Fabrication and application of water-lubricated bearing with polymer bushing

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is popular for its self-lubrication, wear resistance, fatigue resistance, etc. A systematic study is conducted on the process parameters affecting the performance of the bearings, which includes the simulation study of the hot-pressing temperature of hot press molding, grinding processing and laser ablation. The microstructure of the machined surface was observed and analyzed by using super depth-of-field microscope and laser confocal microscope. The mechanisms of the two processing methods were discussed and the optimal process parameters were given.