Oilite® Sintered Plate Bearings

As a trusted oilite plate bearings distributor, Bowman supplies a comprehensive range of Oilite® sintered plates designed to provide reliable, self-lubricating performance in sliding and linear motion applications. Manufactured from oil-impregnated sintered bronze, these flat bearing surfaces deliver low friction, reduced wear, and long service life without the need for continuous external lubrication.

Unlike conventional bushings, plate bearings are flat-form bearing components that provide a durable sliding surface where rotational movement is limited or where linear and reciprocating motion is required. They are commonly used as thrust surfaces when a flanged bearing is not practical or as an additional bearing surface at the non-flanged end of a bearing assembly. Bowman supplies premium sintered bronze plate bearings, self-lubricating plate bearings, slide plate bearings, and oilite slide plates for demanding industrial applications.

The porous bronze structure is permanently impregnated with lubricating oil, allowing lubricant to migrate naturally to the bearing surface during operation. This self-lubricating design minimises friction, reduces maintenance requirements, and delivers quiet, dependable performance in continuous service. These flat sintered bearings are ideal for die-set guides, machine slides, low-speed reciprocating mechanisms, tooling equipment, transfer systems, and other applications where smooth linear movement and consistent wear characteristics are essential.

For thrust applications, the recommended PV value should not exceed 0.36 N/mm² × m/s. Surface velocity should be calculated using the mean diameter of the thrust face, while pressure should be based on the total thrust area. Operating within these limits helps maximise component life and maintain reliable performance.

Bowman offers a range of bronze plate bushings and oil impregnated plates in various thicknesses and surface dimensions to suit different engineering requirements. In addition to standard products, our specialised in-house machining service can manufacture custom plate bearings in bespoke sizes, profiles, and shapes to meet individual customer specifications. Whether you require special cut-outs, non-standard dimensions, or application-specific designs, our engineering team can deliver precision-machined solutions.

As an experienced oilite plate bearings distributor, Bowman combines extensive stock, precision manufacturing, and technical expertise to supply high-quality bearing solutions for customers across a wide range of industries.