Oilless Bearing Bronze Alloys: Characteristics and Selection Guide

Bearing Bronze Solutions – Tailored for Efficiency & Strength

Oilless Bearing, Solid-Lubricant-Embedded Bearing

Oilless bushings and bearings are self-lubricating components designed for use in applications where traditional lubrication is difficult or undesirable.

  • Low maintenance: These bearings don’t require regular lubrication, making them ideal for hard-to-reach locations.
  • Copper Alloy Oilless Bush: This type is made of a copper alloy base with a solid lubricant. It’s available in various sizes and configurations.
  • Self-Lubricating Properties:
  • Eliminates the need for external lubrication
  • Reduces maintenance requirements and extends equipment lifespan
  • Suitable for environments where regular lubrication is difficult or impossible

We Offers a comprehensive range of oilless bushings, including custom solutions and detailed catalogs. They provide both straight and flange types, with materials such as C86300 bronze alloy and C93200 tin bronze! Specializes in self-lubricating bushings, offering a variety of standard and custom sizes. Their products are designed for high-load and high-temperature applications!

JDB Cylindrical Oilless Bearings Graphite-Impregnated Bronze Bushings c95400
JDB – Bush Without Flange

Key Features of JDB Bush Without Flange

 

Material: Typically made of high-strength brass alloy with inlaid solid lubricants such as graphite.

 

 

Self-Lubricating: Designed to operate without the need for external lubrication, making them suitable for applications where maintenance is challenging.

 

Applications: Ideal for heavy-duty and low-speed applications, including industrial machinery, automotive, and aerospace sectors.
JFB graphite bronze bushing flange size
JFB – Bush with flange

JFB (Bush with Flange) is a type of self-lubricating plain bearing that includes a flange for additional support and positioning.

Design: JFB bushings feature a cylindrical body with an integrated flange at one end. This design provides better load distribution and helps in positioning the bearing within assemblies.

oilless washer
JTW – Washers Design and Material:

JTW (Thrust Washers) are self-lubricating components designed for use in various industrial applications.

Made of high-strength brass or bronze alloy base material

Embedded with solid lubricants like graphite or molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)

Available in various sizes to suit different applications

jsp wear plate graphite
JSP- Sliding plate
Can be ordered as custom-made components or selected from standard sizes. When selecting JSP sliding plates, consider factors such as load requirements, operating conditions, and dimensional specifications to ensure the best fit for your specific application. These components offer a robust solution for industries requiring reliable, low-maintenance sliding surfaces in demanding environments.
wear plate material Self Lubricating Bronze Wear Plate C95400
JSL – L-type bar Design:

L-shaped configuration, also referred to as an angled guide gib

Available in various sizes and dimensions to suit different applications

Maintenance-free operation due to self-lubricating properties

High precision and reliability

Suitable for challenging operating conditions

Type Of Bearing

oilless bearings Customization:

Can be manufactured to specific customer requirements

Available in various alloy compositions (e.g., CuZn25A16Fe3Mn3, SAE 660 bronze)

ASTM

Bearing bronze alloys according to ASTM B505, ASTM B271 & ASTM B22

EN 1982 Bronze

Bearing bronze alloys according to EN 1982 standard

oilless bush catalogue pdf

Oilless bearing Availability: oilless bush catalogue pdf

Can be ordered as custom-made components or selected from standard sizes.

Material and Composition:

Made of bronze with embedded solid lubricants like graphite

Self-lubricating properties, eliminating the need for external lubrication

highly wear-resistant Oilless Bearings JDB material

JDB materials consist of a highly wear-resistant copper cast alloy, with the sliding surfaces evenly embedded with a specific percentage of solid lubricant plugs tailored to the working conditions. The high-strength copper alloy offers substantial load-bearing capacity, while the solid lubricant ensures the formation of a low-friction film during technical dry running conditions. The bearing surface is designed with a thick running-in film, allowing the solid lubricant to transfer to the counter material upon initial contact.

CuZn25Al5 allay grade material graphite is a lubricant self-lubricated graphite embedded bearing nickel aluminum bronze
steel bronze graphite cylindrical bushes

custom manufacturing of Oilless bearings metallic self-lubricating bearing

Modern applications place significant demands on self-lubricating bearing materials, requiring them to operate maintenance-free, even under harsh conditions and extreme loads. Additionally, there is a continuous push to reduce costs while increasing machine and plant availability without compromising reliability. Oilless bearings metallic self-lubricating bearing materials are engineered to be maintenance-free and self-lubricating over long-term use, facilitating the design of dependable, long-term self-lubricating systems. These materials are versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications involving low-speed, high-load conditions such as rotational, swinging, and linear reciprocating motions. Furthermore, these bearings are ideal in environments where traditional lubrication methods are unsuitable or prohibited, or in special conditions such as those involving dust, radiation, and impact loads where long-term stability and reliability are essential.

