Techemer - Water-Lubricated Bearings & Shaft Seals Manufacturer Since 2008
Water Lubricated Bearing
Techemer is a leading manufacturer of advanced composite materials and bearing solutions under the Techemer brand. With decades of experience in materials science and a strong R&D team, we specialize in water lubricated bearing technologies that meet the highest standards in marine, hydropower, and industrial applications.
Our products are trusted by shipbuilders, waterworks, dredging companies, and energy equipment OEMs for their superior performance, reliability, and environmental compatibility.
Our water lubricated Bearing Product Range
Techemer offers a wide selection of water lubricated bearings, tailored to suit the demands of ship propulsion, pump engineering, hydro, and industrial transport systems. All bearing types are available in a variety of designs, sizes, and materials to meet your precise technical specifications.
Techemer is a professional filament wound composite bushing manufacturer providing self-lubricating, wear-resistant, high-load composite bushings for marine, hydropower, pump, and industrial applications.
Techemer is a professional fiber bearing manufacturer providing high-strength fiber bearings and fiber bearing material for marine, hydropower, and industrial applications. Durable, self-lubricating, corrosion-resistant, and custom-engineered solutions.
Struggling with high costs or long lead times for Thordon XL? Techemer has been making bearings since 2008 and we’re here to offer a smarter choice. Our water-lubricated stern tube bearings are a direct fit replacement, but they won’t break the bank. They’re tough enough for sandy, dirty water and come with ISO and CCS certificates. Same job, better price.
Are you looking for a reliable Thordon XL alternative for your vessel's stern tube? Techemer, a leading manufacturer since 2008, specializes in high-performance elastoplastic alloy bearings. Our proprietary super-wear-resistant material (featuring hRBR-grade formulation) is specifically engineered to excel in abrasive, high-sediment environments where standard bearings fail, offering a smarter, more economical solution for global shipowners.
Techemer water-lubricated propeller shaft bearing is a reliable replacement for Thordon COMPAC, offering low friction, high load capacity, and long service life for marine propulsion systems.
High-performance propeller shaft bearing designed for marine propulsion systems. Water-lubricated elastomeric polymer alloy material delivers low friction, excellent wear resistance, long service life, and easy split installation for new builds and retrofits.
Water-lubricated rudder bearings with long life span. Self-lubricating, oil-free design with excellent wear resistance and reliability. Ideal Thordon SXL replacement for marine steering systems and vessels.
Water-lubricated stern tube bearings for marine propulsion. Oil-free, self-lubricating design with superior wear resistance and long service life. Ideal Thordon SXL replacement for bulk carriers, working ships, and demanding marine systems.
Techemer water-lubricated elastomeric polymer alloy split plain bearings for marine applications. Oil-free, high wear resistance and long service life. A reliable Thordon SXL replacement with customizable design and low maintenance.
Techemer water-lubricated stern tube bushings are designed to replace traditional marine shaft bearings and match the performance of Thordon SXL. Made from advanced synthetic elastomers, they deliver superior wear resistance, extended service life, and reliable water lubrication for bulk carriers, working vessels, and marine propulsion systems.
Techemer custom water-lubricated self-lubricating marine bearings for fore and stern tube applications. High wear resistance, low friction, and tailored designs for reliable service life and reduced maintenance in harsh seawater environments.
Marine water-lubricated self-lubricating rudder bearings. Customizable OEM replacement with excellent wear resistance, corrosion protection, and low maintenance oil-free design for reliable steering performance.
What Is a Water Lubricated Bearing?
A water lubricated bearing is a type of sliding bearing that uses water—fresh or seawater—as its primary lubricant. Unlike oil-lubricated systems, it does not require external lubricants, reducing pollution, maintenance needs, and operational costs.
They are particularly suitable for applications like:
- Marine stern tube and rudder bearings
- Vertical and horizontal water pumps
- Water turbines and hydro guide bearings
- Ship propulsion shafts and dredging equipment
By eliminating oil circulation systems, water lubricated bearings deliver cleaner, simpler, and safer solutions for critical rotating machinery.
Techemer Material Advantages
All of our water lubricated bearings are made with proprietary Techemer elastomeric polymer alloy, developed in-house by Techemer's R&D team. These materials feature high-performance self-lubricating microcrystals and extreme pressure particles that ensure long service life, even in severe conditions like dry starts, abrasive environments, and high load systems.
Key Material Benefits:
- Excellent dry-running capability with minimal wear
- Self-lubricating particles embedded throughout the matrix
- Dynamic surface pressure resistance up to 12 MPa
- Low friction coefficient and high abrasion resistance
- Long-term temperature resistance up to 170°C (HTR17 grade)
- Environmentally friendly: no oil, no risk of marine pollution
Our materials are designed to perform reliably in both dry and water-lubricated conditions, offering a balanced combination of strength, durability, and sustainability.
Water Lubricated Bearings vs. Traditional Lubricated Bearings
Why Water Lubricated Bearings Are the Smarter Choice
When comparing water lubricated bearings with traditional lubricated bearings (such as oil-lubricated or grease-lubricated types), it's clear that water-lubricated systems offer significant advantages in terms of sustainability, cost-efficiency, and system simplicity.
Widely used in marine, hydro, pump, and dredging industries, water lubricated bearings are rapidly replacing conventional lubrication systems in both new designs and retrofit upgrades.
| Feature | Water Lubricated Bearings | Traditional Lubricated Bearings |
| Lubrication Medium | Clean water, seawater, or process water (no oil required) | Oil, grease, or synthetic lubricants |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly, no leakage risk, no oil pollution | Potential oil spills, marine and environmental contamination |
| System Complexity | No oil tanks, piping, or filters needed | Requires oil circulation systems, seals, and pumps |
| Dry Start Capability | Supported with self-lubricating materials | Not recommended, may cause early failure |
| Maintenance Requirements | Minimal maintenance, no oil changes | Regular lubrication checks and servicing needed |
| Service Life | Long service life with wear-resistant materials | Dependent on lubrication quality and seal integrity |
| Cooling Performance | Naturally cooled by the water environment | Requires separate oil cooling systems |
| Application Adaptability | Ideal for seawater, sediment-laden, and eco-sensitive environments | Best for clean, sealed, and controlled environments |
Techemer water lubricated bearings offer a cleaner, more reliable, and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional lubricated bearings, especially in demanding marine and industrial conditions.
Water Lubricated Bearings Applications
Our Bearings Are Used In A Wide Range Of Industries, Including:
Custom Engineering & R&D
Our technical team of 20+ engineers supports full customization from material selection to final product assembly. We offer:
- CAD-based product design and 3D modeling
- OEM/ODM manufacturing services
- Custom groove patterns, slotted structures, and compound profiles
- Multiple patents covering sliding surfaces, damping structures, and friction optimization
Why Choose Techemer?
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