearings, and an ideal replacement for Teflon fabric- lined bearings. Its performance is claimed to have proven superior in providing longer life and in withstanding high moisture environments, elevated temperatures and contamination in the most demanding industrial, aviation and marine applications (Plate 3).

Plate 3 Quality performance from Deutsch RSC Connectors. Background image courtesy of BAE Systems

Qualified to MIL-B-81820 and other aviation military specifications, KAron is a polyester, thermosetting, resin-based material, incorporating Teflon particles, which can be tailored to meet specific performance requirements. It is said to require no lubrication, to have excellent fluid compatibility (even to Skydrol and aircraft fuel) and claims high load capacity, high levels of shock resilience and excellent resistance to both corrosion and abrasion. These qualities are said to have ensured its specification in thousands of applications in jet aircraft, helicopters, ships and selected industrial applications.

According to its manufactures KAron can be applied to a wide range of materials – Stainless and Carbon steels, Aluminium, Titanium, Bronze, Inconel, Fibreglass – and to all types of components, including journal and rolling bearings, shafts gears, bushes wheels and spindles. The material is stated to accept high dynamic loads up to 345N/mm² and claims excellent temperature performance across the range from -54.C to +204.C. In addition, unlike many fabric coatings, KAron is stated to be homogenous, enabling it to "move" with the substrate material. Consequently, both its rates of wear and friction (coefficient 0.05 and less) are uniform.

Complementing its role as a performance enhancer on new components, KAron claims advantages to the industrial engineer in that it can be applied, in varying thicknesses, to refurbish – or even salvage – components that are worn. FAG/Barden reports that KAroh is self-adhering, so secondary bonding is not required. The company also states that, when cured KAron offers additional flexibility in that it can be machined, ground, or even honed to meet aerospace tolerances if required.

Details available from: The Barden Corporation, Tel: +44 (0) 1752 735555;Fax: +44 (0) 1752 733481.