Plain Bearing Suppliers in Saudi Arabia | Sleeve Bearings, Bush Bearings & Metal Bushings for Industrial Machinery

SKF Saudi Arabia Inc.

Dammam, Eastern Province

+966 13 847 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier` · `Authorized SKF Distributor`

Same-day delivery available to Jubail Industrial City and Dammam Industrial Area

Aramco 9COM approved supply chain compatible

Last Verified: March 2026

The most recognized authorized plain bearing supplier in Saudi Arabia.

Full SKF plain bearing range - self-lubricating bushings, sleeve bearings, thrust washers, and composite plain bearings.

SKF PTFE-lined, bronze, and composite bushing configurations for oil and gas, cement, mining, and heavy industrial applications.

Full OEM documentation, MTC certificates, and material traceability for Aramco, SABIC, and government-linked project procurement.

Engineering support available for bearing material selection and clearance specification.

Industries: Oil & Gas, Cement, Mining, Power Generation, Desalination, Petrochemical

Al-Rushaid Group - Bearing & Industrial Division

Jubail Industrial City, Eastern Province

+966 13 341 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier` · `Authorized OEM Distributor`

Direct supply to Jubail Industrial City - same-day availability on stock items

Aramco and SABIC approved vendor list compatible

Last Verified: March 2026

One of Saudi Arabia's largest industrial groups with a dedicated bearing and industrial components division.

Supplies plain bearings, sleeve bearings, and industrial bushings to major petrochemical and oil and gas clients across the Eastern Province.

Strong in large-bore and heavy-duty plain bearing supply for continuous-duty industrial applications.

Full OEM documentation and MTC certificates for all supply.

Handles both standard stock and project-specific custom plain bearing procurement.

Industries: Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Heavy Manufacturing, Desalination, Mining

Rezayat Group - Technical & Industrial Division

Al Khobar, Eastern Province

+966 13 887 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier` · `Authorized Industrial Distributor`

Covers Eastern Province, Jubail, and Aramco facility supply corridor

Aramco approved vendor · SABIC qualified supplier

Last Verified: March 2026

One of the most established industrial groups in Saudi Arabia.

The technical division supplies plain bearings, sleeve bearings, and metal bushings to oil and gas, petrochemical, and heavy industry across KSA.

Handles large-volume and project-specific plain bearing procurement for major industrial clients.

Documentation, inspection, and expediting services available for project-critical supply.

Industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Generation, Desalination, Mining

Bearing World

Riyadh, Central Region

+966 11 462 5500

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Delivers across Riyadh, Al Kharj, and central KSA within 24-48 hours

Last Verified: March 2026

One of the largest multi-brand plain bearing distributors in Riyadh.

Stocks bronze bushings, self-lubricating plain bearings, sleeve bearings, and composite bushings across multiple brand tiers.

Good for buyers comparing plain bearing prices across economy and OEM options before ordering.

Common bore sizes in ready stock - 10mm to 120mm across standard plain bearing types.

Also carries thrust washers and flange bushings alongside standard sleeve bearing types.

Industries: Manufacturing, Automotive, Food Processing, General Industry, Agriculture

Al Wasat Al Badeel Trading Company

Dammam, Eastern Province

+966 13 834 2200

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Same-day availability on standard sizes for Eastern Province buyers

Last Verified: March 2026

A well-known name for plain bearing and bushing supply in the Eastern Province industrial corridor.

Known for stocking bore sizes and bushing types that general distributors in Dammam do not carry as regular stock.

Strong depth in bronze sleeve bearings and metal bushings for cement, petrochemical, and heavy manufacturing applications.

Cross-reference support available - provide failed bearing dimensions and load conditions if you have no part number.

Bore sizes from 10mm to 250mm covered for sleeve bearing and bushing types.

Industries: Cement, Petrochemical, Heavy Manufacturing, Marine, Construction

Arabian Bearing Company

Riyadh, Central Region

+966 11 477 3300

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Delivers to Riyadh and central KSA industrial zones within 24 hours on stock items

Last Verified: March 2026

Specialist bearing distributor in Riyadh covering plain bearings, sleeve bearings, bronze bushings, and self-lubricating composite bushings for industrial shaft and pivot applications.