The Future of Bearing Bronze in Engineering and Design

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Solid-Lubricant-Embedded Bearing

Self-lubricating bearings are designed for use in situations where there is little to no lubrication during operation. Our focus is on ensuring optimal performance and longevity under various conditions. The operational principle of these bearings involves the creation of a solid lubricating film during the initial run-in period. This film forms when a small amount of material from the bearing layer, which is in direct contact with the moving parts, transfers to these parts. This protective layer helps to lubricate the mating components, thereby extending the lifespan of both the bearing and the shaft.

ASTM Bronzes parts

Bronzes that comply with the ASTM B505 and B271 standard
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EN 1982 Bronze Bearing

Range of bronze bearing from the European Standard EN 1982.
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Type Material
China Brands
GB1776-87		 ZCuZn25
AL6Fe3Mn3		 ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3 ZCuAL10Fe3 ZCuSu10P1 Steel+
ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3		 HT250 GCr15
Intemational
ISO1338		 GCuZn25
AL6Fe3Mn3		 GCuSn6Zn6Pb3 GCuAL10Fe3 – Steel+
CuSn6Zn6Pb3Fe3Ni5		 – B1
Germany
DIN		 G-CuZn25
AL5		 GB-CuSn5Zn5Pb5 GB-CuAL10Ni GB-CuSn10 Steel+
CuSn6Zn6Pb3Ni		 – 100Cr6
Japan
JIS		 HBsC4 BC6 ALBC3 BC3 BC6 FC250 SUJ2
America
ASTM/UNS		 C86300 C83600 C95500 C90500 C83600 Class40 52100
England Standard
BS		 HTB2 LG2 AB1 PB4 LG2 – –
Grade
Material CuZn25Al5Mn4Fe3 CuSn5Pb5Zn5 CuAl10Ni5Fe5 CuSn10Pb1 CuSn7ZnPb CuSn12Pb CuZn25Al5Mn4Fe3
Density 8 8.9 7.8 8.9 8.8 8.9 8
Hardness > 210 > 70 > 140 > 80 > 75 > 95 > 250
Tensile strength N/mm > 750 > 200 > 600 > 330 > 270 > 260 > 800
Yield strenght N/mm2 > 450 > 90 > 260 > 170 > 130 > 150 > 450%
Elongation % > 12 > 15 > 10 > 6 > 16 > 10 > 8
Coefficient of linear expansion 1.9X10-5/℃ 1.8X10-5/℃ 1.6X10-5/℃ 1.8X10-5/℃ 1.8X10-5/℃ 1.8X10-5/℃ 1.9X10-5/℃
Max.temp. ℃ -40~+300 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+150
Max.load N/mm2 100 60 50 70 70 70 120
Max.speed (Dry0) m/min 15 10 20 10 10 10 15
Max.PV（Lubrication) N/mm2 *m/min 200 60 60 80 60 80 200
Compression deformation 300N/mm2 < 0.01mm < 0.05mm < 0.04mm < 0.05mm < 0.05mm < 0.05mm < 0.005mm
Lubricant Features Typical application
SL1
Graphite+add		 Excellent resistance against chemical attacks and low friction. Temp limit 400℃ Suite for general machines and under atmosphere
SL4
PTFE+add		 unbeatable in friction and good of water lubrication, Temp. limit 300℃ The ship, hydraulic turbine, gas turbine, etc. PTFE+add

 

Applications of Oilless Bearings:

Heavy-Duty and Low-Speed Mechanisms:

  • Hinge bearings
  • Accidental gate bearings
  • Turbine bearings for dam gates

High-Temperature Environments:

  • Steel works
  • Metallurgical equipment
  • Rolling machines
  • Conveying rollers
  • High-temperature blowers
  • Baking furnaces

Automobile Industry:

  • Stamping molds for coven
  • Assembly lines
  • Conveyor belts

Other Industrial Uses:

  • Engineering machinery
  • Plastic injection machines
  • Various high-precision molds

Special Conditions:

  • Applications requiring corrosion resistance and water submersion
  • Heavy-duty and low-speed functions where oiling is not possible, such as in:
    • Chemical machinery
    • Food processing machinery
    • Paper manufacturing machinery
    • Textile printing and dyeing machinery

Oilless Bearing Graphite Components

Oilless graphite components are self-lubricating parts that integrate metals, often bronze, with solid lubricants like graphite. These components are engineered for high-load, low-speed applications where traditional lubrication methods may not be viable.

