The binder, in conjunction with the fibers, provides the slippery surface, one that demands no lubrication, yet wears at a very slow rate. Strength, stiffness, and structural integrity are drawn from WearComp's graphite fibers. WearComp typically lasts six to ten times longer than aluminum bronze, a time-honored material widely used in mill operations. Unlike bronze, which can gall the mating steel surface, WearComp polishes the same surface and imparts a self-lube film for years of service. It is designed for continuous operation at temperatures of 550 degrees Fahrenheit and can operate under high compressive loads.
Grease is expensive to buy and apply, and costlier still to collect and dispose of.
Whereas grease on hot mill applications can char and seize moving bearing surfaces, use of WearComp can reduce that problem dramatically. Without grease or sticking problems, worker hours are reduced, downtime of machinery is lessened, and there is a reduction in materials destined for the scrap heap. A wide variety of chemical agents, including acids, hydraulic fluids, oils and grease, leaves WearComp virtually unscathed. Impact tests have shown the material to be far more damage tolerant than its aluminum bronze counterpart. WearComp materials help solve downtime problems on flash trimmers for automatic butt welders on continuous steel processing lines.