Strong in self-lubricating plain bearing supply - PTFE-lined, graphite-embedded, and oil-impregnated sintered bronze types.

Stocks maintenance-free plain bearings alongside standard lubricated bronze sleeve bearings.

Good single-source for buyers needing both standard and self-lubricating plain bearing types from one supplier in Riyadh.

Industries: Hydraulics, Construction Machinery, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Agriculture

Universal Bearing Est.

Riyadh, Central Region

+966 11 463 1700

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Delivers to Riyadh industrial zones and central KSA within 24 hours on stock items

Last Verified: March 2026

Specializes in plain bearing units combined with hydraulic seals and oil seals.

Useful when you need sleeve bearings and sealing components sourced together for the same machine rebuild.

Reduces delivery mismatches and speeds up equipment reassembly across central KSA.

Covers bronze bushings, sleeve bearings, and matched oil seal sets for mining, agricultural, and hydraulic equipment applications.

Industries: Hydraulics, Mining Equipment, Agriculture, Industrial Drives

Okaz International for Industries

Jeddah, Western Region

+966 12 637 4400

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Bulk delivery to Yanbu Industrial City and Jeddah Islamic Port area

Last Verified: March 2026

The most referenced bulk plain bearing supplier for industrial projects in Jeddah and the western province.

Handles bulk sleeve bearing, bushing, and plain bearing orders for factories and plant maintenance contracts in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Rabigh.

Good stock depth for port equipment, desalination plant, and logistics facility applications.

Single-invoice bulk procurement available for factory maintenance and project supply contracts.

Industries: Desalination, Port Equipment, Logistics, Petrochemical, Food Processing

Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar - Industrial Division

Dammam, Eastern Province

+966 13 832 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier` · `Authorized Heavy Equipment Distributor`

Eastern Province coverage - Dammam, Jubail, Khobar, and surrounding areas

Aramco vendor list registered

Last Verified: March 2026

One of the most recognized heavy equipment and industrial supply groups in Saudi Arabia.

The industrial division handles plain bearing and bushing supply for heavy equipment maintenance, port operations, and industrial plant applications across the Eastern Province.

Strong in documentation and compliance supply for Aramco-linked and government infrastructure projects.

Covers large-bore plain bearings and metal bushings for mining equipment, cranes, and port machinery.

Industries: Heavy Equipment, Port Operations, Oil & Gas, Construction, Mining

Gulf Technical Supplies Co.

Al Khobar, Eastern Province

+966 13 864 4400

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Covers Al Khobar, Dammam, and Jubail industrial corridor

Last Verified: March 2026

Industrial technical supplier covering Al Khobar, Dammam, and the Jubail corridor.

Stocks plain bearings and metal bushings alongside hydraulic components and industrial fasteners.

Practical option for Eastern Province maintenance teams who need plain bearings as part of a wider industrial components order.

Industries: Oil & Gas Support, Industrial Maintenance, Petrochemical, Construction

Al Babtain Industrial Group - Technical Division

Riyadh, Central Region

+966 11 404 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier` · `Authorized Industrial Distributor`

Nationwide coverage - Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and project sites across KSA

Last Verified: March 2026

One of Saudi Arabia's most established industrial groups with nationwide coverage.

The technical division supplies plain bearings, sleeve bearings, and metal bushings to manufacturing, food processing, and infrastructure sectors across KSA.

Handles large-volume procurement and long-term supply contracts for major Saudi industrial clients.

Engineering and application support available for plain bearing material selection and specification.

Industries: Manufacturing, Food Processing, Infrastructure, General Industrial

Saudi Industrial Supplies Est.

Jeddah, Western Region

+966 12 660 3300

`✓ Fyind Verified Supplier`

Serves Jeddah and surrounding western industrial zones

Last Verified: March 2026

General industrial supplier covering Jeddah and the western province.

Stocks standard plain bearings, sleeve bearings, and bronze bushings for maintenance and replacement applications.

Common sizes in ready stock for light to medium industrial applications across the western region.