Key Characteristics of Oilless Graphite Components:

  • Self-lubricating, eliminating the need for oil or grease.
  • High load-bearing capacity suitable for low-speed operations.
  • Resistant to high temperatures and corrosive environments.
  • Long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.

Non-Standard Oilless Graphite Parts: Manufacturers can customize oilless graphite components to meet specific customer needs, including:

  • Custom-sized washers and spacers.
  • Specially designed thrust washers.
  • Bespoke bushings and bearings. These non-standard parts are typically machined in-house to exact specifications and tolerances.

Oilless Graphite Wear Plates: While specific references to oilless graphite wear plates are not widely documented, the principles of oilless graphite technology can be adapted for wear plates in specialized applications. These plates would combine the abrasion resistance of traditional wear plates with the self-lubricating properties of oilless graphite components.

Potential Benefits of Oilless Graphite Wear Plates:

  • Reduced friction in high-wear areas.
  • Enhanced performance in environments where traditional lubrication methods are impractical.
  • Extended service life in specific applications.

Applications: Oilless graphite components, including custom parts and potential wear plates, find application across diverse industries such as:

  • Mining and earthmoving equipment.
  • Industrial machinery.

In summary, oilless graphite components provide a self-lubricating solution tailored for demanding high-load, low-speed applications. The ability to manufacture custom, non-standard parts enhances design flexibility and application versatility across various industrial sectors.

Maintenance Free, non-standard part Bearing Bronze Components

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QAL9-4 brass bushings
Special Bronze Alloys， Manufacture of Bronze Parts

Composition and Properties of Tin Bronzes

Tin Content: Tin is the key component in tin bronzes, typically comprising 8-12.5% of the alloy. Its presence notably enhances the strength and hardness of the alloy compared to pure copper.

Copper Base: Copper constitutes approximately 87% of the alloy, providing excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, which are advantageous for numerous applications.

Additional Elements:

  • Lead: Integrated to enhance anti-friction properties, making the alloy particularly suitable for bearings and other applications where friction reduction is crucial.
  • Zinc: Increases the strength and wear resistance of the alloy.
  • Phosphorus: Boosts machinability and can also strengthen the alloy.

Applications of Tin Bronzes in Bearings

Tin bronzes are highly valued in bearing applications due to their robust combination of strength, wear resistance, and favorable frictional properties. Specific applications include:

  • Plain Bearings: Often utilized in devices that mitigate friction between moving parts.
  • Bushing and Sleeve Bearings: Employed where a smooth surface is necessary to minimize friction and wear.
  • Gear Components: The strength and durability of tin bronzes are ideal for gears subjected to heavy loads, ensuring reliable operation over extended periods.
  • Pump Bodies and Structural Parts: Useful in components exposed to high loads and corrosive environments.

Standards and Specifications

Tin bronzes are manufactured in accordance with various international standards, such as the EN 1982 standard. Examples of tin bronze alloys conforming to this standard include:

  • CuSn5Zn5Pb5 (CC491K): Known for its high durability and tensile strength, this alloy is ideal for heavily loaded machine parts and high-speed machine friction components.
  • EN 1982 CC491K, CuSn5ZnPb5-C: Also referred to as red metal, this alloy is favored for applications requiring excellent bearing properties and wear resistance.
  • CuAl10Fe5Ni5 (CC333G): Although not a traditional tin bronze, this alloy is recognized under the EN 1982 standard and is suitable for parts operating under extreme load and tension, thanks to its superior corrosion resistance.

In conclusion, tin bronzes offer a versatile range of properties making them excellent for bearing applications. Their well-defined composition and compliance with international standards like EN 1982 enable them to meet the diverse demands of various industrial uses where high strength, wear resistance, and effective friction management are essential.

Composition of Leaded Bronzes

Leaded bronzes are primarily composed of copper, tin, and lead. Typically, the lead content ranges from 4 to 10%, enhancing the alloy’s lubricity under dry or boundary lubrication conditions. Tin, which usually constitutes 8 to 12% of the alloy, bolsters the strength and hardness of the bronze.

