What is a Bimetal Bushing?

Bimetal bushings are a type of composite bearing made from two distinct layers of metal: a steel backing for structural strength and a sintered bronze or copper alloy layer for excellent wear resistance and lubrication retention. This combination provides an ideal solution for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity, low friction, and superior durability.

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Bushing Material

Material Composition and Structure

Bimetal bushings are constructed using a two-layer metal structure to maximize both strength and wear resistance:

1. Steel Backing — Structural Support and Strength

The outer layer of the bushing is made of high-quality steel, providing the foundation for high load-bearing capacity and resistance to mechanical stress. This layer ensures the bushing maintains its form and structural integrity under high pressure.

High Strength: The steel layer offers superior load-bearing capabilities and resistance to deformation.
Durable and Reliable: The steel backing provides the bushing with long-lasting stability, even in demanding conditions.
2. Sintered Bronze or Copper Alloy Layer — Low Friction and Wear Resistance
The inner layer is composed of a sintered bronze or copper alloy, which offers excellent anti-friction and wear-resistant properties. This layer ensures smooth operation by reducing friction between moving parts, even under high loads and extreme conditions. Superior Wear Resistance: The bronze or copper alloy layer is highly resistant to wear, significantly extending the service life of the bushing.
Efficient Heat Dissipation: This layer helps to disperse heat generated from friction, preventing overheating and maintaining efficient performance.
Lubrication Retention: The porous structure of the sintered layer is designed to retain lubricants, further reducing friction and wear.

Material Combination

Material TypeMW-3(800)MW-3(720)MW-3(700)MW-3(20)MW-3(930)MW-3(870)MW-3(910)
BronzeCuPb10Sn10CuPb2Sn4CuPb30AlSn20CuCuSn6.5P0.1CuSn10Bi3CuSn8Ni1
Equivalent CodeSAE-797
GLYCO66
JIS-LBC3
SAE-799
GLYCO668
JIS-LBC6
SAE-48
JIS-KJ3
SAE-783
GLYCO74
JIS-ALJ
 SAE-797
GLYCO66
JIS-LBC3
SAE-797
GLYCO66
JIS-LBC3
Metallographies  
Hardness of Bronze alloy HB70-10045-7030-4530-4060-90HB70-100HB60-90
Allowable Max Dynamic Load N/mm²65382530658080
Hardness of mating surface53HRC50HRC270HB250HB50HRC53HRC53HRC
Max.Temperature
260200170150200260260

Bushing Size

dDWa
Thicknes
0.D1DHousing
Bore
Jouma
Diamele
ffL 040
10 15 20 25 30 40 50 
10 12 1-0.02512 +0.065
+0.030
10 +0.022
+0.000
   +0.018
12
10 -0.013
-0.028
0.5 0.3     
12 14 14 +0.065
+0.030
12 +0.027
40.000
   +0.018
14
      -0.016
12 -0.034
0.5 0.3     
14 16 16 +0.065
+0.030
14 +0.027
+0.000
   +0.018
16
14 -0.016
-0.034
0.5 0.3     
15 17      +0.065
17  +0.030
     +0.027
15 +0.000
   +0.018
17
15 -0.016
-0.034
0.5 0.3     
16 18      +0.075
18  +0.035
     +0.027
16 +0.000
   +0.018
18
      -0.016
16 -0.034
0.8 0.4     
18 20 20 +0.075
+0.035
     +0.033
18 +0.000
   +0.021
20
18 -0.016
-0.034
0.8 0.4    
20 23 1.5-0.03     +0.075
23  +0.035
     +0.033
20 +0.000
   +0.021
23
20 -0.020
-0.041
0.8 0.4    
22 25 25 +0.075
+0.035
     40.033
22 +0.000
   +0.021
25
22 -0.020
-0.041
0.8 0.4    
24 27      +0.075
27  0.035
     +0.033
24 +0.000
   +0.021
27
24 -0.020
-0.041
1.0 0.5   
25 28 28 +0.075
+0.035
     +0.033
25 +0.000
   +0.021
28
25 -0.020
-0.041
1.0 0.5    
26 30 2-0.035     +0.075
30  +0.035
     +0.033
26 +0.000
   +0.021
30
26 -0.020
-0.041
1.0 0.5    
28 32       +0.085
32 +0.045
     +0.033
28 +0.000
   +0.025
32
28 -0.020
-0.041
1.0 0.5   
30 34 34 +0.085
+0.045
     +0.039
30 +0.000
   +0.025
34
30 -0.020
-0.041
1.2 0.6   
32 36 36 +0.085
+0.045
     +0.039
32 +0.000
   +0.025
36
32 -0.025
-0.050
1.2 0.6   
35 39 39 +0.085
+0.045
     40.039
35 +0.000
   +0.025
39
35 -0.025
-0.050
1.2 0.6   
38 42 42 +0.085
+0.045
     +0.039
38 40.000
   +0.025
42
38 -0.025
-0.050
1.2 0.6   
40 44 44 +0.085
+0.045
     +0.039
44 +0.000
   +0.025
44
40 -0.025
-0.050
1.2 0.6   

