ELGES

ELGES is a reputable brand specializing in bearings and rod ends, which became part of the Schaeffler Group (specifically INA) in 1984 through its acquisition of Helmut ELGES GmbH, a German manufacturer noted for its maintenance-free spherical plain bearings and rod ends.

Key features of ELGES maintenance-free spherical plain bearings:

• Application: Designed for environments requiring long service life or where metallic sliding contact surfaces are unsuitable due to lubrication challenges. They are especially useful under unilateral load conditions.

• Functionality: These bearings facilitate spatial adjustment movements and can support different types of loads depending on the bearing type—radial, angular contact, or axial.

• Material and Design: They incorporate special sliding layers based on PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) to ensure maintenance-free operation. These layers enable the bearings to function without additional lubrication.

Performance hierarchy of sliding layers (from highest to lowest):

1. ELGOGLIDE® – the highest performing sliding layer
2. PTFE composite
3. PTFE-bronze film

These materials form the sliding surface of the outer ring or the shaft locating washer, transmitting forces and providing lubrication inherently, meaning no external lubrication is required for operation.