SLIDE

PLATES
PTFE, 25% Glass Filled - Graphite - Bronzphite - Marinite
SLIDE PLATES

http://www.pipingtech.com/slideplates

X 11 X 120 GRAPHITE SLIDE PLATES FOR 1,000 F

MARINITE SLIDE PLATE

PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED SLIDE PLATES

BRONZPHITE SLIDE PLATES

177

SLIDE BEARING PLATES

DESCRIPTION

PAGE

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................... 179

PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Slide Plates

PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Data Sheet .................................................................................................................................
Load and Temperature Limits ..........................................................................................................................................
Coefficient of Friction Vs. Load ........................................................................................................................................
PTFE, 25% Glass Filled Specifications ...........................................................................................................................

180
181
181
182

Graphite Slide Plates

SLIDE PLATES

Graphite Data Sheet ........................................................................................................................................................... 183

Graphite Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................... 184

Standard Assembly Configurations ...................................................................................................................... 185

Bronzphite
Bronzphite Data Sheet ..................................................................................................................................................... 186

SLIDE PLATE ASSEMBLIES WITH 2 MARINITE BLOCKS

43 ANGLED PIPE SHOE WITH PTFE SLIDE PLATE

8 DIA. HD-2 HOLD DOWNS LINED WITH PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED SLIDE PLATES

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SLIDE BEARING PLATES

Slide bearing plates are a very cost-effective way of providing for movement of mechanical systems. Piping Technology
& Products, Inc. supplies slide bearing plates for a variety of applications including support of piping, heavy equipment
such as pressure vessels, and structural steel members. The plates provide a surface with a low coefficient of friction
which can be attached to a supporting structure. This combination provides support while simultaneously allowing an
object to move (slide) freely along the supporting surface.
Most designers use the sandwich concept when applying slide plates to their systems. Diagram A (on Page 180) shows a
sandwich composed of two identical slide plates, one on top and another on the bottom. Each slide plate is composed
of two components: a metal backing plate (which is like the bun of the sandwich) and a low coefficient of friction material which is bonded to the metal backing plate.

One combination of materials that we recommend is that of PTFE, 25% glass filled, bonded to stainless steel. Both materials resist oxidation and have long lives even in stressful environments. For large slide plates, galvanized steel can be used
in place of stainless to reduce the cost.

TEMPERATURE CONSIDERATIONS
PTFE, 25% glass filled, provides a low coefficient of friction for most combinations of temperature and load. Diagram B,
on Page 181, shows the recommended conditions for 332 PTFE, 25% glass filled. For most applications, PTFE, 25% glass
filled, is adequate when the temperature is less than 400 F. When the slide bearing plate must function at higher temperatures, graphite can be used instead of PTFE, 25% glass filled. The load-bearing capacity of graphite is not sensitive
to increases in temperature, but the adhesive used to bond the graphite to its metal backing is. It is good practice to use
additional mechanical fasteners such as counter-sunk screws to help hold the graphite in place when the temperatures
are above 500 F. For combinations of temperature and load beyond the capabilities of graphite, special designs must be
considered.

ATTACHMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Welding is the most common method of attaching the slide bearing plate to supporting metal structures. When this
approach is used a lip must be built since the weldings extreme temperature may break the bond between the lowfriction material and the metal plate. A lip is adequate for most welded installations. When welding cannot be used
(for safety or other reasons) to attach the slide plates, bolting is the most common substitute.
Before we begin constructing your slide bearing plates, we need to know the following:

The material you desire for the low-friction surface, based on the highest combinations of temperature and
load the component will experience. PTFE, 25% glass filled and graphite are the most common choices.

The desired size and shape for the low-friction surface.

The type of metal you desire for the plate backing. Most designers choose galvanized or stainless steel.

The size and shape for the metal plate backing of the low-friction surface.

Slide bearing plates are components of many products Piping Technology & Products, Inc. supplies such as guided pipe
shoes and upthrust constants. As a result, we have extensive experience in bonding PTFE, 25% glass filled, and graphite
to metal plates. Modern adhesives are adequate for most applications. However, mechanical fasteners such as countersunk screws can be added when needed. If you have unique applications, we will be happy to custom design a practical
solution for your application.

