MEET BOWMAX™: COMPOSITE BEARINGS BUILT TO OUTLAST METAL
BowMax™ Bearings are a premium range of filament wound composite bearings manufactured to ISO 4379 dimensional standards, making them a direct replacement for many conventional plain bearings, including cast bronze and sintered metal bearings. Engineered using a high-strength composite structure with a PTFE, fiberglass, and polyester bearing liner bonded to an epoxy resin composite bushing, BowMax™ bearings deliver exceptional performance in demanding industrial environments where corrosion, chemicals, moisture, and heavy loads are common challenges.
Designed to replace traditional metallic bearings, BowMax™ bearings offer outstanding wear resistance, excellent dimensional stability, and self-lubricating performance that eliminates the need for routine maintenance. Their advanced composite construction combines a high-strength filament-wound backing with a low-friction PTFE bearing surface, providing reliable operation under high loads while significantly reducing friction and wear. As a result, they are an ideal cast bronze replacement composite solution for applications where reduced downtime, longer service life, and lower maintenance costs are critical.
BowMax™ bearings are particularly suited to industries such as marine, offshore, water treatment, construction, mining, agriculture, chemical processing, hydraulic equipment, and renewable energy. Their excellent chemical resistant composite bearing properties allow them to perform reliably in corrosive environments where conventional metallic bearings may deteriorate or require frequent replacement. In addition, their resistance to moisture, saltwater, and a broad range of industrial chemicals makes them an excellent choice for harsh operating conditions.
Available in a comprehensive range of standard sizes with bespoke options available on request, BowMax™ bearings provide engineers and OEMs with a dependable, high-performance solution for new equipment and retrofit projects. Whether you require a high load composite bushing in the USA, a precision ISO 4379 composite bushing, or a technically advanced replacement for traditional bronze bearings, BowMax™ delivers long-lasting performance backed by Bowman’s decades of bearing engineering expertise.
BowMax Specifications
| Structure | Bowmax filament-wound with optional lubrication holes/indentations |
|---|---|
| Max Static Load (N/mm²) | 480 |
| Max Dynamic Load (N/mm²) | 205 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -165 to 165 |
| Max Sliding Speed – Dry (m/s) | 0.13 |
| Max PV Factor – Dry (N/mm² x m/s) | 1.05 |
| Coefficient of Friction – Dry | 0.05 – 0.30 |
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion (m/m/°C) | 8.67 x 10-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/mk) | 0.40 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.02 |
| Ultimate Compressive Strength (N/mm²) | 450 |
Recommended Fitting Data
| Shaft Tolerance | h8 |
|---|---|
| Housing Tolerance | H7 |
| Shaft Finish | Ra 0.15 – 0.40 µm |
| Shaft Hardness | HRC 35 to HRC 58 |
| For Longer Life, Seals are Recommended Where Abrasive Contaminants are Present | |
Bearing Submersion Data
| Water Absorption (2 Hours) | 0.12% |
|---|---|
| Water Absorption (24 Hours) | 0.16% |
| Specific Gravity | 1.87 |
The Key Strengths of the BowMax™ Bearings
BowMax™ Bearings combine advanced composite materials with precision engineering to deliver exceptional performance in demanding industrial applications. Manufactured as filament wound composite bearings to ISO 4379 standards, they provide a lightweight yet incredibly durable alternative to traditional bronze and sintered metal bearings. Their advanced construction features a low-friction PTFE bearing surface supported by a high-strength epoxy resin composite bushing, offering excellent wear resistance, dimensional stability, and maintenance-free operation. As a proven cast bronze replacement composite, BowMax™ bearings are designed to withstand high loads while resisting corrosion, moisture, and aggressive chemicals. These chemical resistant composite bearings are widely used in marine, offshore, construction, mining, water treatment, and industrial processing applications where reliability and long service life are essential. Whether specified for new equipment or retrofit projects, BowMax™ bearings deliver dependable, low-maintenance performance in even the harshest operating environments.
Self-Lubricating Design
Incorporates solid lubricants to ensure smooth, maintenance-free operation over time.
High Strength Construction
Crafted from durable materials to provide superior strength and structural integrity.
Seamless Precision
Manufactured with tight tolerances for accurate fit and flawless performance.
Friction-Free Flow
Minimizes resistance for smooth motion and enhanced efficiency.
High Load-Bearing Capacity
Capable of supporting heavy loads while maintaining stability and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BowMax™ composite bearing?
A BowMax™ composite bearing is a high-performance filament wound composite bearing manufactured to ISO 4379 standards. Constructed with a high-strength composite backing and a low-friction PTFE bearing surface, it is designed to replace traditional metallic bearings while offering excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating performance in demanding industrial applications.
What is the maximum load capacity of BowMax™ bearings?
BowMax™ bearings are engineered to withstand high radial loads while maintaining dimensional stability and low-friction operation. The maximum load capacity depends on the bearing size, operating conditions, shaft material, speed, and application. Bowman's engineering team can recommend the appropriate bearing specification based on your performance requirements.
What ISO standards do BowMax™ bearings meet?
BowMax™ bearings are manufactured in accordance with ISO 4379, ensuring dimensional interchangeability with many conventional plain bearings. This enables straightforward replacement of existing bearing designs while maintaining consistent fit and reliable performance.
Can BowMax™ replace cast bronze or sintered metal bearings?
Yes. BowMax™ bearings are specifically designed as a cast bronze replacement composite and are also suitable for replacing many sintered metal bearings. Their advanced epoxy resin composite bushing construction provides lower friction, excellent corrosion resistance, reduced maintenance, and longer service life in many industrial applications.
What sizes of BowMax™ bearings are available?
BowMax™ bearings are available in a comprehensive range of standard sizes manufactured to ISO 4379 dimensions. Custom sizes and application-specific configurations can also be supplied to meet unique design requirements. Whether you require a high load composite bushing in the USA or a bespoke composite bearing solution, Bowman's engineering team can recommend the most suitable option for your application.
Looking for a custom size or special specifications?
Whether you need standard or custom options, we’re here to help. Reach out now and let’s find the perfect match!
