oilite

Oilite is a brand name for porous bronze or iron bearings. These bearings are manufactured through a powder metallurgy process where fine metal powders are mixed and then pressed into a desired shape under high pressure. The pressed parts are then sintered, which is a heat treatment process that fuses the metal particles together without fully melting them. During sintering, the material forms a porous structure with interconnected voids.

After sintering, the porous metal bearings are impregnated with lubricating oil under vacuum. The oil fills the pores of the bearing material. When the bearing operates, friction causes it to heat up, which expands the oil and draws it to the bearing surface, providing continuous lubrication. As the bearing cools, the oil is drawn back into the pores. This self-lubricating property makes Oilite bearings suitable for applications where traditional lubrication methods are difficult or impossible to apply.

Oilite bearings are known for their durability, resistance to wear, and ability to operate in a wide range of temperatures. They are commonly used in automotive components, industrial machinery, appliances, and various other mechanical assemblies where a reliable, low-maintenance bearing solution is required. The specific alloy composition and pore size can be varied to meet different performance requirements.