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179

SLIDE PLATES

In a typical application, a slide bearing plate is welded to a structural steel member which is strong enough to provide
the required support, but whose coefficient of friction is too high. When the pipe supported by the member moves (due
to thermal expansion, for example) it slides across the surface of the bearing plate without contacting the steel beam. To
return to our sandwich metaphor, the top half of the sandwich is bonded to the pipe, and the bottom half to the steel
beam.

PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED SLIDE PLATE

DIAGRAM A

ASSEMBLY:

Standard Assembly: 2 units of 332 PTFE, 25% glass filled, bonded to 18 carbon steel. For field
tack welding, lip. Loads to 2,000 PSI, temperature: -320 F to 500 F.
Full Weld Assembly: 2 units of 332 PTFE, 25% glass filled, bonded to indicated backing material
with lip all around for full welding. Loads to 2,000 PSI, temperature: -320 F to 500 F.

SLIDE PLATES

PART # -- PTP -- 332 PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED -- 10 GA. SS -- LIP AND SIZE

ADVANTAGES:

APPLICATIONS:

Bridges: Highway bridges, overpasses, railroad bridges.

Ease of installation.
No setting problems.
Low coefficient of friction.
No surface treatments, grouting, or expensive mechanical attachment necessary.
Chemically inert.
Unaffected by weather conditions.
Ability to absorb dirt and grit within itself.
Self-aligning when used in conjunction with elastomeric backing pads.

Architectural in Wood, Concrete or Steel: Cross beam and girder slip joints, roof slabs and
corbels, vibration pads, airport hangar doors, domes.
Industrial: Heat exchangers, dust collectors, heavy machinery, refinery equipment, wind tunnels, penstocks, vessels, pipelines, air preheaters, atomic energy applications, transmission towers, storage tanks, offshore drilling rigs.

ORDERING:

1.
2.
3.

INSTALLATION:

Please specify the dimensions of the upper plate and dimensions of the lower plate. It is
common practice that the upper plate is generally larger than the lower plate.
Specify lip dimension (if different than standard ).
Specify base plate thickness (if different than standard 18).

Prior to Welding: Locate the slide plate base in the appropriate position on the existing steel
surface. Place a protective covering on the PTFE, 25% glass filled. Where seal welding is not
required, follow the diagram shown which indicates 18 thick fillet weld, 1 long every 4 around
entire perimeter of the base. For welding, use GMAW 0.035 wire or SMAW 332 stick.
Where full seal welding is required, use a similar pattern of welding until a full weld is obtained.
This method will prevent damage to the PTFE, 25% glass filled (A full weld will help prevent seepage of water between the slide bearing plate and the support structure.). Avoid overheating,
which may destroy the bonding of the PTFE, 25% glass filled to the base plate.
Installing in Concrete: Secure the top and bottom elements together with paper adhesive
tape. Then attach the bottom element anchor bolts with wire to the form. After the bottom
pour is made, repeat on top element. During the first expansive cycle, the tape will break.

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PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED, TEMPERATURE AND FRICTION GRAPHS

It has been determined from basic testing that the ideal thickness of PTFE,
25% Glass Filled, should be 332. If the
design engineer follows the given chart
(left) for the Effect of Temperature on
PTFE, 25% Glass Filled, there will not be
a failure.

SLIDE PLATES

Diagram B
The Coefficient of Friction of PTFE, 25% Glass Filled, slide plates has been reported to be from 0.01 to 0.2. This depends on
the surface preparation, loading, velocity, and the duration of the test. Bonding PTFE, 25% Glass Filled, to metal increases
the load capabilities in excess of 2,000 PSI (For design purposes, use 500 PSI). This table shows the coefficient of friction
due to the load applied. A maximum coefficient of 0.1 can be used in PTFE, 25% Glass Filled, slide bearing designs without
considering sliding speed, temperature, or maintenance.

