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 maintenance-free ceramic bearing bushings provide advanced water-lubricated, self-lubricating solutions for mining equipment and heavy duty pumps challenged by abrasive slurry, corrosion and high temperature. Made with ultra-hard silicon carbide ceramics and engineered elastomer cushioning, these bushings deliver long service life, low maintenance and customizable fit for demanding industrial environments.
Techemer water-lubricated marine rudder and stern tube bearings engineered to replace Thordon bushings. Superior wear resistance, long service life and reliable performance for modern vessels.
Techemer water-lubricated stern tube bearings are ISO certified and engineered to deliver an extended service life and reliable performance in marine stern tube applications. Designed as equivalent replacements for Thordon bushings, these water-lubricated bearings exhibit superior wear and corrosion resistance, high load capacity, and low maintenance requirements, supporting cleaner vessel operation and longer maintenance intervals.
Techemer self-lubricating fore & stern tube marine bearings are engineered with an advanced elastomeric polymer alloy, providing superior wear resistance, low friction, and long service life under water-lubricated conditions. Designed to replace traditional Thordon SXL stern tube and rudder bearings, they offer environmental benefits, dry start capability, and reduced maintenance — making them ideal for bulk carriers, working vessels, yachts and deck machinery.
It provides rotational support, reduces friction during vane movement, and protects the shaft neck from wear. Traditional copper-based graphite mosaic bearings have long served this purpose — but Techemer non-metallic guide vane sleeves offer a superior alternative.
Techemer water-lubricated hydro bearing guide vane sleeves are engineered for hydropower turbines and high-load pump applications, offering long service life, superior wear resistance and low friction performance. Constructed from advanced composite materials with self-lubricating properties, these sleeves provide stable shaft support and improved reliability in demanding environments.
Techemer guide bearings are engineered for hydro generators and water-lubricated turbine systems. The advanced self-lubricating composite material eliminates the need for pre-start water injection, reduces friction and wear, and maintains consistent operating clearances for long service life, even under transient water conditions.
Techemer high-temperature ceramic bearings are engineered using advanced silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics and innovative structural designs to meet the demands of extreme industrial environments.
Techemer ceramic guide bushings are engineered for marine, industrial, and renewable energy applications, offering superior wear resistance, corrosion protection, and maintenance-free performance.
Techemer ceramic bushing bearing for water pumps offers cutting-edge performance, corrosion resistance, and unmatched longevity.
Ceramic bushing with stainless steel housing for pumps. High temperature resistant, water-lubricated plain bearing with excellent wear and corrosion resistance, long service life and low maintenance.
Techemer ceramic bearings for hydro-turbine engineered for oil-free, water-lubricated operation. Designed for demanding hydro turbine and pump systems, these ceramic bearings provide excellent wear resistance, corrosion protection, and long service life while reducing maintenance and operating costs.
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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