Sintered bearings

Sintered bearings are used in low noise applications and where little space is available for maintenance. They are made of metallic powder which has been sintered to form bearing. The bearings have high porosity. That is, they have a number of pores. About 30% of the volume of the bearing consists of pores. These pores can hold lubricating oil. The sintered bearing is immersed in the lubricant and is impregnated. This ensures maintenance free operation through out its life. The lubricant is chosen depending on the operating temperature.