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Bronze Bearings: A Guide to Fastening Specialists’ Products

As a manufacturer or mechanic, you know that the right bearing is essential to the smooth operation of your equipment. Bronze bearings have long been a popular choice because of their excellent wear resistance, durability, and low friction. Whether you need bearings for heavy machinery, small motors, or anything in between, bronze bearings are a reliable choice.

At Fastening Specialists, we are proud to offer a wide range of bronze bearings to meet your needs. As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, we have the expertise and experience to help you find the right bearings for your application. With our extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff, you can trust us to provide the best in product value, insight, code expertise, and order fulfillment.

Our bronze bearings come in a variety of styles and sizes, including bushings and plain bearings. We offer both standard stocked sleeve bearings and custom-made bearings to meet your exact specifications. Whether you need bearings for high-temperature applications, corrosive environments, or heavy loads, we have the right solution for you.

History and Composition of Bronze Bearings

Bronze bearings have been used for centuries due to their excellent properties. The alloys used to make bronze bearings have evolved over time to improve their strength, wear resistance, and other properties.

Evolution of Bronze Alloys

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and the earliest bronze bearings date back to 3000 BCE. Over time, different alloys of bronze have been developed, each with its own unique properties. The addition of other metals such as zinc, lead, and aluminum has improved the strength and wear resistance of bronze bearings.

Tin Bronze vs. Aluminum Bronze

Tin bronze and aluminum bronze are two of the most common alloys used to make bronze bearings. Tin bronze is made by adding tin to copper, while aluminum bronze is made by adding aluminum to copper. Tin bronze is known for its excellent wear resistance and is often used in heavy-duty applications such as marine environments and mining equipment. Aluminum bronze, on the other hand, has excellent corrosion resistance and is often used in applications where exposure to seawater or other corrosive environments is a concern.

Properties and Applications

Mechanical Properties

Bronze bearings are known for their excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, wear resistance, and the ability to withstand heavy loads and high speeds. These bearings are also able to absorb impact and vibration, making them ideal for use in a wide range of industrial applications.

Industrial Use Cases

Bronze bearings are commonly used in the manufacturing of machine parts and sleeve bearings, where they provide reliable performance in demanding environments. These bearings are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and marine.

One of the key advantages of bronze bearings is their resistance to corrosion, which makes them ideal for use in harsh environments where exposure to moisture and other corrosive elements is common. Bronze bearings are also easy to machine and can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the specific needs of different applications.

Manufacturing Processes

Bronze bearings are manufactured using various casting methods and sintering techniques. In this section, we will discuss the most common methods used to produce bronze bearings.

Casting Methods

Casting is a popular method to produce bronze bearings. The most common casting method is centrifugal casting. In this process, molten bronze is poured into a spinning mold, which creates a uniform and dense material. Another casting method is continuous casting, which produces a solid or hollow bronze bar that undergoes machining processes to achieve a precise final shape.

Porosity is a major concern when casting bronze bearings. Porosity occurs when air is trapped in the bronze during the casting process, which can weaken the material. To reduce porosity, manufacturers use various techniques such as vacuum casting and pressure casting.

Sintering Techniques

Sintering is another method used to produce bronze bearings. Sintered bronze bearings are made by compacting bronze powder into a specific shape and then sintering the material in a furnace. The most common sintered bronze material is SAE 841, which is a self-lubricating material that is ideal for high-speed and low-load applications.

C95400 and C86300 are two other types of bronze used in manufacturing bearings. C95400 is a high-strength bronze that is ideal for heavy-load applications. C86300 is a leaded-tin bronze that is self-lubricating and is ideal for high-load and low-speed applications.

Types of Bronze Bearings

When it comes to bronze bearings, there are a few different types to choose from. In this section, we’ll discuss sleeve bearings, flanged bearings, and thrust washers.

Sleeve Bearings

Sleeve bearings, also known as plain bearings or bushings, are cylindrical in shape and have no moving parts. They are designed to reduce friction between two surfaces, such as a shaft and a housing. Sleeve bearings are commonly used in applications such as pumps, motors, and compressors.

Bronze sleeve bearings are a popular choice due to their excellent wear resistance and ability to withstand high loads. C93200 bearing bronze, in particular, is a common material used for sleeve bearings due to its high strength and good machinability.

Flanged Bearings

Flanged bearings are similar to sleeve bearings, but they have a flange on one end to help keep the bearing in place. Flanged bearings are often used in applications where the bearing needs to be secured in a specific location.

Bronze flanged bearings are commonly used in applications such as gears, cylinders, and pumps. They provide excellent wear resistance and can withstand high loads. C93200 bearing bronze is a popular material for flanged bearings due to its high strength and good machinability.

Thrust Washers

Thrust washers are designed to handle axial loads, which are loads that act parallel to the axis of rotation. They are often used in applications such as automotive transmissions, where there is a need to support rotating shafts.

Bronze thrust washers are a popular choice due to their excellent wear resistance and ability to withstand high loads. C93200 bearing bronze is a common material used for thrust washers due to its high strength and good machinability.

Selecting the Right Bronze Bearing

When it comes to selecting the right bronze bearing, there are a few key factors to consider. These include load and speed considerations, as well as compatibility with different materials.

Load and Speed Considerations

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a bronze bearing is the load and speed that it will be subjected to. This will determine the type of bearing bronze that is required, as well as the hardness and other properties that are necessary for optimal performance.

For example, SAE 660 bronze is a popular choice for bearings that will be subjected to heavy loads and slow speeds. This material is known for its anti-friction properties, which help to reduce wear and extend the life of the bearing.

Compatibility with Different Materials

Another important consideration when selecting a bronze bearing is compatibility with different materials. This is especially important if the bearing will be used in a corrosive environment, or if it will be subjected to extreme temperatures or other harsh conditions.

For example, C93200 bronze is a popular choice for bearings that will be used in marine environments, as it is highly resistant to corrosion. This material is also compatible with a wide range of other materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastics.

The team at fastening specialists provides advice and best use-cases, but always check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions.