Cast Bronze Bushing, Straight

• Maintenance-free bearing material for heavy-duty applications
• Excellent performance under high loads and intermittent operation
• Also available with graphite inserts for temperatures above 250°C

What is Cast Bronze Bushings?

A bushing, also known as a plain bearing, is designed to reduce friction between two surfaces as they slide against one another. In machines and equipment with rotating or sliding shafts, bushings are used to enhance overall efficiency and longevity while reducing noise and vibration. They generally come in the following two styles:

Sleeve bushings. Sleeve bushings are cylindrical, featuring straight inside and outside diameters.
Flanged bushings. Flanged bushings feature a flange that extends radially outward from one end. The purpose of the flange is to act as a thrust face at one end of the bushing also preventing any axial movement.

As friction-reducing components, bushings must be constructed from wear-resistant materials that provide good sliding properties. While bushings can be fabricated from a variety of plastics and metals, bronze provides several distinct advantages over alternative options in heavy-load applications. As an inherently moldable and easy-to-machine material, bronze is well-suited for achieving a range of bushing designs.

The bronze alloy used in cast bronze bushings undergoes a continuous or centrifugal casting process, giving the metal a finer grain structure and improved mechanical properties. The bronze alloy cast bar is then cut and processed into the finished bushing using a computer numerical control (CNC) lathe or other precision machining method. Cast bronze bushings exhibit excellent structural strength, durability, and resistance to compressive forces, making them well-suited for harsh, high-wear applications. They can also withstand high temperatures without losing their strength.

Bronze Bushing Casting Techniques: An Overview

Crafting bronze bushings is a meticulous process that requires expertise and careful attention to detail. Various casting techniques can be utilized, each offering unique advantages that cater to specific needs.

Sand Casting

Sand casting, for instance, involves packing sand around a pattern to form the desired bushing shape. After the mold is set, molten bronze is poured in and left to cool. The sand mold is then broken away, leaving behind a finished product that undergoes machining to meet the required specifications. Sand casting is a widely-used technique that yields a textured, detailed product.

Centrifugal Casting

Another method is centrifugal casting, where molten bronze is poured into a spinning mold. The resulting centrifugal force pushes the metal toward the walls of the mold, where it solidifies to create a bushing. This technique produces a bushing with fewer impurities and a denser structure than sand casting.

Continuous Casting

Lastly, continuous casting involves pouring molten bronze into a water-cooled mold. As the metal solidifies, the bushing is drawn out of the mold, and the process repeats. This technique is ideal for large-scale production and ensures a uniform material structure.

Each of these casting techniques has its unique benefits, making it essential to choose the right one for the desired application. With a range of options available, we can customize their production process and deliver high-quality bronze bushings.

Key Features of Cast Bronze Bushings

Cast bronze bushings have several key features that make them ideal for various applications:

High Load Capacity

Bronze bushings can support high loads due to their high strength and toughness. They are especially suitable for applications that involve shock loads or heavy loads, where other bearing materials may fail.

Low Friction

Bronze alloys have low friction properties, which help reduce wear and extend the life of the bushing. The low friction also reduces the need for lubrication and minimizes heat generation during operation.

Good Corrosion Resistance

Bronze bushings are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments where other materials may corrode or degrade.

Applications of cast bronze bushings include:

Heavy-duty equipment. The hardness and impact resistance of cast bronze bushings makes them ideal for use in a range of construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment requiring high reliability in harsh environments.
Hydraulic machinery. With their heat resistance and exceptional mechanical properties, bronze cast bushings are perfect for supporting components in the cylinders and motors of hydraulic machinery.
Power transmission components. Cast bronze bushings help improve the efficiency and performance of critical components used in power transmission applications.
Aerospace systems. Cast bronze bushings help reduce weight and enhance the performance of mechanical moving parts in various aircraft systems.
Manufacturing tools and equipment. The bronze alloys used in cast bronze bushings give them strength and wear resistance to support components in stamping dies, presses, and other tools and equipment used in the manufacturing industry.

Cast bronze bearings and bars feature resistance to wear and corrosion, excellent machinability, high strength, and anti-friction properties. They are particularly suited for automotive applications, electric motors, machine tools, and other situations where superior performance is necessary. Viiplus features a comprehensive product catalog that includes tolerance and material specification charts for our products. We want to be your “1st Choice” vendor. Contact us with your questions, comments, or concerns. You can even email us your inquiry or purchase order.

Comparing Cast Bronze Bushings with Other Bushing Materials

Cast bronze bushings have some advantages over other bushing materials, such as plastic, steel, and aluminum. Compared to plastic bushings, bronze bushings offer higher load capacity, better wear resistance, and superior heat dissipation.

In comparison to steel bushings, bronze bushings have lower friction and better corrosion resistance. They also require less lubrication, making them more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain. Compared to aluminum bushings, bronze bushings have higher load capacity and better wear resistance. They are also less susceptible to galling and seizing.

Maintenance Tips for Cast Bronze Bushings

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your cast bronze bushings, follow these maintenance tips:

Use the appropriate lubrication to reduce friction and wear. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct type and frequency of lubrication.
Inspect bushings regularly for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed.
Keep the operating environment clean to minimize the risk of contamination, which can accelerate wear and decrease bushing life.
Ensure proper alignment of the components to reduce uneven wear and stress on the bushing.