Industries: General Industry, Manufacturing, Maintenance Contracts

Plain Bearing Type	Bore Size Range	Material	Typical Application	Available From
Bronze sleeve bearing	10mm - 300mm	Phosphor bronze	Conveyors, pumps, gearboxes	SKF SA, Al Wasat, Bearing World
Self-lubricating plain bearing (PTFE-lined)	10mm - 200mm	Steel/PTFE composite	Maintenance-free pivots, linkages	Arabian Bearing, SKF SA
Oil-impregnated sintered bronze bushing	6mm - 100mm	Sintered bronze	Light industrial, small drives	Bearing World, Universal Bearing
Graphite-embedded bronze bushing	20mm - 400mm	Bronze + graphite	High temperature, furnace drives	SKF SA, Al Wasat Al Badeel
Bimetal plain bearing	20mm - 500mm	Steel-backed bronze	Heavy industrial, engines, gearboxes	SKF SA, Al-Rushaid Group
Flange bushing	10mm - 200mm	Bronze or composite	Axial and radial combined loads	Arabian Bearing, Bearing World
Thrust washer	20mm - 300mm	Bronze or PTFE	Axial load management	SKF SA, Arabian Bearing
Wrapped bushing	6mm - 150mm	Steel-backed PTFE	Agricultural, automotive, linkages	Bearing World, Universal Bearing
Polymer plain bearing	10mm - 150mm	IGUS / POM / PEEK	Food grade, chemical environments	Arabian Bearing, SKF SA
Custom machined bushing	Any size	Bronze, steel, polymer	OEM builds, retrofit projects	SKF SA, Al Wasat, Al-Rushaid

SKF Saudi Arabia Inc.

Industrial Area, Dammam · +966 13 847 0000

Best for: Full OEM range · MTC documentation · Aramco compliance · Self-lubricating and composite types

`✓ Same-day delivery to Jubail Industrial City`

Al Wasat Al Badeel Trading Company

Dammam · +966 13 834 2200

Best for: Wide bore range · Bronze sleeve bearings · Non-standard sizes · Eastern Province same-day stock

`✓ Bore sizes 10mm to 250mm`

Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar - Industrial Division

Dammam · +966 13 832 0000

Best for: Heavy equipment · Port operations · Aramco vendor supply

`✓ Aramco vendor list registered`

Gulf Technical Supplies Co.

Al Khobar · +966 13 864 4400

Best for: Multi-component industrial supply · Eastern Province corridor

Al-Rushaid Group

Jubail Industrial City · +966 13 341 0000

Best for: Aramco and SABIC approved supply · Large-bore plain bearings · Project procurement

`✓ Direct Jubail Industrial City supply`

Bearing World

Riyadh · +966 11 462 5500

Best for: Multi-brand · Economy to OEM · Bronze bushings · Bulk maintenance contracts

`✓ 24-48 hour delivery across central KSA`

Arabian Bearing Company

Riyadh · +966 11 477 3300

Best for: Self-lubricating plain bearings · PTFE-lined · Polymer bearings · Maintenance-free types

`✓ Same-day Riyadh delivery on stock items`

Universal Bearing Est.

Riyadh · +966 11 463 1700

Best for: Plain bearings combined with hydraulic and oil seals · Agricultural and hydraulic applications

`✓ Same-day dispatch on stock items`

Al Babtain Industrial Group

Riyadh · +966 11 404 0000

Best for: Nationwide supply · Large-volume contracts · Engineering support

Phosphor Bronze Sleeve Bearings

The standard workhorse of industrial plain bearings in Saudi Arabia.

Good load capacity, excellent compatibility with steel shafts, suitable for moderate speeds.

Requires lubrication - oil or grease depending on application.

Available from nearly every bearing supplier in KSA.

Bore sizes from 10mm to 300mm in stock across Dammam and Riyadh.

Aluminium Bronze Bushings

Higher load capacity than phosphor bronze.

Better corrosion resistance - used in marine, coastal, and offshore applications in the Eastern Province and Red Sea facilities.

Suitable for higher speeds and heavier loads than standard phosphor bronze.

Available through SKF Saudi Arabia, Al Wasat Al Badeel, and Arabian Bearing Company.

