Bushing Materials
Choosing the right material is critical for bearing performance. Explore our comprehensive guides to understand the properties, applications, and trade-offs of different bearing materials.
Metal Bearing Materials
Traditional and modern metal alloys form the backbone of industrial bearing solutions. From ancient bronze to modern composites, metals offer unmatched load capacity and durability.
Bronze
The foundation of bearing alloys. Tin bronze, phosphor bronze, aluminum bronze, and more.
Copper
Base element for bronze and brass alloys. Excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Sintered Bronze
Porous oil-impregnated bronze made via powder metallurgy. True self-lubricating capability.
Aluminum
Lightweight material for housings and aluminum bronze alloys. Excellent heat dissipation.
Stainless Steel
Corrosion-resistant backing for composite bearings. Ideal for food, medical, and marine applications.
Polymer Bearing Materials
Engineering plastics offer unique advantages: low friction, chemical resistance, and lightweight design. Often used as liners in metal-polymer composite bearings for optimal performance.
More Materials Coming Soon
We're continuously expanding our material knowledge base. The following guides are currently in development:
POM (Acetal)
For boundary-lubricated heavy-duty applications
PEEK
Ultra high-performance polymer for extreme conditions
Carbon/Graphite
High-temperature solid lubricant inserts
Ceramic
For extreme temperatures and chemical environments
Babbitt
Traditional white metal for journal bearings
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Material Selection Guide
| Application Need | Recommended Material | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Highest load capacity | Bronze (Aluminum Bronze) | Superior compressive strength, fatigue resistance |
| Lowest friction | PTFE Composites | Coefficient as low as 0.04, self-lubricating |
| Highest temperature | PTFE or Bronze + Graphite | PTFE: +280°C / Graphite bronze: +400°C |
| Corrosive environments | Stainless Steel backed | 316L resists most chemicals and saltwater |
| Food & Medical | Stainless Steel + PTFE | FDA compliant, easy to clean, hygienic |
| True maintenance-free | Sintered Bronze | Oil-impregnated, continuous lubrication |
| Lightweight / Heat dissipation | Aluminum Bronze | Excellent thermal conductivity |
| Low cost, light duty | Nylon | Economical engineering plastic |
| Wet environments | Bronze or POM | No moisture absorption issues |
| Heavy duty with lubrication | Leaded Bronze | Embedded lubrication, conformable |
Material Properties Comparison
| Property | Bronze | Sintered Bronze | PTFE | Nylon | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Load (N/mm²) | 250 | 35 | 140* | 40 | As backing |
| Max Temp (°C) | +300 | +120 | +280 | +100 | +300 |
| Friction (dry) | 0.15-0.30 | 0.05-0.15 | 0.04-0.10 | 0.20-0.40 | High |
| Corrosion Resist | Good | Fair | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Self-Lubricating | With graphite | Yes (oil) | Yes | Limited | No |
| Cost | Medium-High | Low | Medium | Low | High |
| Best For | Heavy loads | Small motors | Chemical/food | Light duty | Corrosive env |
* PTFE load capacity shown for metal-backed composite bearings
Not Sure Which Material?
Our application engineers can help you select the optimal bearing material for your specific operating conditions. We'll consider load, speed, temperature, environment, and budget to recommend the best solution.
Ready to Specify Your Bearing?
Now that you understand bearing materials, explore our product range to find the perfect solution for your application. From metal-polymer composites to solid bronze, JBM offers comprehensive bearing solutions.
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