The bushing is formed externally by a metal framework, such as low-carbon steel, special high-density copper or stainless steel, in some cases a layer of sintered porous bronze can be found in the middle, while the inner surface is coated with PTFE or polyoxymethylene (POM) compound.
A bushing, in mechanical engineering, is a cylindrical ring that acts as a support for a shaft pin.
Its purpose is to support the pin and allow it to rotate or move within its housing, which is why it is made of bronze or other materials with a low coefficient of friction.
The bushing can be regarded as the simplest type of bearing, in some versions it may have a flange.
Some bushings are provided with several spherical inserts along their surface, so that they function like ball cages.
Bushings can be made of various metals:
- Bronze
- Phosphor bronze
- Steel
- Sintering generally from iron or bronze powder
- Bimetallic, generally steel and bronze or steel with an aluminium-tin alloy
- Self-lubricating bushings, usually made of porous metal and impregnated with substances such as PTFE or graphite
- Plastic, in the case of non-heavy-duty applications
- Coated with acetal resin
Bushings have multiple fields of use:
- Machinery for metallurgy and mining
- Hydroelectric machines
- Agricultural machinery
- Steel rolling industry
- Automotive industry
- Food processing machines
- And much more
This seal can be used in many applications:
- Supporting a drive shaft
- Inside a gearbox, for some gears
- Telescopic forks
- Spindles
- Tie rods
- Anti-roll bars and suspension, between pins and frame parts
- Shafts or rotating axles in general
- Telescopic shafts or axles