Bimetal Plain Bearings (Steel-Backed Bronze)

Steel backing for structural rigidity - bronze lining for the bearing surface.

Used in heavy industrial gearboxes, marine diesel engines, construction equipment, and large pump housings.

Higher load capacity than solid bronze at a lower weight.

Available through SKF Saudi Arabia in Dammam and Al-Rushaid Group in Jubail.

Oil-Impregnated Sintered Bronze Bushings

Pre-lubricated during manufacture - oil is held in the porous bronze matrix.

Releases lubricant during operation - suitable for applications where re-lubrication is difficult.

Used in small motors, fans, household appliances, and light industrial equipment.

Available through Bearing World in Riyadh and Universal Bearing Est.

Graphite-Embedded Bronze Bushings

Bronze matrix embedded with graphite plugs.

Self-lubricating at high temperatures where grease or oil cannot be used.

Used in cement kiln trunnion supports, furnace conveyor drives, and high-temperature industrial applications across Saudi Arabia.

Available through SKF Saudi Arabia in Dammam and Al Wasat Al Badeel.

Al-Rushaid Group - Jubail

Project-scale bulk supply for Aramco and SABIC-linked facilities.

Full OEM documentation with every bulk order.

+966 13 341 0000

Okaz International for Industries - Jeddah

Quarterly and annual bulk supply contracts for western KSA factories.

Single-invoice procurement and fixed pricing available.

+966 12 637 4400

Bearing World - Riyadh

Multi-brand bulk supply programs for manufacturing and food processing facilities in central KSA.

+966 11 462 5500

Al Babtain Industrial Group - Riyadh

Nationwide bulk supply and long-term maintenance contract supply for large industrial clients.

+966 11 404 0000

Al Wasat Al Badeel - Dammam

Bulk supply of bronze sleeve bearings and metal bushings for Eastern Province industrial facilities.

+966 13 834 2200

Before setting up a bulk plain bearing supply contract - confirm:

Fixed bore sizes, material grade, and bearing type across all units in the contract.

Whether standard catalog sizes or custom-machined bushings are required.

Lead times for non-stock bore sizes within the contract.

Documentation requirement - MTC certificates and material grade certification if required.

Non-Standard Bore and Outer Diameter

Plain bearings machined to non-catalog bore and OD dimensions.

Available through SKF Saudi Arabia in Dammam and Al Wasat Al Badeel in Dammam.

Lead time: 3 to 8 weeks depending on material and machining complexity.

Special Material Grades

Aluminium bronze, leaded bronze, beryllium copper, PEEK, or specialty polymer grades not available in standard catalog.

Available through SKF Saudi Arabia and Al-Rushaid Group in Jubail.

Lead time: 4 to 10 weeks.

Large-Bore Custom Bushings

Machined bronze or bimetal bushings above standard catalog size limits - used in heavy infrastructure, large pump housings, and marine applications.

Available through Al-Rushaid Group in Jubail and Rezayat Group in Al Khobar.

Lead time: 6 to 16 weeks depending on size and specification.

Flanged and Profiled Custom Bushings

Non-standard flange dimensions, grooves, holes, or surface profiles for specific assembly requirements.

Available through SKF Saudi Arabia and Al Wasat Al Badeel.

Lead time: 3 to 8 weeks.

When inquiring for custom plain bearing supply - provide:

Bore diameter · Outer diameter · Length or width · Flange dimensions if required · Material grade · Surface finish requirement · Operating load · Operating speed · Temperature range · Quantity required · Delivery date

SKF Saudi Arabia - Dammam · +966 13 847 0000 · Same-day to Jubail Industrial City

Al Wasat Al Badeel - Dammam · +966 13 834 2200 · Same-day on standard sizes

Bearing World - Riyadh · +966 11 462 5500 · 24-48 hours central KSA

Arabian Bearing Company - Riyadh · +966 11 477 3300 · Same-day self-lubricating and PTFE types

How a Jubail Petrochemical Plant Eliminated Pump Bushing Replacements by Switching from Standard Bronze to Graphite-Embedded Bushings

The Problem:

A Jubail petrochemical plant was replacing bronze sleeve bearings on process pump shaft supports every 5 to 6 months.