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181

PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED, SPECIFICATIONS

MECHANICAL

PROPERTY

VALUE

Specific Gravity Measured

2.1 - 2.3

D638

Water Absorption (%)

0.013

D570-59T

Hardness, Shore D
@ 78 F
@ 300 F

57
56

Wear Factor K

less than 10 x 10-10

Tensile Strength (PSI)

2,000 min.

D1457-56T

Tensile Elongation (%)

200 - 250

D1457-56T

Flexural Strength (PSI)

606

D790-59T

D2240

SLIDE PLATES

Modulus (PSI)

2.39 x 10

D638

Compressive Strength (PSI)

0.2% offset

1870

D695-54

Deformation at 78 F, 2000 PSI

24 hr.
Permanent Deformation (%)

7.1
3.9

D621-59 (modified)

Deformation at 78 F, 2000 PSI

100 hr.
Permanent Deformation (%)

8.9
4.4

Coefficient of Friction

ELECTRICAL

PROPERTY

182

0.06 for loads

> 500 PSI static

VALUE

Modified

ASTM TEST METHOD

Dielectrical Strength in air (v per mil)

327

D149A

Dielectrical Constant @ 60 cps

2.63

D150-54T

13

D257-57T

Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm)

THERMAL

ASTM TEST METHOD

PROPERTY

10

VALUE

ASTM TEST METHOD

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion

(per F)

6.98 x 10-5

D694-44

Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity

(Btu-In.) hr-sq. (ft. F)

3.12

Cenco-Fitch

Continuous Service Temperature (F)

550

Various

Weatherability

Unaffected

Physical exposure

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GRAPHITE SLIDE PLATE

ASSEMBLY:

Standard Assembly: 2 units of graphite bonded to 18 carbon steel. For field welding, lip.
Loads to 2,000 PSI, temperature: 1,000 F air, 3,000 F inert.
Full Weld Assembly: 2 units of graphite bonded to indicated backing material with lip all
around for full welding. Loads to 2,000 PSI, temperature: 1,000 F air, 3,000 F inert.

SLIDE PLATES

PART # -- PTP -- GRAPHITE ( OR ) -- CS -- LIP AND SIZE

ADVANTAGES:

APPLICATIONS:

Bridges: Highway bridges, overpasses, railroad bridges.

High operating temperature.

Ease of installation.
No setting problems.
Low coefficient of friction.
No surface treatments, grouting, or expensive mechanical attachment necessary.
Chemically inert.
Unaffected by weather conditions.

Architectural in Wood, Concrete or Steel: Cross beam and girder slip joints, roof slabs and corbels, vibration pads, airport hangar doors, domes.
Industrial: Heat exchangers, dust collectors, heavy machinery, refinery equipment, wind tunnels,
penstocks, vessels, pipelines, air preheaters, atomic energy applications, transmission towers, storage tanks, offshore drilling rigs.

ORDERING:

1.
2.
3.

INSTALLATION:

Please specify the dimensions of the upper plate and dimensions of the lower plate. It is common practice that the upper plate is generally larger than the lower plate.
Specify lip dimension (if different than standard ).
Specify base plate thickness (if different than standard ).

Prior to Welding: Locate the slide plate base in the appropriate position on the existing steel
surface. Place a protective covering on the graphite. Where seal welding is not required, follow
the diagram shown which indicates 18 thick fillet weld, 1 long every 4 around entire perimeter of
the base. For welding, use GMAW 0.035 wire or SMAW 332 stick.
Where full seal welding is required, use a similar pattern of welding until a full weld is obtained.
This method will prevent damage to the graphite (A full weld will help prevent seepage of water
between the slide bearing plate and the support structure.). Avoid overheating, which may
destroy the bonding of the graphite to the base plate.
Installing in Concrete: Secure the top and bottom elements together with paper adhesive tape.
Then attach the bottom element anchor bolts with wire to the form. After the bottom pour is
made, repeat on top element. During the first expansive cycle, the tape will break.
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183

GRAPHITE SPECIFICATIONS

SLIDE PLATES

PROPERTY
(ROOM TEMPERATURE)

UNITS

AVERAGE

UNITS (METRIC)

AVERAGE

Bulk Density

lb. /ft.3

99.26

Mg/m3

1.59

Specific Resistance
With Grain
Across Grain

10-4 ohm-in.

