Modern printer manufacturers are under constant pressure to deliver machines that are faster, more reliable, and more energy-efficient. As print speeds and volumes increase, internal components are exposed to repeated movement, friction, heat, and mechanical stress.
This is where low-friction materials play an important role.
Versiv Low Friction Liners are used as linear glide bearings in high-speed printers. Positioned opposite the heating roller and transfer belt, they help paper move smoothly through the machine over thousands — and in some cases millions — of cycles.
By reducing friction, these liners help limit wear and tear on key printer components. This can support longer component life, reduce maintenance needs, lower the risk of downtime, and contribute to more consistent production quality.
Benefits of PTFE for high-speed printers:
- Longer component life: Each time paper moves through a printer, it rubs against specific components. Over time, this friction degrades the machinery, creating the need for parts maintenance or replacement, in addition to downtime and defects in production.
Versiv low friction liners meet the demanding lifetime requirements of high-performance printers. Components such as pressure pads endure less mechanical stress as previous iterations, where LFLs are not present.
- Energy efficiency: When less force is needed to move paper through the printer, less energy is required during each print cycle. While the saving per cycle may be small, the impact becomes more meaningful in high-volume printing environments.
- Temperature stability: As printers become faster and more productive, fusing units are exposed to greater thermal demands. PTFE-based materials help maintain stable wear properties at elevated temperatures (up to 356°F / 180°C), supporting reliable performance in demanding print conditions. The temperature resistance and stability of PTFE ensures this stability, as it allows for wear properties to remain consistent even at elevated temperatures.
Customisation and Collaboration with Versiv Low Friction Liners
Because every printer design is different, low-friction liners are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as thickness, thermal conductivity, surface finish, and dimensional requirements all need to be considered.
Early collaboration between material specialists and printer manufacturers helps ensure the right liner is developed for the application.