The pump area operated at elevated temperatures - consistently above 150°C at the bearing location.

Standard grease-lubricated phosphor bronze bushings were losing lubrication within weeks in that temperature range.

Each replacement required pump isolation and a 10 to 14 hour maintenance window on a critical process line.

What Changed:

Specification changed to graphite-embedded bronze bushings - self-lubricating at high temperature without grease.

Sourced through SKF Saudi Arabia Inc. in Dammam with full MTC documentation for Aramco-linked plant compliance.

The Result:

Bushing service life extended from 5 months to over 24 months on the same pump application.

Unplanned maintenance windows from bushing failure reduced by approximately 70%.

Annual maintenance cost saving on that pump line estimated at SAR 90,000 in parts and labour.

Supplier: SKF Saudi Arabia Inc., Dammam · +966 13 847 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified` · `Authorized SKF Distributor` · `Aramco 9COM Compatible`

How a Riyadh Food Processing Factory Passed Hygiene Audits by Replacing Metal Bushings with FDA-Compliant Polymer Plain Bearings

The Problem:

A food processing factory in Riyadh's industrial zone was using standard bronze bushings on conveyor chain pivot pins.

Daily washdown and food particle contact were causing bronze corrosion and contamination of the product line.

The factory failed two consecutive hygiene audits - bronze particle contamination was identified as the source.

What Changed:

Bronze bushings replaced with FDA-compliant polymer plain bearings (IGUS iglide series) - corrosion-free, self-lubricating, and food-grade safe.

Sourced through Arabian Bearing Company in Riyadh - delivered same day from ready stock.

The Result:

Bronze contamination eliminated from the production line.

Hygiene audit failures related to bushing material dropped to zero in the following audit cycle.

Re-lubrication of conveyor pivot pins removed from the maintenance schedule entirely - reducing annual maintenance hours significantly.

Supplier: Arabian Bearing Company, Riyadh · +966 11 477 3300

`✓ Fyind Verified` · Same-day delivery across Riyadh industrial zones

How a Cement Plant in the Eastern Province Reduced Kiln Trunnion Maintenance Frequency by Switching to Large-Bore Bimetal Plain Bearings

The Problem:

A cement plant in the Eastern Province was experiencing accelerated wear on rotary kiln trunnion shaft bushings.

Standard solid bronze bushings were being used on a shaft running at very low speed under extremely high radial load.

The bronze was deforming under load - causing irregular contact and accelerated wear on both the bushing and the shaft journal.

Replacement frequency was every 8 to 10 months - each replacement requiring kiln isolation and 48 hours of downtime.

What Changed:

Application reviewed with Al Wasat Al Badeel in Dammam.

Specification changed to steel-backed bimetal plain bearings - steel structural backing preventing deformation, bronze-lead alloy lining providing the bearing surface.

Correct bearing confirmed and sourced from Eastern Province stock.

The Result:

Bushing deformation failures eliminated.

Kiln trunnion bushing service life extended from 9 months to over 32 months.

48-hour kiln isolation events reduced from once per year to once in 32 months.

Estimated annual saving of SAR 140,000 in downtime, labour, and component replacement.

Supplier: Al Wasat Al Badeel Trading Company, Dammam · +966 13 834 2200

`✓ Fyind Verified` · Same-day dispatch from Eastern Province stock

How a SABIC-Linked Facility in Jubail Resolved a Procurement Audit by Switching to an Approved Plain Bearing Vendor

The Problem:

A maintenance contractor at a SABIC-linked facility in Jubail was sourcing plain bearings and sleeve bearings from a general trading company.

During a supplier audit, the bearings were flagged - no MTC certificates, no material grade documentation, no approved vendor status.

The entire plain bearing stock on-site was placed under hold.

The facility faced potential equipment shutdown until compliant replacements were sourced.

What Changed:

Procurement switched to Al-Rushaid Group in Jubail - an Aramco and SABIC approved vendor.

Full OEM documentation, MTC certificates, and material grade certification provided with replacement stock.

Replacement plain bearings delivered to site within 24 hours from Jubail-area ready stock.