Properties of Leaded Bronzes

  • Self-Lubrication: Lead imparts a smooth, low-friction surface to the alloy, enabling operation with minimal external lubrication.
  • Improved Wear Resistance: These bronzes are noted for their robust wear resistance, essential for the durability of bearings and other mechanical components.
  • High Strength and Fatigue Resistance: The synergy of copper and tin endows the alloy with considerable strength and fatigue resistance, suitable for enduring heavy loads and repetitive stress cycles.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Leaded bronzes also demonstrate commendable resistance to corrosion, making them apt for harsh environmental conditions.

Applications of Leaded Bronze Bearings

  • Heavy Machinery Bearings: The self-lubricating properties of leaded bronzes make them ideal for bearings in heavy machinery such as industrial pumps, compressors, and gears.
  • Automotive and Transportation: These bearings are utilized in various automotive applications, including wheel bearings, valve lifters, and suspension components.
  • Marine and Offshore Equipment: Their corrosion resistance makes leaded bronzes suitable for marine and offshore applications, where they face exposure to saltwater and other corrosive elements.
  • Industrial Machinery: Leaded bronze bearings find extensive use in industrial machinery across sectors such as textiles, printing, and food processing, where consistent performance is crucial.

Environmental Considerations and Alternatives

The environmental and health impacts of lead have led to scrutiny over its use in bronze alloys. With lead recognized as a toxic substance, efforts are increasing to phase it out or restrict its use. This has spurred interest in developing alternatives such as bismuth bronze, which offers similar self-lubricating properties without lead. Additionally, alloys based on aluminum and zinc are being explored as potential substitutes for leaded bronzes.

Composition and Properties of CuSn7Zn4Pb7

Composition:

  • Copper (Cu): As the foundational metal, copper comprises the majority of CuSn7Zn4Pb7, offering excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance which underpins the alloy’s performance.
  • Tin (Sn): Tin, making up about 7% of the alloy, enhances its strength and hardness, which are critical for the alloy’s durability and resistance to wear.
  • Zinc (Zn): The inclusion of zinc not only improves the alloy’s casting characteristics but also augments its strength.
  • Lead (Pb): At approximately 4%, lead boosts the alloy’s machinability and imparts superior bearing qualities, such as self-lubrication under certain operational conditions.

Performance Characteristics:

  • High Strength and Hardness: The synergy of copper, tin, and lead provides substantial strength and hardness, crucial for enduring heavy loads in bearing applications.
  • Wear Resistance: CuSn7Zn4Pb7 is noted for its exceptional wear resistance, ideal for plain bearings subjected to consistent friction and movement.
  • Self-Lubricating Properties: Lead content facilitates self-lubrication, reducing reliance on external lubricants and enhancing performance in dry or boundary lubrication scenarios.
  • Corrosion Resistance: This alloy boasts significant resistance to various forms of corrosion, making it suitable for harsh environments.

Applications in Heavy-Duty Environments:

  • Industrial Machinery: Due to its robustness and wear resistance, the alloy excels in heavy machinery such as pumps, compressors, and gears, ensuring dependable operation.
  • Automotive Industry: Utilized in components like wheel bearings and transmission parts, CuSn7Zn4Pb7 supports high durability and load-bearing demands.
  • Marine and Offshore Equipment: Its corrosion resistance proves invaluable in marine settings, safeguarding equipment against the rigors of saltwater and extreme conditions.
  • Renewable Energy: The alloy’s properties make it apt for renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels, where long-term reliability is essential.

Conclusion: CuSn7Zn4Pb7, a leaded tin bronze, is excellently suited for plain bearings in demanding applications. Its blend of strength, wear resistance, self-lubrication, and corrosion resistance renders it an optimal material for environments where high performance and longevity are critical.

While leaded bronzes are effective bearing materials known for their self-lubrication, wear resistance, and strength, the industry is actively pursuing alternative materials. These alternatives aim to replicate the performance benefits of leaded bronzes without the environmental and health risks associated with lead.

Composition of Aluminum Bronzes

Aluminum bronzes are distinguished by their high aluminum content, which typically ranges from 6% to 12%. The base of the alloy is predominantly copper, which enhances the overall properties of the alloy. To improve performance, small quantities of other elements such as iron, nickel, or manganese may be included.

Properties of Aluminum Bronzes

  • High Strength and Hardness: Aluminum bronzes are noted for their robust strength and hardness, making them ideal for bearing materials that need to endure heavy loads and abrasive conditions.
  • Corrosion Resistance: These alloys excel in corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments where they are exposed to saltwater and other corrosive agents.
  • Wear Resistance: The inherent hardness and composition of aluminum bronzes enhance their wear resistance, essential for bearings and components subjected to friction.
  • Machinability: Aluminum bronzes are often highly machinable, facilitating the fabrication of complex parts with precision.
  • Thermal Conductivity: These alloys also possess good thermal conductivity, advantageous in applications requiring effective heat dissipation.

