One of the factors that makes this raw material so essential to the industry is its high resistance to frictional wear, which makes bronze a widely used material in bearings, gears, and related parts.

Bronze bushings are solid bushings or solid bearing graphite bearings. They consist of a single material or alloy. Similar to solid plastic bushings, here there is no sliding or backing layer. Common to all metal alloys is their limited suitability as a sliding material. Together with metal shafts, it is important for all solid bushings that are often subjected to stress. By providing a lubricant to provide cooling and reduce friction.

The importance of bronze bushing lubrication

Without externally provided lubrication, solid metal bearings are at best only suitable for so-called emergency operation. In practice, emergency operating function means that in the event of a power interruption, the bushing will continue to operate long enough to allow the equipment to shut down in time. An example of this emergency operating function is a pump whose bearings are typically designed to be lubricated and cooled by the medium being pumped.

This need for permanent lubrication leads to corresponding design requirements for the components. This is why bronze bushings and other solid bearings have so-called lubrication grooves. These are grooves milled or turned along the inner and/or outer diameter through which the lubricant can be distributed to the bearing housing. However, the production of these bushings is quite expensive, especially for large quantities, because the lubrication grooves have to be made separately on a suitable milling or turning machine.

Bearing bushings made from bronze alloys are widely used across various industries due to their excellent properties. Bronze alloy bearing bushings offer a combination of high load capacity, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for a range of applications. Here is a brief overview of some common bronze alloys used for bearing bushings:

1. SAE660 (C93200) – Leaded Tin Bronze:

• Composition: Cu 81%, Sn 7%, Pb 7%, Zn 5%
• Properties: Good load capacity, wear resistance, and machinability
• Applications: General-purpose bearings, bushings, and wear plates

2. CuSn8 (UNS C52100) – Phosphor Bronze:

• Composition: Cu 92%, Sn 8%
• Properties: Excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and low friction
• Applications: Slide bearings, springs, and electrical contacts

3. CuAl10Fe5Ni5 – Aluminum Bronze:

• Composition: Copper-aluminum-iron-nickel alloy
• Properties: High strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance
• Applications: Heavy-duty bearings, gears, and valve components

4. CuSn12 (UNS C90700) – Tin Bronze:

• Composition: Cu 88%, Sn 12%
• Properties: High load capacity, good wear resistance, and corrosion resistance
• Applications: Bearings, bushings, gears, and pump components

Please note that the list above only provides a brief overview of some common bronze alloys used for bearing bushings. There are many more bronze alloys available, each with its specific properties and applications. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or a material expert when selecting the appropriate bronze alloy for your bearing bushing requirements.

Divided entirely by individual technical values, it is difficult to make any meaningful comparison between these two groups of materials. Like most metal bushings, those made of bronze and its alloys have higher mechanical strength values, especially in the case of lubrication, and are far superior to PV values. Bronze bushings, for example, often offer cost savings due to the potential lack of lubrication and more economical production. In addition, depending on the polymer compound, pure material costs can also be significantly more economical. Eliminating the need for externally supplied lubrication can also provide other advantages in terms of bushing reliability and maintenance. In addition, depending on the application, the weight savings due to the lighter material are not insignificant.

Maintenance-Free: Say goodbye to regular lubrication and costly maintenance. Our bronze oilless bearings are engineered with embedded solid lubricants that ensure a smooth, low-friction operation without the need for additional lubrication.

Extended Service Life: Our bronze oilless bearings are made from high-quality materials that provide excellent wear resistance, ensuring a long-lasting solution for your bearing needs.

High Load Capacity: Our bearings are designed to withstand heavy loads and perform reliably in demanding applications, making them perfect for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery.

Corrosion Resistance: Our bronze oilless bearings are highly resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for harsh environments and providing extended service life.

Versatile Applications: Whether you’re in the food processing, textile, or marine industry, our self-lubricating bronze oilless bearings can cater to a wide range of applications and requirements.

Custom Solutions: We understand that every application is unique. That’s why our team of experienced engineers is ready to work with you to design and develop custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. To learn more about bronze bushing applications, please contact our service team and request more information!