Marine Spares
The marine industry is vital for the global trade, commercial fishing, and recreation sectors. In fact, about 80% of all international trade by volume happens through the maritime industry. Because maritime transport is so vital, it requires 24/7 uptime, which means reliable spare parts. The marine industry is currently facing increased environmental regulations regarding ship lubrications and emissions. This has posed challenges for manufacturing and sourcing compliant replacements, such as eco-friendly marine bearing grease. Marine bearings are some of the most important parts of marine vessels, helping marine engines transmit power and load. These bearings need to have enough tensile strength and load bearing capacity to withstand the harsh conditions of marine applications.
What Are the Common Bearings Used in the Marine Spare Industry?
There are three main types of bearings for marine propulsion engines.Lead Bronze Bearing
The lead bronze bearing has two main layers underneath the flash layer, which protects the bearing from corrosion and dust when not in use. Once the bearing is in use, this layer flashes off, revealing a nickel layer that prevents tin and other elements from corroding the bearing’s metal. The next layer is made of lead bronze and has exceptional anti-seizing properties. A steel back provides structural support for the entire bearing.Bi-metal Bearing
Bi-metal bearings are composed of two main layers. The first layer is aluminum tin—the principle component—which is followed by an aluminum bonding layer. This layer bonds to the steel back, which provides support and shape.Tri-metal Bearing
The tri-metal bearing is mostly found in two-stroke propulsion engines, and it has three main layers. Underneath the flash layer—which protects the bearing in storage and flashes off during operation—is the overlay, which is made of a white metal like tin antimony copper. Next is the interlay layer, which acts as an corrosion-resistant barrier for the overlay. Finally, the lining provides a layer between the interlay and steel back support.What Are Some Common Applications for These Bearing Types?
Lead bronze, bi-metal, and tri-metal marine bearings are most commonly found in the following applications:- Marine gearbox bearings
- Stabilizer bearings
- Coupling covers for propeller shafts
- Stern shaft bearings
- Auxiliary machinery bearings
- Electric propulsion motor bearings
- Submarine steering gear bushings
- Submarine dive plane bushings
- Hydraulic resonance changing machines
- Sonar equipment
- Propulsion thrust blocks
- Rope guards
- Electronic and hydraulic thrust metering equipment
- Watertight door bushings
- Periscope guide bushings
