Custom Oilless Bearing Bushing — Material Selection & Engineering Guide
Custom Oilless Bearing Bushing — Material Selection & Engineering Guide
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Custom Oilless Bearing Bushing — Material Selection & Engineering Guide
This guide presents verified material compositions, mechanical properties, and dimensional specifications for custom oilless bearing bushings. Data for cast copper alloys is referenced to GB/T 1176-2013 (superseding GB/T 1176-1987). Ductile iron data is referenced to GB/T 1348-2019. All mechanical property values represent minimum requirements (≥) unless otherwise stated as a typical range.
1. Bearing Structure Types
Oilless bearing bushings are produced in several structural configurations to suit different load, speed, and installation requirements:
1.1 Oil Groove Copper Bushing
A refined copper alloy bushing machined with surface oil grooves. The groove geometry retains lubricant and distributes it along the sliding interface during operation. Different copper alloy grades can be selected based on load, speed, and corrosion environment. Dimensional precision of rolled copper bearings is held to tighter tolerances than cast variants.
1.2 Solid-Lubricant-Embedded Steel-Backed Bearing
Constructed from carbon steel as the backing matrix, with a centrifugally cast copper alloy layer bonded to the inner wall. The copper layer is machined with regular lubricant recesses, or embedded with solid lubricant plugs, to achieve maintenance-free operation. The steel substrate provides structural rigidity while the copper layer provides bearing and wear performance. End faces and substrate are weldable for installation. This construction offers impact resistance, elevated-temperature tolerance, and compressive load capacity. Suitable for metallurgical machinery, mold guide sleeves, construction equipment, and oil field machinery where periodic lubrication is impractical.
1.3 Self-Lubricating Flange Bushing
A flanged bushing design incorporating solid lubricant embedment for maintenance-free radial and axial load support. Available in standard sizes from 30 mm to 160 mm inner diameter (see Section 5 for dimensional table).
1.4 Oilless Bearing Bush
A straight cylindrical bushing configured for oilless operation. Available in standard sizes from 20 mm to 50 mm inner diameter (see Section 5 for dimensional table).
2. Cast Copper Alloy Material Data (GB/T 1176-2013)
The following table summarizes the primary characteristics and typical applications of six cast copper alloys commonly used in bearing bushing manufacturing. Compositions and mechanical properties are verified against GB/T 1176-2013.
| Alloy Designation | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 | High mechanical properties, good castability, good bearing capacity and corrosion resistance. Moderate fatigue and wear resistance. | High-strength, wear-resistant parts: bridge support plates, nuts, screws, wear plates, slides, worm gears. General structural castings, marine and instrument sleeves, bushings, bearing shells. |
| ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3 | Good wear resistance, easy to machine, good castability, good gas-tightness and corrosion resistance. Can operate in flowing seawater. | Structural material, corrosion- and acid-resistant fittings. Crusher liners, bearing shells. Wear and corrosion parts under moderate load and sliding speed: turbines, motors, compressors, piston clutches, connecting rod bushings, rocker arm bushings. |
| ZCuPb10Sn10 | Good lubricity, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Suitable as bimetallic casting material. | Sliding bearings under high surface pressure with lateral force: rolling mill bearings, vehicle bearings, impact parts up to 60 MPa peak load, internal combustion engine bimetallic bearing shells up to 100 MPa peak, piston pin bushings, friction plates. |
| ZCuAl9Fe4Ni4Mn2 | High mechanical properties, good wear resistance in atmosphere, fresh water and seawater. Good castability, dense structure, high gas-tightness. Not easy to braze. Stable up to 400 °C. | High-strength, corrosion-resistant critical castings. Primary material for marine propellers. Bearings, gears, worm gears, nuts, flanges, valve bodies, guide sleeves operating at 400 °C or below. |
| ZCuSn10P1 | High hardness, good wear resistance, resistant to galling. Good castability and machinability. Good corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water. | Wear-resistant parts under high load (up to 20 MPa) and high sliding speed (up to 8 m/s): connecting rods, bushings, bearing shells, gears, worm gears. |
| ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 | Good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, easy to machine, good castability and gas-tightness. | Wear and corrosion parts under moderate load and sliding speed: bearing shells, bushings, cylinder liners, piston clutches, pump cover plates, worm gears. |
3. Chemical Composition and Physical Properties
The table below provides verified chemical compositions (mass fraction, %) and physical properties for the six cast copper alloys. All values are referenced to GB/T 1176-2013. “Rem.” denotes remainder.
