Turcite

Overview

Turcite (commonly Turcite-B, a brand of SKF/Trelleborg) is a PTFE-based composite bearing material bonded to machine tool slideways and guide surfaces to provide a controlled, low-friction sliding interface. It is the dominant material for reconditioning and manufacturing machine tool slides — lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and machining centres — where smooth, stick-slip-free motion is essential for precision and surface finish. Turcite is bonded to one surface of the slideway pair, typically the moving element (saddle or table), while the mating surface is the hardened and ground cast iron or steel way. Its low friction coefficient and ability to retain oil in its surface microstructure give it superior anti-stick-slip characteristics compared with metal-on-metal slideways.

Working properties

• Anti-stick-slip performance

  Stick-slip (the jerky motion that occurs at the transition from static to dynamic friction) is a major cause of poor surface finish and positioning inaccuracy in machine tools. Turcite eliminates stick-slip because its static and dynamic friction coefficients are very close — motion begins smoothly without the breakaway jerk typical of metal-on-metal surfaces.

• Oil retention

  Turcite's surface microstructure retains a film of slideway oil between the material and the mating way surface. This hydrodynamic film further reduces friction and wear. The bonded Turcite surface is usually oil-scraped during fitting to create oil pockets for retention.

• Bondability

  Turcite is supplied with a pre-etched bonding surface. It is bonded to the machine slideway using epoxy adhesive (typically Moglice or similar precision repair compound) and then hand-scraped and lapped to the mating surface to achieve geometric accuracy.

• Wear and reconditioning

  Turcite wears slowly under normal operating conditions and lubrication. When it eventually wears, the slideway can be reconditioned by removing the old Turcite, re-bonding a fresh strip, and re-scraping to geometry — a significant advantage over re-grinding hardened steel ways.

• Machinability

  Turcite sheet can be cut to size with standard workshop tools. After bonding and curing, the fitted surface is hand-scraped and/or ground to the required geometry and surface finish.

Typical uses

• Machine tool slideway lining — lathes, milling machines, machining centres, grinding machines
• Reconditioning worn machine tool slides and saddles
• Guide bearing surfaces in precision linear motion applications
• Hydraulic press platens and precision sliding fixtures

Things to confirm before ordering

• Thickness — Turcite is available in standard thicknesses; confirm the required thickness for your slideway clearance and geometry.
• Width and length — confirm the required strip or sheet size to cover the slide surfaces.
• Bonding method — confirm that appropriate epoxy and scraping equipment are available; bonding and fitting Turcite is a skilled hand-fitting operation.
• Mating surface — the mating way surface should be hardened, ground, and well-finished; Turcite performance depends heavily on the quality of the counterface.

How does Turcite compare?

• Rulon →

  Rulon is another family of PTFE composite bearing materials with a wide range of grades. Both Turcite and Rulon serve similar applications in machine tool and precision bearing work; grade selection depends on load, speed, and specific requirements.

• Bronze/Cast Iron slideways

  Traditional metal-on-metal slideways have higher friction and are prone to stick-slip without careful lubrication. Turcite-lined slides outperform metal slideways in stick-slip sensitivity and require less lubrication.