The Steel Supply Company specializes in Slide Bearings using Fluorogold®, PTFE, Teflon®, Graphite and a wide range of configurations.

The typical Slide Bearing configuration, most often called out as FC-1010-CS, is made with two Fluorogold® elements. Both the Upper and Lower elements are 3/32” thick Fluorogold® bonded to 1/8” thick carbon steel. Fig. 1 and Fig 2.

Vibration Isolation, Thermal Break, Expansion and Contraction, Elastomeric.
In many forms they are showing up in designs to aid finished structure Safety, Efficiency, Longevity and Maintenance Costs.

Fig. 1

Fabricated Neoprene Base Plate Pads.

Industrial Neoprene: The simplest type of bearing which serves many functions from electrical separation to vibration isolation to bearing rotation (flex). Its easy machining and low cost are the main advantages.

The renovation project shown in Fig. 1 is currently taking place in the metro New York City area. The structure is a four-story garden apartment building originally constructed in the late 1950’s.

The Steel Supply Company frequently sees requirements for Teflon® or Fluorogold® Slide Bearings where the assembly is longer than 48” and the designer calls for a single continuous upper and lower member. This can be done but is almost always unnecessary.

Often when projects require shims the default material is automatically steel. This is often overkill in terms of performance and required compression strength. As a possible option, Construction Grade Plastic Shims offer exceptional strength and durability.

For our Steel Fabricating and Construction industry customers, nothing is more important than staying on schedule.

Getting the components and supplies your project needs remains difficult for some of the more specialized items.

Beginning in 2020 the Pandemic created havoc in the supply chain. Everything from raw steel to paint and coatings took a hit. Along the way a few natural / man made disasters added to the problem.

Fig. 1 Krylon Rust Inhibitive Steel Coatings. Available in 5 gallon pails or 53 gallon drums

From our beginnings in 1898 Rust Inhibitive Steel Coatings has been one of the main product lines. Krylon®, a division of Sherwin Williams, is a solid coating that dries fast and delivers excellent protection against rust. Fig. 1.

Cementitious Expansion Grout

On any construction project, grout can be found everywhere. Mounting Handrails, Setting Anchor Bolts, Under Base Plates, etc. The important thing to consider when using grout is exposure to the elements.

Typical construction uses a “controlled expansion” grout, i.e. – as it sets it expands slowly to create pressure. This can be achieved with a Portland Cement based grout, or gypsum based. The difference is the Portland cement type will expand and remain at its expanded pressure indefinitely in both interior and exterior environments.

Note : Bearings can be standard configuration or uniquely designed by the project engineer or architect. The plan should not be altered without the approval of the designer.

As construction engineering advances, more frequently Slide Bearings are being designed with bonded rubber layers to allow for rotation and/or vibration isolation. There is a standard configuration for these bearings and some basics should be understood.