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Why use Bronze Bushings?

Bronze is a versatile and popular bearing material to work with for various applications. Its wide selection of alloys and compositions provides a host of properties. Bronze Sleeve Bushings or Bronze Bearings demonstrate strength, durability and corrosion resistance. 

Both bronze and brass are copper-based alloys containing various other elements. They belong to materials referred to as “red metals” because of their reddish color. Bronze Bushings are harder and stronger compared with Brass Bushings, which are softer and thus more likely to deform or break.  

RANGE OF PROPERTIES

Bronze Bearings offer exceptional mechanical properties in various demanding operating and environmental conditions:

 And since bronze is recyclable, it is considered as a sustainable material.

BRONZE BUSHING APPLICATIONS

Bronze Bushings and Bearings are commonly used in high-load, low-speed and heavy-duty applications and equipment and can be found in a wide range of industries:

BRONZE BUSHINGS BY TYPES

Bronze Bushings can be produced in many shapes and dimensions:

  • Cylindrical Bearings (also called Sleeve Bearings): used to reduce friction and vibration under heavy loads and high temperatures
  • Flanged Bearings (and Double Flanged Bearings): typically used for light duty
  • Thrust Bearings (also called Thrust Washers): offering easy assembly, a high load capacity and resistance to harsh environments
  • Plates
  • Pintle Bearings.

BRONZE BUSHES MATERIALS

Bronze Bushings are available in different alloys and compositions.

They are listed in five alloy families according to their compositions and properties: 

  • Tin Bronze alloys for strength property
  • Leaded Tin Bronze alloys for antifriction and machinability properties
  • High Leaded Tin Bronze alloys for lubrication and machinability properties
  • Aluminium Bronze alloys for strength and corrosion resistance properties
  • Manganese Bronze alloys for strength and corrosion resistance properties.

SINTERED BRONZE & CAST BRONZE BUSHES

Bronze Bushes can be made from sintered bronze or cast bronze. 

  • Cast bronze is a very strong alloy thanks to its chemical composition. Cast bronze bushes are more resistant to corrosion and so ideal for wet environments.

  • Sintered bronze bushings are ideal for applications under high and low speeds conditions and a wide range of temperatures.

DO BRONZE BUSHINGS NEED GREASE?

Bronze Bushes require an external lubricant, oil or more often grease.

The lubricant improves the sliding properties, reduces wear, prevents corrosion and extends service life.

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE OF BRONZE BUSHINGS

Assembly and maintenance of Bronze Bushes are critical to performance and durability.

The selection of the appropriate lubricant is crucial and depends on the operating conditions (load, speed and temperature).

Please visit GGB Metals and Bimetals webpage to learn more.

Need advice?

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