On Oct 8, 5:29*pm, John Doe wrote:
Something thin to put between two pieces of 1/8" thick 1 1/2" wide
aluminum flat bar that are bolted together. A bearing that will
allow the two pieces of aluminum flat bar to be held firmly together
but move (the only way possible) against the spacer between them
with as little friction as possible.

Would that be nylon? Delrin? What is it called? At the moment, my
best guess is "thrust bearing". Even though the only thrust pushing
the pieces together is the bolt that holds them together. I'm
looking at McMaster.

Is there something not officially labeled as such that works well
for that purpose? I have some spray Teflon silicone lubricant from
Lowe's.

Thanks.

Look into some UHMW tape. UHMW is the same plastic used for ski bases,
lining hopper cars, etc.
The tape is sticky, and makes an excellent bearing for what you are
doing. Once you get a roll of it, you will have a few many other uses
for it.

Another possibility ( question?) is anodizing the parts, to make the
surface hard enough to slide. Would that work?

Ther are also Ceramic spray coatings that can be applied to aluminum,
and reduce friction.
I used to get pistons ceramic coated for racing. Google it.


Thirdly, some words on riveting.. If you use a riveted joint, a heavy
hit will bulge the rivet all the way through. Light hits will peen
over the ends, leaving the center loose.