The Result:

Equipment hold lifted within 48 hours.

All subsequent plain bearing procurement for the facility routed through approved vendor channels.

Zero compliance issues in the following two annual procurement audits.

Supplier: Al-Rushaid Group, Jubail · +966 13 341 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified` · `Aramco and SABIC Approved Vendor`

How a Construction Contractor on a NEOM Package Sourced Custom Bronze Bushings for Non-Standard Pin Joints in 4 Weeks

The Problem:

A civil contractor on a NEOM infrastructure package needed custom-machined bronze bushings for non-standard pin joint assemblies on structural steel frames.

The bore size, outer diameter, and flange profile did not match any standard catalog bushing.

Three general distributors in Riyadh could not supply custom-machined bushings.

The project programme required delivery within 4 weeks to avoid structural steel installation delays.

What Changed:

Inquiry directed to SKF Saudi Arabia Inc. in Dammam.

Custom bronze bushings machined to the exact bore, OD, length, and flange profile specified on the structural drawing.

Material certificates and dimensional inspection reports provided with delivery.

Delivered to site in 4 weeks from order confirmation.

The Result:

Structural installation programme maintained - no delays attributable to bushing supply.

Custom bushings accepted by the supervising engineer on first inspection - dimensional conformity documented.

Supplier: SKF Saudi Arabia Inc., Dammam · +966 13 847 0000

`✓ Fyind Verified` · `Authorized SKF Distributor` · Engineering support available

Supplier	Location	Specialization	Contact
SKF Saudi Arabia Inc.	Dammam, Eastern Province	Authorized SKF · Full range · MTC docs · Custom machined · Aramco 9COM	+966 13 847 0000
Al-Rushaid Group	Jubail Industrial City	Aramco & SABIC approved · Large-bore · Project supply	+966 13 341 0000
Rezayat Group	Al Khobar, Eastern Province	Aramco vendor · Project procurement · Documentation	+966 13 887 0000
Bearing World	Riyadh, Central Region	Multi-brand · Bronze bushings · Economy to OEM · Bulk supply	+966 11 462 5500
Al Wasat Al Badeel Trading Co.	Dammam, Eastern Province	Wide bore range · Bronze sleeve bearings · Cross-reference	+966 13 834 2200
Arabian Bearing Company	Riyadh, Central Region	Self-lubricating · PTFE-lined · Polymer bearings · Maintenance-free	+966 11 477 3300
Universal Bearing Est.	Riyadh, Central Region	Plain bearings + hydraulic seals combined · Agricultural	+966 11 463 1700
Okaz International for Industries	Jeddah, Western Region	Bulk supply · Western KSA · Single-invoice contracts	+966 12 637 4400
Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar	Dammam, Eastern Province	Aramco vendor · Heavy equipment · Port operations	+966 13 832 0000
Gulf Technical Supplies Co.	Al Khobar, Eastern Province	Multi-component supply · Eastern Province corridor	+966 13 864 4400
Al Babtain Industrial Group	Riyadh, Central Region	Nationwide · Large-volume · Engineering support	+966 11 404 0000
Saudi Industrial Supplies Est.	Jeddah, Western Region	General supply · Western KSA maintenance contracts	+966 12 660 3300

Phosphor Bronze Sleeve Bearing

Economy: SAR 25 - 300

OEM brand (SKF, Glacier): SAR 80 - 1,200

Oil-Impregnated Sintered Bronze Bushing

Economy: SAR 15 - 150

OEM brand: SAR 40 - 500

PTFE-Lined Self-Lubricating Plain Bearing

OEM brand (SKF, INA): SAR 60 - 1,800

Graphite-Embedded Bronze Bushing

OEM brand: SAR 120 - 3,500

Bimetal Plain Bearing (Steel-Backed Bronze)

Economy: SAR 80 - 800

OEM brand (SKF, Glyco): SAR 200 - 4,500

Polymer Plain Bearing (IGUS, POM, PEEK)

OEM brand: SAR 40 - 1,500

Flange Bushing (Bronze)

Economy: SAR 30 - 400

OEM brand: SAR 100 - 1,500

Thrust Washer

Economy: SAR 20 - 300

OEM brand: SAR 60 - 1,200

Large-Bore Custom Machined Bushing (above 200mm)

On inquiry - SAR 500 - 15,000+ depending on size, material, and machining complexity.

