Bronze is a versatile and commonly used material for bushings because it comes in many alloys and compositions. Bronze sleeve bushings or bronze bearings are hard and strong, as opposed to brass bushings, which are softer and more easily deform. Thus, bronze bushings have longer lifespans than brass bushing sleeves. They resist shock and impact, wear and corrosion. They require an external lubricant, for example grease or oil, at installation and during operation to reduce friction and wear.
Specifications of Phosphor Bronze Bush
Elements
Grade I
Grade II
Grade III
Grade IV
Sn
6.0-8.0
10.0 Min
6.5-8.5
9.0-11.0
P
0.30-0.50
0.5 Min
0.5 Min
0.15 Max
Pb
0.25 Max
0.25 Max
2.0-5.0
0.25Max
Zn
0.50 Max
0.05 Max
2.0 Max
0.05 Max
Ni
0.70 Max
0.10 Max
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Impurities
1.2 Max
0.60 Max
1.0 Max
0.25 Max
Cu
REST
REST
REST
REST
Two common bronze bushing materials and their uses include:
Oilite
Oil impregnated bronze bushings formed using powder metallurgy. Applications depend on the type of oil used and may accommodate high and low speed machinery, high and low temperature machinery, and food-grade applications.
Copper
Most often an alloy of bronze with tin, aluminum or silicon, these alloys have high corrosive resistance, making them ideal for marine applications.