What is the Difference Between a Sleeve Bearing and a Bushing?
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Sleeve bearings are a type of bushing.
Bushing is the general term for a round, cylindrical bar that reduces friction between moving parts. Bushings are used in a wide variety of situations. Sleeve bearings are a type of bushing which provides a smooth surface for rotational action.
Sleeve bearings and bushings are mentioned a lot in the world of mechanical and industrial equipment, especially when selecting the right bearing for the job. People use these terms interchangeably, but they are different! You need to know the difference to get the right bearings/ bushings for your purchased equipment. My goal is to help you understand the difference between sleeve bearings and bushings in the industrial equipment world, to help you make better decisions for your business!
“Or, you can find one of the other articles that we talk about bushings.”
What Are the Other Names for Sleeve Bearings?
There are also other names used to describe sleeve bearings depending on their design and use. Here are a few alternatives:
- Plain Bearings: We call them plain bearings because it is just a plain, smooth type of sleeve which interacts with the shaft.
- Journal Bearings: Sometimes plain bearings, or sleeve bearings, are referred to as journal bearings, where the whole bearing is supporting the rotating shaft.
- Bushings: Sometimes we refer to sleeve bearings as bushings. If the bearing has a shorter length, or you use a smaller one for a specific application, sometimes people call it a bushing. However, the term “bushing” typically refers to a smaller, more compact type of bearing used in certain applications.
Do Sleeve Bearings Spin?
Do sleeve bearings spin? Yes, they do, but a sleeve bearing doesn‘t spin like balls or roller bearings. A shaft spins within a sleeve bearing whereas the sleeve itself doesn‘t spin. A sleeve bearing is used to reduce the friction between a turning shaft and a fixed housing.
What Are Sleeve Bearings Made Of?
You can make sleeve bearings from different materials depending on what your application needs.
- Bronze: Great for wear resistance.
- Steel: Strong material, used for heavy-duty applications.
- Graphite-Impregnated Materials: Through special processes we make these to be self-lubricating.
- Composite Materials: Used a lot for Corrosion resistance and lightweight.
How Does a Sleeve Bearing Work?
Sleeve bearings work because it’s designed to provide a smooth, low-friction surface between that rotating shaft and the stationary housing. As your shaft is rotating, your shaft is supported and the wear from that friction is reduced. Also, lubrication is essential for the bearing to properly work. It maybe need to have an oil port or maybe there’s some sort of self-lubrication product that comes along with it.
When Should You Use a Sleeve Bearing?
You need a sleeve bearing when the starting loads are moderate to heavy, you require smooth and stable operation over an extended period, or you need to meet high speeds and precision in your operation. Pump manufacturers have used these for hundreds of years, and you find them in compressors, motors, and gearboxes. They are needed when something spins fast. They’re the right choice when you have applications that involve high speeds, precision operation, and if you need to watch your pennies.
What Are the Advantages of Using Sleeve Bearings?
With sleeve bearings you get:
Smooth Operation – Bearings provide for a smooth, low friction surface that helps in reducing wear and not needing a lot of maintenance.
Cost-Effective – Sleeve bearings can be a lot less money than something like roller or ball bearings.
Durability – Sleeve bearings are good for moderate to heavy loads and, as long as you keep them lubricated, tend to last a long time.
Sleeve Bearing vs Bushing, What is the Difference?
If you talk to a supplier, you’ll find out that many of them use these terms interchangeably. But they actually mean something different.
- Design of Sleeve Bearings and Bushings: Sleeve Bearings are typically long and used in larger, high load applications. Bushings are typically shorter and more compact used for lighter duty applications.
- Load Capacity of Sleeve Bearings and Bushings: A Sleeve Bearing is designed to carry a heavier load and is meant to operate under that heavy load continuously. Bushings can handle lighter loads, moderate loads, and heavy loads that come on for a limited amount of time.
- Here’s Where it Gets Weird, Lubrication of Sleeve Bearings and Bushings: When it comes to lubrication, both the sleeve bearing and the bushing may need lubrication. Sleeve bearings typically need some type of external lubrication. Or maybe they’re made out of a self-lubricating material. On the other hand, a bushing, in many cases can be a self-lubricating bushing.
Conclusion
Which should you use? It all depends on what you’re doing. If you need to withstand greater load capacity and friction, sleeve bearings are the way to go. When you know the differences, materials, or when to use either, then you can make a better decision as to what to do.
