F85 High Performance AL-Pb Sleeve Bearing Material

Proprietary process technology was first introduced commercially in 1975 for producing Al-Pb metal/metal composite bearing material by means of powder roiling. Evolutionary refinements and improvements in powder atomizing, powder rolling and subsequent laminating and heat treatment processes have since led to enhanced product performance levels and successful use of this material for increasingly demanding engine and powertrain bearing applications.

Several competing technologies have since come into commercial use for producing Al-Pb bearing materials with similar compositions. A number of theoretical and practical engineering studies have also been published, which contribute to a better understanding of the characteristics and capabilities of these materials.

This paper presents a survey of the major operating system variables and their influence on bearing performance generally, a review of F85 Al-Pb bearing material process technology and performance capabilities, and an examination of the alternative process technologies.