125x115x78mm
model: Isuzu
location: Balance shaft

134x30x50mm
model: Qingling Isuzu
location: Steering joint main

108/80x70x90mm
model: Xuanhua 140
location: Bulldozer support wheel

42*35*89mm
model: EQ153
location: Rear steel plate

110x100x91mm
model: Hino, Dongfeng
location: Balance Shaft

49*45*26/45mm
model: CUMMINS
location: Connecting rod

Why Choose Bimetal Bushings?

Key Benefits:

  • High Load Capacity: The steel backing offers excellent strength, allowing the bimetal bushing to withstand heavy loads and high mechanical stresses without deformation.
  • Superior Wear Resistance: The sintered bronze or copper alloy inner layer offers excellent anti-wear properties, reducing friction and extending the lifespan of the components.
  • Efficient Heat Dissipation: The bimetal structure helps dissipate heat generated by friction, maintaining optimal performance even in high-temperature applications.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Bimetal bushings offer a balance between cost and performance, making them an economical choice for industrial equipment.
  • Easy Installation and Maintenance: These bushings are designed for easy installation and can be used in applications that require minimal lubrication, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Technical Specifications

Bimetal bushings are designed to meet the toughest industrial demands. Below are the detailed technical specifications to ensure they fit your application needs:

  • Material Composition: High-quality steel backing + sintered bronze/copper alloy inner layer
  • Max Static Load: 150N/mm²
  • Max Dynamic Load: 60N/mm²
  • Coefficient of Friction: 0.04-0.12 (with lubrication)
  • Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +250°C
  • Max Sliding Speed: 2.5 m/s (with lubrication)
  • Tolerances: Precision-manufactured to industry standards (ISO/ANSI) for high performance in critical applications.

Case Studies — Proven Performance in Demanding Environments

1. Case Study: Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment
A major construction company was experiencing frequent failures with traditional bearings in their excavator joints, leading to costly repairs and downtime. After switching to bimetal bushings, the company saw a 40% increase in the lifespan of the joints, significantly reducing maintenance costs and machine downtime.
 
2. Case Study: Agricultural Machinery
A large agricultural equipment manufacturer implemented bimetal bushings in their tractors and harvesters. The bushings delivered superior performance in dusty, wet environments, reducing the frequency of part replacements and ensuring the machinery operated more efficiently during peak harvest seasons.

Bushing Applications

Versatile Applications for Various Equipment

  • 1. Construction Machinery
Bimetal bushings are extensively used in heavy-duty construction equipment such as excavators, loaders, and bulldozers. They handle high loads and resist wear in pivot points, joints, and other critical moving parts.
 
  • 2. Automotive Industry
These bushings are commonly used in automotive applications, particularly in engines, transmissions, and suspension systems. Their ability to reduce friction and withstand high temperatures ensures reliable performance in high-stress environments.
 
  • 3. Agricultural Machinery
In farming equipment like tractors, harvesters, and plows, bimetal bushings offer excellent durability and wear resistance, even in challenging environments such as dirt, dust, and moisture. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance, ensuring longer uptime.
 
  • 4. Industrial and Hydraulic Systems
In hydraulic cylinders and pumps, bimetal bushings provide reliable performance in guiding components and reducing wear in high-pressure systems. Their ability to retain lubrication ensures smooth operation and extended equipment life.

Combine Harvester

Crane

Bulldozer

Loader

Graders

Automobile

Truck

Tractor

Dump Truck

Excavator

Custom Services and Solutions

We understand that every customer’s needs may vary based on specific applications and equipment requirements. That’s why we offer fully customized solutions for bimetal bushings, including:​

Custom Sizes: Available in a wide range of dimensions to fit your specific requirements.
Material Options: Choose between different alloy compositions based on load, speed, and environmental conditions.
Thickness Variations: Adjust the thickness of the steel backing or bronze layer for specialized applications.

