A bushing, also known as a plain bearing, is a type of mechanical component that is used to provide a sliding or rotating surface for a shaft or other moving part. Unlike rolling-element bearings, which use rolling elements such as balls or rollers to reduce friction, bushings rely on the sliding action between two surfaces to reduce friction and wear.

There are several types of plain bearings or bushings available, including:

Sleeve bushings: These are cylindrical bushings with a through-hole that is sized to fit a shaft. They are typically made from bronze or brass, and may be self-lubricating or require external lubrication.

Flanged bushings: Similar to sleeve bushings, but with a flange on one end to provide additional axial support. They are commonly used in applications where the bushing is subjected to side loads or where the shaft may move axially.

Thrust washers: These are flat bushings that are used to provide axial support for a rotating or sliding shaft. They are typically made from bronze or plastic, and may be self-lubricating or require external lubrication.

Spherical bushings: These are bushings with a spherical outer surface, allowing them to accommodate misalignment between the shaft and the housing. They are commonly used in applications where the shaft may be subject to angular or axial misalignment.

Overall, bushings are a versatile and widely used component that can be found in a wide range of industrial, automotive, and other applications.

We offer a wide range of bushing materials to suit various application requirements. Some of the most popular bushing materials offered by bronzelube include:

DU bushing equivalent: This is a self-lubricating, metal-polymer composite bushing that is suitable for a wide range of applications, including heavy loads, low speeds, and oscillating or linear motion.

DX bushing equivalent: This is a self-lubricating, metal-polymer composite bushing with a PTFE lining, which provides excellent wear resistance, low friction, and resistance to chemicals and corrosion.

Lead-free Metal-Polymer Plain Bearing Material bushing equivalent: This is a high-performance, metal-polymer composite bushing that is designed for heavy loads and high-speed applications. It features a unique structure that provides high load capacity and excellent resistance to wear, fatigue, and deformation.

Metal-Polymer bushing equivalent: This is a family of self-lubricating bushings that combine a metal backing with a layer of polymer material to provide low friction, high load capacity, and excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.

Solid Bronze bushing equivalent: This is a traditional, non-lubricated bronze bushing that is suitable for applications with high loads and low speeds. It offers excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and deformation.

Bi-Metal bushing equivalent: This is a family of bushings that feature a steel backing with a layer of sintered bronze or other materials, such as graphite or PTFE. They provide high load capacity, excellent wear resistance, and good thermal conductivity.

Fiber Reinforced Composite bushing equivalent: This is a family of bushings that combine a fiber-reinforced polymer material with a metal backing. They offer low friction, high load capacity, and excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.

Overall, we offer a variety of self-lubricating bushing materials that are designed to meet specific application requirements and performance criteria. Whether you need a self-lubricating bushing for high load capacity, a high-performance bushing for heavy loads and high speeds, or a traditional bronze bushing for low-speed applications, we have a solution to suit your needs.

If you need a custom bushing size for a new development, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you get the right bushing for your application:

Determine your specific requirements: Before contacting a manufacturer, you should determine your specific requirements for the bushing, including the material, size, shape, and other specifications that are critical for your application.

Find a qualified manufacturer: Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, you can start looking for a qualified manufacturer who can produce the custom bushing to your specifications. Look for a manufacturer with experience in producing custom bushings and a reputation for high-quality work.

Provide detailed drawings or specifications: To ensure that the manufacturer produces a bushing that meets your requirements, provide detailed drawings or specifications that clearly define the dimensions, tolerances, and other critical features of the bushing.

Consider the materials: Depending on the specific requirements of your application, you may need to consider the materials used for the bushing. For example, if your application requires high strength, you may need to choose a material such as bronze or steel, while applications with high temperature or chemical exposure may require a plastic or ceramic material.

Evaluate cost and lead time: Before placing an order, be sure to evaluate the cost and lead time for the custom bushing. Keep in mind that custom parts may require a longer lead time and higher cost than standard parts, but the added benefits of a custom solution may be worth the investment.

Overall, working with a qualified manufacturer to produce a custom bushing to your specific requirements can help ensure that your application operates smoothly and efficiently.

Deciding between using a bushing or a bearing in your application depends on several factors, including the type of load, speed, and environmental conditions. Both bushings and bearings are used to support rotating or sliding parts and to reduce friction and wear, but they have some differences in their design and function that make one more suitable than the other for certain applications.

Bushings, also known as plain bearings, are simpler in design than bearings and typically have lower friction coefficients. They are typically made of softer materials, such as bronze or plastic, which can be more forgiving to shaft misalignment and surface damage. Bushings are generally better suited for low-speed, high-load applications, and where noise and vibration are not critical issues.

Bearings, on the other hand, are designed with rolling elements such as balls or rollers that can support higher loads and operate at higher speeds. Bearings are often made of harder materials, such as steel or ceramic, which can better resist wear and damage from high-speed operation. Bearings are generally better suited for high-speed, low-load applications, where noise and vibration are critical considerations.

In general, if your application involves high loads and low speeds, or if the environment is dusty, dirty, or harsh, a bushing may be the better choice. If your application involves high speeds and low loads, or if precision, accuracy, and noise are critical considerations, a bearing may be the better choice.

It’s also important to consider the cost, availability, and ease of installation when choosing between a bushing and a bearing. Bearings are often more expensive than bushings, and may require more maintenance and lubrication. Bushings are generally easier to install and may require less maintenance, but may not be as widely available in some sizes and configurations.

Ultimately, the choice between a bushing and a bearing will depend on the specific needs and requirements of your application, and a careful evaluation of the trade-offs and benefits of each option.