Self-Lubricating Bearings Market - By Product type, By Material, By Load Capacity, By Friction, By Durability, By End-User, By Region, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Self-Lubricating Bearings Market Size

The global self-lubricating bearings market was estimated at USD 3.76 billion in 2024 and projection to grow with CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2034. The   global market is growing, driven by increasing demand for easy-to-use, high-performing parts across the automotive, aerospace, medical devices and industrial automation sectors.
 

They can operate smoothly without lubrication, bearings reduce downtime, increase equipment lifespan and are perfect for harsh and inconvenient areas. As the use of precise engineering and intelligent systems rises, industries are choosing self-lubrication to help them run very efficiently over the long term and preserve the environment.
 

The range of industries using self-lubricating bearings is quickly growing and now covers electric vehicles, green energy, agriculture equipment and consumer electronics. Electric and hybrid vehicles demand silence, efficiency and durability from the bearings, so the automotive sector has become a leader in using new bearing technologies. For steady operation in challenging surroundings, many types of machinery depend on these bearings. Due to their cost savings and impact on equipment reliability, many SMEs are choosing self-lubricating bearings. Improvements in composite materials and polymers are helping to increase both load and environmental resistance.
 

Government involvement in smart manufacturing and the rise of Industry 4.0 in Asia-Pacific, there are more chances for companies to grow. IoT-based condition monitoring and tools for predictive maintenance are now adding extra benefits to self-lubricating bearings in advanced manufacturing. Improvements in technologies and materials, as well as reduced production costs, are pushing the market to experience continuous international growth alongside wider trends of automation, saving energy and improving sustainability.
 

Self-Lubricating Bearings Market Trends

The rising need for self-lubricating bearing that last, require no maintenance and are sustainable has prompted self-lubricating bearing producers to focus on new materials and advanced tools. Because of how important performance and reliability are in these areas, these bearings are now being found in many types of modern automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, and medical equipment.
 

Because electric cars and small sized equipment are now preferable, manufacturers are turning to highly corrosion-resistant and lightweight bearings made with special polymers and composites. In places like food processing, packaging, and pharmaceuticals, wanting hygienic and maintenance-free machines is helping to replace traditional metal bearings with self-lubricating ones. In addition, strong regulations, and increased awareness of clean and energy-efficient operations back this change.
 

More bearings are available and functional today because smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance allow them to be designed to work with IoT and be monitored live. Since customers want parts that accept little room, function quietly and last a long time, makers of machinery are concentrating on components that include sensors and can sustain heavy loads and harsh environments for a long span of use. GGB and Igus are developing custom bearings for use in aerospace, robotics, and renewable energy. Because small and medium-sized manufacturers prefer components that are dependable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, many others are starting to use them. Atlantic continues to spend money on R&D to produce the most effective materials, minimize wear and tear and make sure their products match the needs of new automated systems.
 

Self-Lubricating Bearings Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is divided into bushings, thrust bearings, plain bearings, linear bearings and others (sliding bearing, etc.). In 2024, the bushing segment generated revenue of around USD 1.24 billion and expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.6% during the forecast period.
 

• The bushing segment is rapidly emerging in the market due to Low cost, easy installation and outstanding performance under high loads and low speed. Bushing does not need extra lubrication; they are great for industries looking to minimize time spent on repairs and system downtime. They work especially well when dirt, dust or extreme temperatures make it hard to lubricate machines regularly. For this reason, bushings are typically used in construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and automobile suspensions.
   
• They are small, seldom rust and can manage misaligned systems, they are being used more often in industrial automation, packaging, and renewable energy areas. The adoption of smart equipment and predictive maintenance is causing bushings that contain sensors or are built from advanced composites to become extremely popular. Self-lubricating bushings are a great way to support the goals of sustainability and lower oil or grease use. In addition, support for demand comes from government-backed upgrades in manufacturing and a growth in demand for dependable parts in electric cars and robots. Consequently, bushing is becoming essential in building new machines.
   

Based on End-use, the self-lubricating bearings market is segmented as automotive, industrial machinery, energy & renewables, medical devices and robotics and others (aerospace, marine, etc.). In 2024, the automotive segment dominated the market by 41.1% share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2034.
 

