Cu82Ni4Al10Fe4 Axial Bearing Ring

The Cu82Ni4Al10Fe4 alloy is a high-performance material specifically designed for axial bearing rings, featuring plain, self-lubricating characteristics enhanced by embedded solid lubricant inserts. This combination ensures reliable and efficient operation in demanding applications. Below is an in-depth overview of the material and its key properties.

Cu82Ni4AL10Fe4 is a plain bearing material, mainly composed of 82% copper, 4% nickel, 10% aluminum and 4% iron. This material is often used to make parts with wear resistance and good sliding properties, especially in applications under high load and friction conditions.

An Axial Bearing Ring made of bronze is a specialized bearing designed to support axial loads, which are forces acting along the bearing’s axis. These bearings, often referred to as thrust bearings, are commonly used in applications where the load is applied parallel to the axis of rotation. The bronze material used in these bearings is valued for its durability, self-lubricating properties, and corrosion resistance, making it an excellent choice for high-load environments in machinery, automotive, and industrial applications.

Axial bearings play a critical role in applications where axial forces need to be controlled without affecting the radial loads. The bronze composition enhances wear resistance, ensuring smooth performance even under heavy stress. This makes bronze axial bearing rings a popular choice in demanding applications, such as gearboxes, pumps, and turbines, where reliability and long service life are essential.

Composition:

• Copper (Cu): 82%
• Nickel (Ni): 4%
• Aluminum (Al): 10%
• Iron (Fe): 4%

Properties:

Mechanical Properties:

• Density: The alloy is denser than pure copper due to the presence of nickel, aluminum, and iron. This increased density contributes to higher strength and better performance under heavy axial loads.
• Tensile Strength: Cu82Ni4Al10Fe4 offers superior tensile strength, making it highly suitable for bearing applications where resistance to mechanical stress is critical.
• Hardness: The alloy exhibits improved hardness compared to pure copper, with nickel and aluminum playing a key role in enhancing its wear resistance, which is essential for prolonging bearing life and reducing maintenance.

Thermal and Electrical Properties:

• Thermal Conductivity: The alloy retains much of copper’s high thermal conductivity, making it effective at dissipating heat generated during operation. Although the addition of other metals slightly reduces thermal performance, it remains suitable for applications where thermal management is important.
• Electrical Conductivity: While electrical conductivity is lower than pure copper due to alloying elements, it remains high enough to be useful in electrical and electronic applications where conductivity is needed alongside mechanical properties.

Corrosion Resistance:

• Corrosion Resistance: The alloy’s aluminum content improves its resistance to oxidation and general corrosion, particularly in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or saltwater. Nickel enhances resistance to corrosion in aggressive environments, contributing to the longevity of the bearing.

Lubrication and Wear Resistance:

• Self-Lubricating with Solid Lubricant Inserts: The bearing ring is equipped with embedded solid lubricant inserts, providing a consistent, self-lubricating mechanism. This feature reduces friction, minimizes wear, and eliminates the need for external lubrication systems. The inserts allow the bearing to perform under dry or low-lubrication conditions, which is particularly beneficial in environments where regular lubrication may be difficult or impractical.
• Wear Resistance: The combination of the solid lubricants and the alloy’s inherent hardness ensures superior wear resistance, especially in axial load-bearing applications. This results in longer operational life and reduced maintenance needs.

Applications:

The Cu82Ni4Al10Fe4 axial bearing ring with solid lubricant inserts is ideal for high-performance applications where axial load support, reduced friction, and enhanced corrosion resistance are required. Key applications include:

• Industrial Machinery: Perfect for use in rotating equipment, turbines, pumps, and compressors where axial loads are common.
• Marine and Offshore Equipment: With excellent resistance to corrosion, this bearing is ideal for ship engines, marine pumps, and other components exposed to harsh saltwater environments.
• Aerospace Systems: Suitable for aerospace components where low friction, reliability, and resistance to wear are crucial for high-stress, high-precision systems.
• Automotive and Heavy Equipment: The alloy is used in vehicle and machinery components, particularly in areas with high axial load, such as in powertrains, suspension systems, and other mechanical linkages.

Summary:

The Cu82Ni4Al10Fe4 axial bearing ring with embedded solid lubricant inserts offers exceptional performance in self-lubricating applications. This plain bearing material combines the mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of copper, nickel, aluminum, and iron with the added benefit of solid lubrication inserts for reduced friction and maintenance-free operation. Whether used in industrial, marine, aerospace, or automotive applications, this bearing ring provides long-lasting, reliable performance under demanding conditions.

The load-carrying capacity of a bearing is heavily influenced by the choice of alloy. Therefore, selecting the appropriate base material should be based on the required load-bearing performance. It’s important to note that temperature can affect the allowable load values, as well as influence the selection of lubricant.