Flexural Strength
With Grain
Across Grain

PSI

Tensile Strength
With Grain
Across Grain

PSI

Compressive Strength
With Grain
Across Grain

PSI

Youngs Modulus
With Grain
Across Grain

106 PSI

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

With Grain
Across Grain

10-6 / F

Thermal Conductivity
With Grain
Across Grain

BTU x ft
hr. x ft.2 x F

ohm-meter

1297
995
713
630
2877
2802
0.96
0.61

184

k Pa
(kN/m2)
k Pa
(kN/m2)
k Pa
(kN/m2)
M Pa
(MN/m2)

8940
6860
4920
4340
19840
19320
6620
4210

10-6 / C
0.72
1.35

1.32
2.43
W / m x C
152
107

88
62
Darcys

Permeability
With Grain
Across Grain
Coefficient of Friction

8.47
12.05

3.33
4.74

0.493
0.444
0.15

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0.15

STANDARD ASSEMBLY CONFIGURATIONS

WELDING DIAGRAMS FOR PTFE, 25% GLASS FILLED SLIDE PLATES AND GRAPHITE SLIDE PLATES

Notes:
1. Pressure range: 75 PSI to 2,000 PSI
2. Temperature range: -320 F to 400 F
3. Alternate backing materials are available.

SLIDE PLATES

SLIDE PLATES FOR WELDING TO MATING SURFACES

SLIDE PLATES FOR HIGHER LOAD CAPACITIES

Notes:
1. Pressure range: 75 PSI to 2,200 PSI
2. Temperature range: -320 F to 400 F
3. Alternate backing materials are available.

SLIDE PLATES FOR DEFLECTION & EXPANSION AT HIGHER

LOADS

SLIDE PLATES FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE & HIGH LOAD

BEARING

Notes:
1. Pressure range: 75 PSI to 1,500 PSI
2. Temperature range: -50 F to 200 F
3. Alternate thicknesses of reinforced elastomer available.

Notes:
1. Pressure range: 100 PSI to 2,500 PSI
2. Temperature range insulator: 400 F to 800 F
3. Coefficient of friction:
0.10 @ min. pressure
0.06 @ max. pressure

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185

BRONZPHITE SLIDE PLATE

SLIDE PLATES

ASSEMBLY:

Standard Assembly: Graphite impregnated bronze plate combined with a carbon steel backing
plate, to be field welded. Loads up to 5000 PSI, temperature: up to 1100 F.

ADVANTAGES:

APPLICATIONS:

Bridges: Highway bridges, overpasses, railroad bridges.

Maintenance free.
Self lubricating.
High wear resistance.
Has an extended life.
Lubrication does not deteriorate with wear.
Prevents accumulation of dust and debris.
Higher durability than standard graphite.
Withstands extreme pressures and high temperatures.

Architectural in Wood, Concrete or Steel: Cross beam and girder slip joints, roof slabs and
corbels, vibration pads, airport hangar doors, domes.
Industrial: Heat exchangers, dust collectors, heavy machinery, refinery equipment, wind tunnels, penstocks, vessels, pipelines, air preheaters, atomic energy applications, transmission towers, storage tanks, offshore drilling rigs.

ORDERING:

1.
2.

INSTALLATION:

Please specify the dimensions of the upper plate and dimensions of the lower plate. It is
common practice that the upper plate is generally larger than the lower plate.
Specify base plate thickness.

Welding: Generally, tack weld with the electric arc along the outside edge for a solid installation.
Wherever full weld is desired, a weld is used along the sides of the base plate to the substrate.
The full weld would prevent seepage of water between the Bronzphite bearing and the support
structure.
Installing in Concrete: When installing Bronzphite slide plate assemblies in concrete, anchor
bolts will be integrated into the base plates for attachment to either the concrete form rebar
structure or simply within the concrete itself.

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