• The automotive segment holds the highest share in end-user segment of the market due to its growing demand for high-performance, low-maintenance components. Lots of vehicles count on ball bearings for steering, suspension, pedals, seats, and doors. As vehicles are being made smaller and more energy-efficient, most drivers want parts that keep friction low, reduce wear, and make less noise. With self-lubricating bearings, drivers do not have to lubricate joints externally, which helps the bearings last longer and reduces the total operating costs. Electric and hybrid cars need lightweight, dependable, and durable materials more than most other vehicles. Another reason for this trend is more EVs, tight emission rules and people’s desire for peace and quiet on the road.
   
• In addition, since automotive companies must keep innovating to meet global environmental goals, self-lubricating bearings help by using less grease and oil. Friction-related energy loss is decreased by what they do which benefits vehicle efficiency. When production lines are more automated, their use improves how fast, well and consistently manufacturing happens. The aluminum and polymers to be used in these vehicles support the industry as it focuses on cutting weight and saving fuel. At the same time, more vehicles being bought globally and higher commercial transport increases the demand. All these elements make the automotive sector the strongest user of self-lubricating bearings around the world.
   

In 2024, North America, United States dominated the self-lubricating bearings market by 79% and generated USD 789.46 million revenue in the same year.
 

• North America is leading the market due to its strong presence in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing. The area has advantages from using advanced engineering materials and smart components at an early stage. As maintenance is a big issue, companies in industrial automation are adopting these bearings. The U.S. and Canada are putting a lot of their resources into defense and electric vehicle production which helps them adopt advanced energy technology more quickly.
   
• With strict regulation, industries are motivated to use components that help reduce the use of oil and emissions. Self-lubricating parts are being chosen by manufacturers because they help reduce costs and increase efficiency. &D plays a crucial role in designing fresh bearing materials and raising their overall efficiency. With its well-developed manufacturing and supply chain, North America is still number one in this quickly changing sector.
   

Asia Pacific (APAC) region China is leading the self-lubricating bearings market growth with the CAGR 5.8% in the forecast year of 2025 -2034.
 

• China leads the Asia-Pacific market due to its expansive industrial base in automotive, railways, construction equipment, and robotics. The government focuses so much on building infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, there is a faster shift to using components that need little maintenance and use less energy. People are wanting bearings that can work smoothly under tough conditions and need little servicing. A rise in the use of automation and mechatronics in Chinese factories is driving this demand. Such trends help China take a leading role in the growth of this segment.
   
• Under the plan like “Made in China 2025” and “Belt and Road,” the country is investing strongly in advanced machinery and goods meant for export. Self-lubricating bearings lower the risk of downtime and go along with the nation’s goals for better productivity and a competitive edge worldwide. In Zhejiang, Shandong and Jiangsu, manufacturing facilities are turning into advanced materials and sensors used in bearings. Local companies are also increasing their research to make bearings that roll more smoothly. Because of this push for innovation, domestic and worldwide supply remains steady.
   
• Since exports of EVs, high-speed rail and electronics are increasing, more durable and cheap self-lubricating bearings are needed. The reason why domestic OEMs in China pick these parts is because they last longer, are light and need little upkeep. Mandatory rules for the environment are driving companies away from using greases and toward self-lubricating systems. The government also motivative people by providing offers and tax concessions. All these things add up to make China the leading force in the global market.
   

In Europe, Germany is leading the self-lubricating bearings market growth with the CAGR of 5.6% in the forecast year of 2025 -2034.
 

• Germany, Europe is leading the self-lubricating bearing market driven by its advanced automotive and industrial machinery sectors, which demand high-performance and low-maintenance components. Because of their emphasis on precision engineering and automation, self-lubricating bearings are needed in the country where they can work well under heavy loads. More electric vehicles and robots being used increase the demand for motion components that do not require maintenance. Applications like these gain advantages from bearings that decrease friction, increase their service life, and reduce the time their equipment is out of operation.
   
• Innovations inspired by the government and strict EU rules are making companies move toward sustainable, lubricant-free methods. Predictive maintenance is being adopted by German manufacturers and smart machinery relies on self-lubricating bearings to support it. Furthermore, government incentives and efforts to reduce environmental impact help improve advanced polymer and composite bearings. The combination of innovative ideas, rules and what industry asks for fuels Germany’s growth in this sector.
   

In MEA, South Africa is leading the self-lubricating bearings market growth with the CAGR of 4.6% in the forecast year of 2025 -2034.
 

