Aerial work platforms are often used in plant construction, building construction, bridge inspection and maintenance and other technical construction projects that normally take place outdoors in the sunshine, rain, dust and dirt. The working conditions are extremely harsh. The lifting mechanism is the most critical part, often connected by a hinge point with many links. The hinge point uses traditional metal bearings or coated roller bearings, which have the problem that they rust quickly, wear out and the coating peels off when corroded by sun, rain and dust. Furthermore, 
conventional plain bearings need to be lubricated regularly. In addition, most lifts are rented out, which leads to long operating times, long work cycles and therefore high maintenance costs