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.
Water-lubricated stern tube bearings with long life self-lubricating performance. Oil-free, low friction design with superior wear resistance. Ideal Thordon SXL replacement for marine propulsion and stern shaft systems.
Techemer bearing material for pump and marine bushings. Water-lubricated, oil-free design with excellent wear resistance. Reliable River Tough alternative with long service life and low maintenance.
Techemer water-lubricated bearing material is engineered for high-load pump and hydro bearing bushings, offering superior tensile and compressive strength, balanced hardness, and low water absorption. As a reliable Thordon/ThorPlas replacement, it delivers long service life and stable performance under water-lubricated conditions.
Techemer's water-lubricated composite bearing material is engineered for demanding pump and marine applications and serves as a high-performance alternative to Thordon SXL. Carefully formulated with self-lubricating microcrystals and extreme pressure particles, TSTN offers low friction, high wear resistance, and reliable dry-start performance. Its PV capability of up to 100 MPa·m/s under water lubrication and resistance to adhesive wear make it ideal for critical guide bearings, thrust bearings, and bushings in heavy-duty environments.
Techemer bearing material for pump, hydro and marine bushings. Water-lubricated, oil-free design with excellent wear resistance. Reliable Thordon SXL alternative with long service life and low maintenance.
Techemer bearing material for connecting rod bushings and regulating rings. Stable friction performance, oil-free compatible design, long service life and reliable operation for precision applications.
Techemer blank bearing material for vertical pump guide bearings. Water-lubricated, oil-free design with excellent wear resistance, long service life, and reliable performance.
High temperature and high load self-lubricating filament wound bearings for pumps. Oil-free design with strong load capacity, long service life, and reliable performance in harsh conditions.
Techemer water-lubricated radial bearing for turbine guide combines elastic polymer alloy construction with high wear and impact resistance, engineered for durable, oil-free operation in water-lubricated turbine, pump and marine applications. Designed for long service life and reduced maintenance, it supports multiple OEM installation methods.
Techemer TSTN water lubrication bearings are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern pump applications. Designed as a long-life and high wear-resistant alternative to Thordon SXL, these bearings run efficiently in fully water-lubricated conditions, eliminating oil lubrication and reducing maintenance while extending service intervals.
Techemer water-lubricated guide bearing bushings are engineered for modern pump systems where continuous water lubrication and long service life are essential. Designed as a reliable replacement for Thordon SXL, these bushings deliver excellent wear and corrosion resistance, low friction performance and extended maintenance intervals across centrifugal, submersible, irrigation and industrial pumps. The advanced elastomeric polymer alloy material ensures stable shaft support and reduced downtime in demanding operating environments.
A shaft thrust bearing is essential for controlling axial loads in vertical and propeller shaft systems. Techemer water-lubricated thrust bearings offer low friction, stable load capacity, and long service life for demanding applications.
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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