| Property | ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 | ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 | ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3 | ZCuSn10P1 | ZCuPb10Sn10 | ZCuAl9Fe4Ni4Mn2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cu | 60.0–66.0 | Rem. | Rem. | Rem. | Rem. | Rem. |
| Zn | Rem. | 4.0–6.0 | 5.0–7.0 | — | — | — |
| Sn | ≤0.2 (imp.) | 4.0–6.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 9.0–11.5 | 9.0–11.0 | — |
| Pb | ≤0.2 (imp.) | 4.0–6.0 | 2.0–4.0 | — | 8.0–11.0 | ≤0.02 (imp.) |
| Al | 4.5–7.0 | — | — | — | — | 8.5–10.0 |
| Fe | 2.0–4.0 | — | — | — | — | 4.0–5.0 |
| Mn | 1.5–4.0 | — | — | — | — | 0.8–2.5 |
| P | — | ≤0.05 (imp.) | — | 0.8–1.1 | ≤0.05 (imp.) | — |
| Ni | ≤3.0 | ≤2.5 | — | — | — | 4.0–5.0 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥740 | ≥200 | ≥200 | ≥220 | ≥220 | ≥630 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | ≥400 | ≥90 | ≥100 | ≥130 | ≥140 | ≥250 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥7 | ≥13 | ≥10 | ≥3 | ≥5 | ≥16 |
| Hardness (HBW) | ≥200 | ≥60 | ≥60 | ≥80 | ≥65 | ≥160 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.2 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.9 | 7.6 |
| Linear expansion α (10⁻⁶/°C) | 19.8 | 19.1 | 19.5 | 18.5 | 19.2 | 20 |
| Thermal conductivity W/(m·°C) | 50 | 56 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 71 |
| Friction coefficient (lubricated) | 0.12 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.08 | 0.005 | 0.01 |
| Friction coefficient (dry) | 0.12 | 0.16 | 0.20 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.18 |
| Corrosion loss in 10% acid g/(m²·24h) | 1.46 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| Corrosion loss in seawater g/(m²·24h) | 1.46 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.92 | 0.92 |
4. Steel and Cast Iron Substrate Materials
Bearing bushings may also use steel or cast iron substrates, either as standalone materials or as backing for bimetallic constructions. The following tables present verified data for four common substrate materials.
4.1 45 Carbon Steel (Medium-Carbon Quenched and Tempered Steel)
Standard: GB/T 699. A medium-carbon structural steel widely used for shafting, connecting rods, bolts, gears, and other components subjected to alternating loads. Surface hardness can be increased through quenching and tempering followed by surface hardening.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (HB) | ≥270 (quenched & tempered) |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥600 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | ≥355 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥16 |
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition (%) | 0.42–0.50 | 0.17–0.37 | 0.50–0.80 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 |
Density: 7.85 g/cm³. Heat treatment: quenching and tempering (quench + high-temperature temper).
4.2 GCr15 Bearing Steel (High-Carbon Chromium Steel)
Standard: GB/T 18254. A high-carbon chromium bearing steel with good overall performance. After spheroidizing annealing, it has good machinability; after quenching and tempering, it achieves high and uniform hardness, good wear resistance, and high contact fatigue strength. Used for small-section quenched parts under heavy load and large normalized parts under lower stress.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (HRC) | 60–66 (quenched); ~25 (annealed) |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥861 (annealed) |
| Yield strength (MPa) | ≥518 (annealed) |
| Elongation (%) | ≥28 (annealed) |
| Element | C | Mn | Si | S | P | Cr | Mo | Ni | Cu | Ni+Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition (%) | 0.95–1.05 | 0.20–0.40 | 0.15–0.35 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.025 | 1.30–1.65 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.50 |
4.3 HT250 Gray Cast Iron
Standard: GB/T 9439. A gray cast iron used for bushings, flanges, and cover plates requiring certain strength and corrosion resistance. Also used for machine tool beds, columns, wear guide plates, gears, and surface-hardened parts. Low thermal deformation, suitable for elevated-temperature applications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (HB) | 190–270 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥250 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | — |
| Elongation (%) | — |
| Element | C | Si | Mn | S | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition (%) | 3.16–3.30 | 1.79–1.93 | 0.89–1.04 | 0.094–0.125 | 0.120–0.170 |
4.4 QT500-7 Ductile Iron
Standard: GB/T 1348-2019. A ferritic-pearlitic ductile iron with moderate strength and toughness, good castability, and acceptable machinability. Good wear resistance and damping capacity. Low notch sensitivity compared to steel. Used for internal combustion engine oil pump gears, steam turbine cylinder baffles, water turbine valve bodies, railway locomotive bearing shells, machine bases, hydraulic cylinder bodies, connecting rods, drive shafts, and flywheels.
| Property | Value (t ≤ 30 mm) |
|---|---|
| Hardness (HBW) | 170–230 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥500 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | ≥320 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥7 |
| Element | C | Si | Mn | S | P | Mg | Re |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition (%) | 3.45–3.64 | 2.47–3.00 | 0.45–0.57 | 0.012–0.026 | 0.047–0.060 | 0.029–0.062 | 0.032–0.047 |
5. Dimensional Specifications
5.1 Flange Bushing Dimensions
Standard flange bushing dimensions (unit: mm). I.D. tolerance: H7. O.D. tolerance: s6 (up to Ø100), r6 (Ø110 and above). Length tolerance: h12.