Plain Bearing Type	Economy (SAR)	OEM Brand (SAR)
Bronze sleeve bearing	25 - 300	80 - 1,200
Sintered bronze bushing	15 - 150	40 - 500
PTFE-lined self-lubricating	-	60 - 1,800
Graphite-embedded bronze	-	120 - 3,500
Bimetal steel-backed bronze	80 - 800	200 - 4,500
Polymer plain bearing	-	40 - 1,500
Flange bushing	30 - 400	100 - 1,500
Thrust washer	20 - 300	60 - 1,200
Large-bore custom machined	-	500 - 15,000+

1. What are plain bearings and where are they used in Saudi industrial applications?

Plain bearings - also called bushings, sleeve bearings, or journal bearings - are bearing elements that support a shaft or pin through sliding contact rather than rolling elements.

They are used in almost every industry in Saudi Arabia.

Common applications include pump shaft bushings in oil and gas facilities, conveyor chain pivot pins in cement plants, kiln trunnion supports, crane hook pivot pins, hydraulic cylinder rod guides, agricultural equipment pivot joints, gearbox housing bushings, and construction equipment pin joints.

Wherever a shaft, pin, or pivot needs support with controlled clearance - a plain bearing is the likely solution.

2. What is the difference between plain bearings and roller bearings in industrial use?

Plain bearings support load through a sliding contact surface between the bearing and the shaft.

They have no rolling elements - simpler construction, lower cost, quieter operation, and better suited to shock loads, slow speeds, and oscillating movement.

Roller bearings support load through rolling elements - balls, cylinders, or tapered rollers - between inner and outer rings.

They are suited to higher speeds, lower friction, and continuous rotation under defined load conditions.

Plain bearings are often preferred in Saudi industrial applications where shaft speeds are low, shock loads are high, space is limited, or self-lubrication is required - such as kiln trunnions, crane pivots, and heavy pin joints.

3. What are sleeve bearings and bushings - are they the same thing?

Yes - sleeve bearings, bushings, and plain bearings refer to the same basic component in most industrial contexts.

A bushing is a cylindrical plain bearing that lines a bore to support a shaft or pin.

A sleeve bearing specifically describes a cylindrical plain bearing supporting a rotating shaft.

A plain bearing is the broader term covering all bearing types that use sliding contact - including sleeve bearings, thrust washers, flange bushings, and spherical plain bearings.

In Saudi Arabia's industrial supply market, the terms are used interchangeably by procurement teams and maintenance engineers - suppliers understand all three.

4. What types of plain bearings are available from suppliers in Saudi Arabia?

Bronze sleeve bearings - the most common type in KSA industrial applications.

Oil-impregnated sintered bronze bushings - pre-lubricated, for light industrial and small motor applications.

PTFE-lined self-lubricating plain bearings - maintenance-free, for pivot and linkage applications.

Graphite-embedded bronze bushings - self-lubricating at high temperatures, for kiln and furnace drives.

Bimetal plain bearings (steel-backed bronze) - for heavy industrial gearboxes and large pump housings.

Polymer plain bearings - for food-grade, chemical, and corrosion-sensitive environments.

Flange bushings - for combined axial and radial load applications.

Thrust washers - for pure axial load management.

Wrapped bushings - thin-walled steel-backed PTFE for automotive and agricultural applications.

5. What materials are used in plain bearings available in Saudi Arabia?

Phosphor bronze - standard for most industrial plain bearing applications.

Good load capacity and shaft compatibility.

Aluminium bronze - higher load and corrosion resistance.

Used in marine and offshore applications in KSA.

Lead bronze - higher load capacity at lower speeds.

Used in heavy gearbox and engine bearing applications.

Bimetal (steel-backed bronze or PTFE) - combines structural rigidity with a low-friction bearing surface.

Sintered bronze - porous matrix holds oil for self-lubrication in light industrial applications.

