Self-lubricating materials designed for aerospace gearbox

15th September 2016
Source: Metcar
Posted By : Anna Flockett
Self-lubricating materials designed for aerospace gearbox

Variety of materials from Metallised Carbon, are suited for use in aerospace gearbox applications, which run the hydraulic pumps, generators and air conditioning compressors. Metcar materials feature a low coefficient of friction and good wear properties in a high speed environment, making them an excellent choice for aircraft gearbox face seals.

Using face seals most aircraft gearboxes seal the oil lubricant within the gearbox and protect it from leaking where shafts enter and exit, which usually contain a carbon-graphite stationary ring and a silicon carbide or stainless steel rotating ring. Metcar use dynamic ‘lift-of’ to reduce seal face wear and friction. All Metcar materials are impermeable and thus able to support the dynamic film used.

Metcar M-45 features excellent thermal conductivity, which gives it the ability to maintain lower seal face temperatures. Other grades, including antimony-impregnated Metcar Grade M-346 and carbon-impregnated Metcar Grade M-133, are frequently used in gearbox seals to avoid seal face blistering or to improve the seals’ resistance to coking. Metcar continually develops new grades to improve upon the materials’ existing capabilities.

President and CEO, Matthew Brennan said: “Self-lubricating mechanical carbon materials are favoured by aerospace design engineers because they stand up very well in the high speed and limited lubrication environments found in aircraft gearboxes.”

Brennan added: “Metcar’s modern carbon-graphite materials are formulated with an eye to minimising common problems associated with seal face wear, frictional heat, blistering and coking, especially at temperatures higher than +204°C (+400°F).”


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