WMU® Bearing Strip

Bowman WMU® PTFE lined bearing strip is a versatile self-lubricating bearing material designed for engineers and manufacturers who require custom bearing components without the constraints of standard dimensions. Manufactured with a durable carbon steel backing, a porous sintered bronze intermediate layer, and a low-friction PTFE sliding surface, this steel backed bearing strip delivers excellent wear resistance, high load capacity, and maintenance-free performance across a wide range of industrial applications. It is supplied in both metric and imperial sizes from stock, while bronze-backed versions are available to order for specialist requirements.

One of the key advantages of WMU® bearing strip is its flexibility. Rather than selecting a standard bearing size, manufacturers can machine the material into bespoke bushings, thrust washers, wear plates, slideways, guide strips, and other bearing surfaces to suit unique equipment designs. This makes the material particularly valuable for OEM production, maintenance, repair, and reverse engineering projects where non-standard dimensions are required. As a premium PTFE bushing strip sheet, it can be cut, formed, and machined to produce components that precisely match application requirements while maintaining consistent bearing performance.

The composite construction provides outstanding dry-running characteristics, making it an ideal dry running bearing material where regular lubrication is impractical or contamination must be avoided. The PTFE surface minimises friction during operation, while the sintered bronze layer securely bonds the bearing surface to the steel backing and assists with load distribution. This combination delivers excellent PV (pressure-velocity) capability, enabling the material to operate under demanding combinations of load and sliding speed while maintaining low wear rates and long service life. For applications with higher operating loads or speeds, Bowman’s technical team can provide guidance on suitability and optimum operating conditions.

With extensive stock availability and an in-house machining service capable of producing bespoke components, Bowman supplies bronze PTFE strip material and custom bushing material solutions that help customers reduce lead times, improve reliability, and achieve cost-effective bearing performance across countless engineering applications.