Free consultation

Communicate with us to clarify the requirements

Free design

Customize your product according to your needs

Sample making

Confirm the drawings and arrange for sampling

Sample confirmation

Customer confirms sample and arranges production

Finished inspection

Inspect the finished product and arrange for shipment

FaQ

Are you a factory?

Of course, we are a manufacturer that can complete the entire production line from raw materials to finished bushing products.

A bushing is a mechanical component typically used to reduce friction between two parts. It serves as a type of bearing that provides a smooth surface for parts to move against each other, often found in rotating or sliding applications.

Bushing manufacturing involves several key steps:

Material Selection: Choosing the appropriate material such as bronze, rubber, or plastic, depending on the application.
Forming: Techniques like casting, pressing, or extrusion are used to shape the raw material into a bushing.
Heat Treatment: For metal bushings, heat treatment is applied to increase strength and wear resistance.
Finishing: This step involves precision machining to achieve the required dimensional tolerances and surface finish.
Surface Treatment: A coating may be applied for corrosion resistance or lubrication purposes, such as zinc plating or Teflon coating.

Common materials used in bushings include:

Bronze: Known for its durability and low friction, often used in heavy-duty applications.
Rubber: Used for vibration dampening in automotive and machinery applications.
Nylon/Polymer (like PTFE): Provides self-lubrication and is ideal for low-load, low-friction environments.
Steel: Used for high-load applications, often combined with a softer material like bronze or plastic as the lining.

Precision is key in bushing production. CNC machines are frequently used to ensure that inner and outer diameters, as well as wall thickness, meet strict tolerance levels. Throughout production, measurements are taken using tools like micrometers and calipers, and automated systems can control accuracy to prevent deviations.

Bushings often undergo surface treatments to enhance their properties:

Zinc or nickel plating: Protects the metal surface from corrosion.
Teflon (PTFE) coatings: Provide low friction and self-lubricating properties.
Phosphating or black oxide coating: Improve wear resistance and reduce the potential for galling (severe adhesion between surfaces in motion).

Key challenges include:

Maintaining precision: Ensuring dimensional accuracy across large production runs can be difficult, especially for complex shapes.
Material selection: Using the wrong material could result in failure under stress or environmental conditions.
Surface finish quality: Achieving smooth surface finishes is crucial to reducing friction and wear.

Can bushings be custom-made?
Yes, many manufacturers offer custom bushings based on specific requirements such as dimensions, load-bearing capacity, or environmental conditions. These custom bushings can be made from various materials and are typically used in specialized machinery or equipment.

Manufacturers consider several environmental aspects:

Material sustainability: Using eco-friendly or recyclable materials.
Waste management: Minimizing production waste and properly handling hazardous materials.
Energy consumption: Optimizing energy use in production processes to reduce carbon footprint.

The lifespan of a bushing depends on various factors, including the material, load, speed, environment, and maintenance. Proper lubrication and regular inspections can extend the life of bushings significantly.

Signs that a bushing may need replacement include:

Cracks, splits, or visible damage.
Increased noise, such as squeaking or grinding.
Excessive play or movement in the component where the bushing is installed.
Vibration or instability in the machinery or equipment.

Maintenance involves regular inspection and lubrication (if required). Some bushings are self-lubricating, but others may need periodic greasing to reduce wear. Keeping the surrounding area clean from dirt and debris can also extend their lifespan.
A bearing typically contains rolling elements (like balls or rollers), while a bushing is a simpler component, usually a sleeve that allows for sliding motion between parts. Bearings are generally used for high-speed, low-friction applications, while bushings are suitable for more straightforward, lower-speed applications with higher friction.
The lifespan of a bushing depends on the material, load, speed, and environmental conditions. In optimal conditions with proper maintenance, bushings can last several years. However, harsh conditions such as heavy loads, extreme temperatures, or lack of lubrication can shorten their lifespan.

More Related Bushing products

Bimetal Bushing

Steel Bushing

Copper Bushing

Contact Us for More Information

We not only provide high-quality self-lubricating bushings but also offer comprehensive technical support and after-sales service to ensure your equipment always operates at peak performance. If you have any questions or need a quote, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Tel/Whatsapp: +86 136 4583 4002

Email:myway@mybushing.com

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