• South Africa is investing in the development of infrastructure and upgradation of manufacturing, both of which are driving the demand for high-performance mechanical parts. Increased automation and productivity also stimulate demand for maintenance-free bearing products. South Africa is also a key distribution and logistics center for world bearing producers, providing improved access to markets and proximity to the latest bearing technologies. All these conditions together make the country a market leader in the self-lubricating bearing market for the MEA region.
   

Self-Lubricating Bearings Market Share

• Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, SKF Group, NSK Ltd., NTN Corporation, RBC Bearings Incorporated are the major players accounting for market share. Self-lubricating Bearing manufacturers compete fiercely as they all supply related products for use in the automotive, packaging machinery, electronics, and industrial automation sectors. Because these markets specialize in many industries with companies serving heavy-duty vehicles, robotics, home appliances and precision instruments. Both international and regional companies compete by giving solutions that are built for strength, suit the operating environment and require less upkeep.
   
• Since the market is moving rapidly, today’s buyers prefer machines that are efficient, need little maintenance, are cost-effective, obey environmental rules and are compatible with smart systems. Firms committed to research, environmentally friendly measures and new Industry 4.0 technologies usually outperform others in their industry. Good customization, innovative ideas and taking care of customers after buying the product are now important for market growth and gaining faithful users.
   

Self-Lubricating Bearings Market Companies

Major players operating in the market:

• AMES Group
• CSB Sliding Bearings
• Daido Metal Co., Ltd.
• GGB Bearing Technology
• GKN Sinter Metals
• igus GmbH
• NSK Ltd.
• NTN Corporation
• OILES Corporation
• RBC Bearings Incorporated
• Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
• SKF Group
• Technymon Global Bearing Technologies
• TriStar Plastics Corp.
• Zhejiang SF Oilless Bearing Co., Ltd.
   

These are some of the top companies dominating the market offering diverse types of bearings suitable for several operating conditions in various industries. Advanced research and great knowledge of the industry put Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, SKF Group, NSK Ltd., NTN Corporation and RBC Bearings Incorporated ahead of others. Accordingly, these companies make self-lubricating bearings that provide dependable, fast, and extremely precise service. The work developed by robotics firms is highly valued in industries like automotive, packaging, textiles, and manufacturing. These manufacturers are constantly trying to make bearings work better, consume less power and fit smoothly into today’s automated tech.
 

Leaders in the self-lubricating bearings sector, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, SKF Group and NSK Ltd., place a strong emphasis on progress, sustainability and building durable products for the automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation fields. Because more customers require maintenance-free and high-performing solutions, leading players are investing in better composite materials and intelligent bearing technologies.
 

Meanwhile, manufacturers such as GGB Bearing Technology, IGUS GmbH and Boca Bearings are marketing products designed for unique needs and customers appreciate their lightweight, rust-resistant, and inexpensive goods. As more automation, IoT and eco-friendly manufacturing spread worldwide, the market’s key players are motivating each other to develop modern technology quickly.
 

Self-Lubricating Bearing Industry News

• In January 2025, Schaeffler introduced the J20G series of current-insulated bearings which use Insutect A coating. Because they protect against electricity well, these bearings are useful in the rail, wind energy and industrial automation areas.
   

• In October 2024, NTN Corporation released a new lubricating unit for grease-lubricated bearings on machine tool spindles. This advancement delivers a dmn value of 1.9 million, the top in the industry for grease-lubricated bearings—by prolonging their lubrication and supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions in machine tools.
   

The self-lubricating bearings market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and Volume in Thousand Units from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments.

Market, By Product Type

• Bushings
• Plain bearings
• Thrust bearings
• Linear bearings
• Other (sliding bearing, etc)

Market, By Material

• Metallic Bearings 
  • Bronze-based
  • Iron-based
  • Copper-based
  • Aluminium alloys
  • Others (lead, etc)
• Non-Metallic Bearings 
  • Composite-based
  • Ceramic-based
  • Polymer-based (PTFE)

Market, By Load Capacity

• Below 100 N/mm2
• 100 N/mm2-500 N/mm2
• Above 100 N/mm2

Market, By Friction

• Low friction bearings
• Medium friction bearings
• High friction bearings

Market, By Durability

• Low durability
• Medium durability
• High durability

Market, By End Use

• Automotive
• Industrial machinery
• Energy & renewables
• Medical devices and robotics
• Others (aerospace, marine, etc.)

The above information is provided for the following regions:

• North America

• U.S.
• Canada

• Europe

• UK
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia

• Asia Pacific

• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• Malaysia
• Indonesia

• Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

• MEA

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa