Self-Lubricating and Friction Performance of a Three-Dimensional-Printed Journal Bearing

Abstract

In recent years, through the development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, 3D‐printed parts have been used in various industries, such as medical equipment and robotics. Various 3D printing methods have been developed. Today, a 3D printer can be used even in precision parts, such as bolts and bearings. In this study, journal bearings are manufactured by a 3D printer to evaluate friction performance and self-lubricating performance. The journal bearings are fabricated using two types of 3D printing method: fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS). The specimens manufactured by FDM are produced by plastic materials with three-layer thicknesses. Nylon-based materials and aluminum-based materials are used to fabricate the SLS specimen. Micropores are created in the specimens during the printing process. Therefore, the self-lubricating performance can occur by micropores. The experimental setup is designed and constructed to evaluate the friction performance by varying rotational speed and the radial load. Through this study, the self-lubricating performance and friction performance of 3D-printed journal bearings are evaluated, and proper operating conditions for 3D-printed bearings are suggested.