This case study introduces bearings used in transfer carriers designed for operation in hydrofluoric acid environments.
This project involved selecting suitable bearings for a transport system operating in a chemical environment using hydrofluoric acid (HF).
Hydrofluoric acid is an extremely aggressive chemical that corrodes many metals, making conventional metal bearings unsuitable due to corrosion and durability issues.
For this reason, the use of chemically resistant plastic bearings was a fundamental requirement.
Material selection for hydrofluoric acid-resistant bearings
Materials suitable for use in HF environments include:
- PCTFE (Polychlorotrifluoroethylene)
- PPS (Polyphenylene sulfide)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- Rigid PVC
In chemical environments, selecting the appropriate bearing material is critical and depends on factors such as the type of chemical, concentration, and temperature.
In semiconductor equipment where hydrofluoric acid is frequently used, PCTFE is commonly selected due to its excellent chemical resistance.
However, cost and machinability are also key considerations.
In this project, we proposed using different materials for different components to balance chemical resistance and cost efficiency.
Specifically, PPS was used for threaded sections requiring high strength, while PP was selected for less stressed components such as the outer ring and cage.
Rather than using high-grade materials throughout, this optimized material allocation achieves both chemical resistance and economic efficiency.
Selection of ball material
Choosing the right ball material is also critical in chemical environments.
When using ceramic balls, common materials such as alumina or zirconia are not resistant to hydrofluoric acid. Therefore, silicon carbide (SiC) is typically used for HF applications.
Depending on the operating conditions, a comprehensive design approach is required, including both polymer components and rolling element materials.
Structural proposal: Plastic bearings with integrated screw design
In this case, we proposed plastic bearings with integrated threading and shaft-integrated designs.
Main advantages of this structure
- Reduced risk of corrosion caused by hydrofluoric acid
- Stable operation without lubrication
- Simplified installation
Even in demanding HF environments where standard metal bearings are not suitable, custom-designed solutions can be developed and manufactured.
Consultation for bearings in hydrofluoric acid and chemical environments
In strong acid environments such as hydrofluoric acid, incorrect material selection can quickly lead to degradation and corrosion.
We offer custom design and manufacturing of chemically resistant plastic bearings and threaded bearing solutions. If you are considering bearings for hydrofluoric acid or other aggressive chemical environments, please feel free to contact us.
Related Pages
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・Plastic Ball Bearings |