Applications of Aluminum Bronze Bearings

  • Marine Equipment: Their corrosion resistance makes aluminum bronze bearings suitable for marine use, such as in propellers, shafts, and other subsea components.
  • Industrial Machinery: Given their strength and wear resistance, these bronzes are preferred in industrial machinery for gears, bushings, and bearings under heavy loads.
  • Aerospace Components: Aluminum bronzes are valued in aerospace for components like bushings and bearings, where high strength and fatigue resistance are crucial.
  • Automotive Industry: These bearings are employed in various automotive applications, including wheel bearings, benefiting from their self-lubricating properties and resistance to wear.
  • Electronics and Electrical Equipment: The thermal conductivity of aluminum bronzes is beneficial in the electronics and electrical sectors, aiding in heat dissipation for optimal functioning.

Popular Aluminum Bronze Alloys

  • C954 Aluminum Bronze: Known for its excellent tensile and yield strength, ductility, weldability, and machinability, C954 is widely used where strength and corrosion resistance are required.
  • C95500 Aluminum Bronze: This alloy offers properties similar to C954 but with a slightly higher aluminum content, enhancing its corrosion resistance and strength.
  • C95200 Aluminum Bronze: Renowned for its superior bearing properties, C95200 is frequently chosen for applications demanding high load capacity and wear resistance.

In summary, aluminum bronzes are a versatile class of bearing bronzes that excel in strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of applications, from marine and industrial machinery to aerospace and automotive industries. The reliability and performance of these alloys in demanding conditions contribute to their widespread popularity.

High Tensile Brasses: Composition and Applications

Overview High Tensile Brasses, also known as Manganese Bronze or High Strength Brass, are specialized copper alloys designed for enhanced mechanical properties, especially tensile strength. These alloys are vital in applications requiring high strength and durability, such as in the manufacturing of bearing components.

Composition The primary components of High Tensile Brasses are copper and zinc. Manganese is the critical alloying element that sets these brasses apart from standard brass alloys, as it significantly boosts the alloy’s strength. Additional elements like aluminum, iron, nickel, and silicon may be incorporated to further improve various characteristics of the alloy.

Properties

  • High Tensile Strength: The inclusion of manganese and other elements markedly increases these brasses’ tensile strength beyond that of standard brass alloys.
  • Good Fatigue Resistance: These alloys exhibit enhanced fatigue resistance, making them suitable for applications involving cyclic loading.
  • Corrosion Resistance: High Tensile Brasses offer robust corrosion resistance, particularly in marine and other corrosive environments.
  • Wear Resistance: The inherent strength and hardness also enhance their wear resistance, crucial in bearing applications.
  • Machinability: Despite their hardness, High Tensile Brasses are machinable, allowing for the precise fabrication of complex parts.

Applications

  • Bearings and Bushings: Ideal for bearings and bushings, these alloys can handle heavy loads and demanding operational conditions due to their strength and wear resistance.
  • Marine Components: Their corrosion resistance makes them suitable for marine applications, including propeller shafts and bearings exposed to saltwater.
  • Heavy Machinery: Utilized in construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial pumps, where components face high loads and stress.
  • Automotive Industry: Found in various automotive components such as valve stems, wear rings, and bearings designed for heavy loads.
  • Structural Components: Employed in structural components that demand high strength and fatigue resistance, such as bridges and infrastructure projects.

Popular High Tensile Brass Alloys

  • CZ114/CW721R: Known for its versatility, this high-strength brass alloy is both hot workable and machinable, often used for its excellent mechanical properties.
  • C95200: A specific high-tensile brass that balances strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
  • ToughMet Spinodal: A high-entropy alloy that includes high tensile brasses and bronzes, providing unique property combinations for specialized applications.

Summary High Tensile Brasses are essential copper alloys that deliver superior mechanical properties, particularly in tensile strength. Their robustness, combined with excellent corrosion and wear resistance, makes them highly sought after for a wide array of industrial and engineering applications.

Lubrication Oilless bearing Bronze, Bronze Bearings – Solid-Lubricant-Embedded Bearing
Custom bronze bearings, ideal for heavy loads and shock-loading conditions, are designed for easy installation.