| Type | I.D. Φd (H7) | O.D. Φd1 | Tolerance | Flange Φd2 (d11) | L (h12) | L2 | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FB-030 | 30 | 38 | s6 | 48 | 34 | 22 | 6 | 1 |
| FB-035 | 35 | 45 | s6 | 55 | 45 | 32 | 6.5 | 1 |
| FB-040 | 40 | 50 | s6 | 60 | 50 | 35 | 7.5 | 1 |
| FB-045 | 45 | 55 | s6 | 65 | 55 | 40 | 7.5 | 1 |
| FB-050 | 50 | 60 | s6 | 70 | 60 | 45 | 7.5 | 1 |
| FB-060 | 60 | 70 | s6 | 80 | 70 | 50 | 10 | 2 |
| FB-070 | 70 | 85 | s6 | 95 | 80 | 60 | 10 | 2 |
| FB-080 | 80 | 95 | s6 | 110 | 95 | 70 | 12.5 | 2 |
| FB-090 | 90 | 105 | s6 | 120 | 105 | 80 | 12.5 | 2 |
| FB-100 | 100 | 115 | s6 | 130 | 115 | 90 | 12.5 | 2 |
| FB-110 | 110 | 125 | r6 | 140 | 125 | 100 | 12.5 | 2 |
| FB-120 | 120 | 135 | r6 | 150 | 140 | 110 | 15 | 2 |
| FB-140 | 140 | 160 | r6 | 175 | 160 | 120 | 20 | 2 |
| FB-160 | 160 | 180 | r6 | 200 | 180 | 140 | 20 | 2 |
5.2 Straight Bushing Dimensions
Standard straight cylindrical bushing dimensions (unit: mm). Chamfer radius r as indicated.
| d (I.D.) | L (Length) | d1 (O.D.) | d2 (Flange Ø) | L1 | L2 | r (Chamfer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 28 | 28 | 35 | 20 | 4 | 1 |
| 25 | 33 | 33 | 40 | 25 | 4 | 1 |
| 30 | 40 | 38 | 48 | 30 | 5 | 2 |
| 40 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 40 | 5 | 2 |
| 50 | 60 | 62 | 68 | 50 | 5 | 2 |
6. Application Areas
| Industry | Typical Equipment | Bearing Function |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical Machinery | Rolling mills, continuous casters | Roll neck bearings, guide plate bushings, adjustment screws |
| Construction Equipment | Excavators, cranes, loaders | Pivot bushings, boom joint bearings, hydraulic cylinder guides |
| Marine & Offshore | Propeller shafts, rudder stocks, deck machinery | Stern tube bearings, rudder carrier bushes, winch bushings |
| Oil Field Machinery | Pumping units, rotary tables, drawworks | Crank pin bushings, swivel bearings, rotary table bushings |
| Mold & Tooling | Injection molds, stamping dies | Guide pillar bushings, ejector pin guides |
| Hydraulic Systems | Hydraulic cylinders, valves | Piston guide rings, valve stem bushings |
7. Engineering Parameters
The following parameters provide guidance for bearing selection. Actual performance depends on surface finish, lubrication condition, alignment, and operating environment. All values are indicative and should be verified for specific applications.
| Parameter | Oil Groove Copper Bushing | Solid-Lubricant-Embedded Type |
|---|---|---|
| Allowable static load (MPa) | Up to 50 | Up to 70 |
| Allowable dynamic load (MPa) | Up to 25 | Up to 50 |
| Allowable sliding speed (m/s), lubricated | Up to 2.5 | Up to 0.5 |
| Allowable PV value (MPa·m/s) | Up to 10 | Up to 3.5 |
| Operating temperature range (°C) | −40 to +200 | −40 to +400 |
| Friction coefficient (lubricated) | 0.005–0.12 | 0.04–0.20 |
| Friction coefficient (dry) | 0.10–0.20 | 0.08–0.25 |
8. International Alloy Cross-Reference
| Chinese (GB/T 1176) | UNS (USA) | EN (EU) | JIS (Japan) | Common Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 | C86300 | — | CAC304 | Manganese bronze / high-strength brass |
| ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 | C83600 | CC491K | BC6 | Leaded tin bronze (5-5-5) |
| ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3 | C83600 (approx.) | CC491K (approx.) | BC6 | Leaded tin bronze (6-6-3) |
| ZCuSn10P1 | — | — | BCP7 | Phosphor tin bronze (10-1) |
| ZCuPb10Sn10 | C93700 | CC493K | LBC3 | Leaded bronze (10-10) |
| ZCuAl9Fe4Ni4Mn2 | C95800 | CC331G (CuAl9Ni4Fe4Mn2) | ALBC4 | Nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) |
Disclaimer
The technical data presented in this document is for general reference and preliminary engineering guidance only. While reasonable effort has been made to ensure accuracy by cross-referencing published national and international standards (GB/T 1176-2013, GB/T 1348-2019, GB/T 699, GB/T 18254, GB/T 9439), actual material properties may vary depending on casting method, heat treatment, section size, and manufacturing process. Mechanical property values represent minimum requirements per the referenced standards for sand-cast specimens unless otherwise noted. Friction coefficient and corrosion loss values are indicative empirical data and should not be used as sole design criteria. Users should consult the full text of the applicable standards and conduct independent verification before finalizing bearing material selection for critical applications. The publisher assumes no liability for decisions based solely on the information contained herein.
© 2026 All rights reserved. This document may be printed for internal engineering reference.
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