Graphite - embedded in bronze for high-temperature self-lubrication where grease cannot be used.

PTFE composites - maintenance-free low-friction surfaces for pivot and linkage applications.

Polymer (IGUS iglide, POM, PEEK) - corrosion-free, food-grade, and chemical-resistant for specialty environments.

6. Which plain bearing material is best for high load applications in Saudi industrial machinery?

For the highest load applications in Saudi Arabia - crushers, kiln trunnions, heavy gearboxes, large pump housings - bimetal plain bearings (steel-backed with lead bronze or tin bronze lining) are the correct specification.

The steel backing prevents deformation under heavy load.

The bronze lining provides the bearing surface.

For very heavy, slow-speed applications - such as kiln trunnion supports - graphite-embedded bronze provides self-lubrication without grease under high contact pressure.

Standard phosphor bronze is appropriate for moderate loads up to approximately 20 N/mm² contact pressure.

Above that - specify bimetal or aluminium bronze through SKF Saudi Arabia in Dammam or Al-Rushaid Group in Jubail.

7. Are self-lubricating plain bearings available in Saudi Arabia?

Yes - and they are one of the most practical solutions for Saudi industrial applications where re-lubrication is difficult, impossible, or creates contamination risk.

Three self-lubricating plain bearing types are available in KSA:

Oil-impregnated sintered bronze - oil held in the porous bronze matrix, released during operation.

For light to medium loads and moderate temperatures.

Graphite-embedded bronze - graphite plugs provide dry lubrication at high temperatures.

For cement kilns, furnace drives, and hot process lines above 120°C.

PTFE-lined composite bearings - maintenance-free for the life of the bearing.

For pivot joints, linkages, and structural applications where access for re-lubrication is impossible.

Arabian Bearing Company in Riyadh and SKF Saudi Arabia in Dammam are the primary sources for self-lubricating plain bearings in KSA.

11. What sizes of sleeve bearings are available from suppliers in Saudi Arabia?

Oil-impregnated sintered bronze bushings - 6mm to 100mm bore in ready stock.

Standard phosphor bronze sleeve bearings - 10mm to 150mm bore in ready stock across Dammam and Riyadh.

Larger bronze sleeve bearings - 150mm to 300mm bore available on short order (1 to 3 weeks).

Above 300mm bore - custom machined on order, 4 to 8 weeks lead time.

PTFE-lined self-lubricating bearings - 10mm to 200mm bore, standard sizes in ready stock.

Bimetal plain bearings - 20mm to 500mm bore, standard sizes from stock, large sizes on order.

12. Is there a standard size chart for plain bearings available from KSA suppliers?

Yes.

ISO 4379 defines standard dimensions for solid and split plain bearings.

ISO 3547 covers sintered metal bushings.

DIN 1850 covers cylindrical plain bearings.

Most OEM brands - SKF, INA, Glacier - publish dimensional catalogs conforming to these standards.

These are available directly from SKF Saudi Arabia Inc. in Dammam and Bearing World in Riyadh.

For polymer plain bearings, IGUS publishes a comprehensive size chart for iglide series - available through Arabian Bearing Company in Riyadh.

If you need a size chart for a specific material or series - contact SKF Saudi Arabia (+966 13 847 0000) or Arabian Bearing Company (+966 11 477 3300).

13. How do I select the correct plain bearing size for my industrial application in Saudi Arabia?

Four steps determine correct plain bearing selection:

Shaft diameter - sets the bore size.

Standard running clearance is 0.001 to 0.002 times the shaft diameter for most industrial applications.

Radial load - determines required wall thickness, material grade, and allowable contact pressure.

Exceeding the material's allowable contact pressure causes deformation and rapid wear.

Operating speed - determines the PV rating required (contact pressure × surface velocity).

Each bearing material has a maximum PV limit.

Temperature - determines whether standard grease lubrication is feasible or whether graphite or PTFE self-lubrication is required.

If you are replacing a failed bushing - provide the shaft diameter, housing bore, bushing length, and a description of the application to SKF Saudi Arabia in Dammam (+966 13 847 0000) or Al Wasat Al Badeel (+966 13 834 2200) for material and size confirmation before ordering.