SELF-LUBRICATING BEARINGS & BUSHINGS
SAE 30 LUBRICANTS
Maintenance-Free Performance for Demanding Applications
Proform is the world’s largest manufacturer of powder metal bronze bearings, bronze bushings, and bronze spacers, providing self-lubricating solutions that deliver exceptional performance, long service life, and reduced maintenance requirements. Manufactured using advanced powder metallurgy techniques, our oil-impregnated bronze bearings are engineered to provide continuous lubrication throughout the life of the component, eliminating the need for routine greasing in many applications.
Support where routine maintenance is impractical
Self-lubricating bearings are ideal for equipment operating in hard-to-reach locations, high-volume production environments, or applications where routine maintenance is impractical. By combining precision manufacturing with carefully controlled porosity, Proform’s bronze bearings retain lubricating oil within the material itself, releasing it as heat and friction increase during operation. This creates a continuous lubricating film between the shaft and bearing surface, reducing wear, minimizing friction, and extending component life.
Whether you require a standard sleeve bearing or a custom-engineered solution, Proform partners with OEMs across a wide range of industries to develop reliable, cost-effective bearing solutions for demanding applications.
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Self-lubricating iron & bronze parts
SAE 30 lubricants meet viscosity requirement set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). They have higher viscosity, ideal for applications needing thicker oils for adequate lubrication and protection. Commonly used in automotive engines, industrial machinery, and power equipment like lawn mowers and generators, particularly in moderate to high-temperature environments and normal operating conditions.
Unlike traditional solid bronze bearings that rely on external grease fittings or scheduled lubrication, powder metal bronze bearings contain a network of microscopic interconnected pores throughout the material. After the sintering process, these pores are vacuum impregnated with lubricating oil.
As the bronze or iron component begins operating, friction generates heat that causes a small amount of oil to migrate to the bearing surface. When the equipment stops and the bearing cools, the oil is drawn back into the porous structure through capillary action, creating a self-renewing lubrication cycle that continues throughout the bearing’s service life.
This unique process provides reliable lubrication without pumps, grease fittings, or regular maintenance intervals. This is especially critical where parts are difficult to reach/monitor.
Benefits of Self-Lubricating Powder Metal Bearings
- Maintenance-free operation
- Reduced friction and wear
- Extended bearing life
- Quiet, smooth operation
- Lower maintenance costs
- Eliminates routine greasing
- Excellent dimensional consistency
- High-volume manufacturing with repeatable quality
- Cost-effective alternative to machined bearings
- Available in a variety of bronze alloys
- Ideal for difficult-to-access equipment
- Supports high production volumes
- Custom sizes and configurations available
Food-grade self-lubricating parts
For applications where cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance are critical, Proform offers self-lubricating bearings impregnated with specially formulated food-grade lubricants. These lubricants are designed to meet stringent industry requirements for use in food processing and packaging environments, helping manufacturers maintain product integrity while reducing maintenance requirements and equipment downtime. By combining the benefits of self-lubricating powder metal technology with food-safe lubrication, our bearings provide reliable, long-lasting performance without the need for frequent re-lubrication.
Food-grade self-lubricating bearings are ideal for equipment operating in environments where incidental contact with food products may occur or where contamination prevention is a top priority. Common applications include food processing equipment, packaging machinery, bottling and beverage systems, conveyors, mixers, slicers, filling equipment, and other food handling systems. These bearings deliver smooth, consistent operation while withstanding demanding production schedules, washdown procedures, and challenging operating conditions.
Why Choose Proform?
For more than 30 years, Proform has helped engineers and OEMs improve product performance through innovative powder metallurgy solutions. As part of the MPP family, customers benefit from expanded engineering resources, advanced manufacturing capabilities, in-house tooling, machining, oil impregnation, and one of the largest powder metal manufacturing operations in North America.
From prototype development to millions of production parts annually, Proform delivers precision-engineered self-lubricating bearings backed by world-class quality, responsive customer service, and decades of powder metallurgy expertise.
Ready to discuss your application?
Whether you need a standard bronze bearing or a custom self-lubricating component, our engineering team is ready to help identify the right solution for your application.
Common Applications
Proform’s self-lubricating bearings are found in thousands of products across numerous industries, including:
- Electric Motors
- Gearboxes
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Agricultural Equipment
- Lawn & Garden Equipment
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- Material Handling Equipment
- Home Appliances
- Industrial Automation
- HVAC Equipment
- Recreational Vehicles
- Commercial Trucks
- Robotics
- Power Tools