Steel-Backed Bushings: Bimetal Bearing Metallurgy, Load Support, Sliding Layers, and Global Procurement
A steel-backed bushing is a composite plain bearing in which a steel shell supplies stiffness, press-fit strength and dimensional stability while a bronze, leaded-bronze, aluminum-tin, sintered, PTFE, POM, polymer or solid-lubricant layer provides the sliding surface. The architecture allows a thin wall, high housing interference, controlled bearing surface, and efficient use of specialized bearing material. Steel-backed bearings are used in automotive components, hydraulic equipment, construction machinery, compressors, agricultural equipment, machine tools, industrial handling, rolling-mill auxiliaries, pumps and general machinery. The correct grade depends on material stack, layer thickness, load, speed, lubrication, temperature, shaft finish, fit, corrosion and environment.