Bronze bushes

Sintered bronze ring: composition, operation and technical specifications

1. Definition and operation of bronze rings or plain bearings

A bronze ring is a cylindrical plain bearing (also known as a bush) made from sintered bronze (a compact alloy of bronze, iron and often graphite). These products are immediately recognizable by their porous structure.

Sintering corresponds to the manufacture of the ring itself: the bronze powder is heated to a temperature below its melting point, the aim being to weld the particles together.

A sintered bronze ring is therefore porous and can absorb lubricants. The use of the ring allows lubricant to be redistributed evenly through friction, giving it a self-lubricating character.

These rings are impregnated with oil by the manufacturer. They can be used without maintenance, particularly in dusty environments or applications where they come into contact with water or any other liquid compatible with bronze.

2. Technical characteristics and physical properties

Bronze bushings are made from an alloy of copper and tin, 85/90% copper and the rest tin, with a porosity of around 20%.

To guarantee performance and durability, sintered bronze bushings offer high operating specifications:

Rings made of bronzes have singular physical properties that enable them to be used in a wide range of situations:

• They have a high load-bearing capacity, and can withstand considerable stress without impairing their operation.

• They have excellent resistance to shock and vibration.

• Bronze bushings also have excellent thermal conductivity (50 to 60 W/m-K), enabling them to dissipate heat efficiently.

3. Applications for sintered bronze bushings

Bronze bushings are used in a wide range of sectors, but are mainly found in :

• Electric motors: bronze bushings are used here as bearings for the motor shaft, ensuring silent rotation and permanent lubrication without the need for motor maintenance.

• Fans and extractors: reduce vibrations and ensure continuous lubrication.

• Household appliances: found in a variety of everyday appliances such as vacuum cleaners, food processors, tumble dryers and coffee makers with internal mechanisms, they enable maintenance-free operation.

Bronze bushings can also be found in a multitude of other applications, their role generally being to reduce noise, ensure cadence or they are simply used for their tolerance capacity, so a bronze bushing can be used for :

• Small, medium and large industrial machines

• Power tools

• Automation systems

• Light agricultural equipment

• Office equipment such as printers, scanners and the like

• Domestic pumps (water pumps, fountain pumps)

• In certain transmission mechanisms such as small gearboxes

4. Key advantages of bronze: durability and low friction

Bronze is a preferred material for the manufacture of plain bearings and bushings due to its two main intrinsic advantages:

Durability:

• It offers outstanding wear resistance, particularly in continuous operation

• Its load-carrying capacity means it can be used to withstand repeated stresses at medium loads

• Corrosion resistance: bronze is highly resistant to chemical attack and harsh environmental conditions.

• Overall, bronze rings can withstand many mechanical cycles.

Low friction

• Low coefficient of friction: reduces friction and slippage between moving parts, extending component life through much slower wear.

• Internal lubrication: eliminates the need for regular maintenance.

• Low resistance to movement ensures silent operation.

5. Types and standardization: interchangeability of bronze bushings

We offer several bronze bushing references. These references are designed for a similar use, but meet different standards:

Crucial point: It's important to note that, despite their different part numbers, these bushings are designed to be interchangeable.

6. Selection and supplier: how to choose your bushing

The selection of bronze bushings depends on three main criteria: the load, speed and temperature of the desired application.

So it's important to define your precise requirements in advance to find the bronze bushing that will meet them. There's an extensive choice of products covering a wide range of loads, speeds and temperatures to meet all your needs.

Of course, we recommend that you take care to ensure quality assembly and maintenance to guarantee the ring's longevity and performance.

A range of flanged bronze bushings is also available for specific applications.

Find your bronze bushing on 123Roulement

We offer a wide selection of bearings and accessories. Our extensive stock enables us to respond quickly to customer needs.

• Online ordering: Order your sintered bronze bushings conveniently and quickly online.

• Fast delivery: Take advantage of products available quickly at a very good price.

• Customer service: Need a quote or advice? Our customer service is at your disposal by phone or e-mail to provide you with the information you need.