The Yorkshire-based plastic bearings specialist BNL has set up a research centre for tribological research at its Knaresborough site. The New Technology Centre (NTC) will spearhead research, development and understanding of polymer tribology (the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion) and its application to plastic bearings and related components

The initial focus will be to expand and develop BNL’s current capabilities, not only in plastic bearings but also in plastic shafts and polymer gears. The company has been working on geared products and polymer gears for several years, and has supplied geared bearing products for customers in markets including motor sports, photocopiers and window blinds.

BNL has recently become a member of the British Gear Association and plans to work with the BGA to enhance the quality and accuracy of polymer gears and their application.