Graphite Insert Copper Bush Bearing Material CuAl10Ni

Technical Overview: Graphite-Plugged Aluminum Bronze Bearings (CuAl10Ni / C95400), Graphite Insert Copper Bush Bearing Material CuAl10Ni

1. General Description

Graphite-plugged CuAl10Ni bearings are a high-performance, self-lubricating composite material designed for demanding industrial applications. They combine the exceptional mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of a CuAl10Ni (C95400) aluminum bronze base with the superior solid-lubricating properties of embedded graphite plugs.

This unique construction creates a bearing that can withstand extremely high loads and harsh environments without the need for external oil or grease, making it an ideal maintenance-free solution for heavy-duty, low-speed, and high-temperature operations.

2. Material Composition and Structure

• Base Alloy: The bearing body is manufactured from CuAl10Ni (ASTM C95400), a high-strength aluminum bronze. Its chemical composition is precisely controlled to deliver optimal performance:

  • Aluminum (Al) is the primary alloying element, providing high strength and wear resistance.

  • Nickel (Ni) enhances the alloy’s strength and significantly improves its corrosion resistance, particularly in marine and chemical environments.

  • Iron (Fe) acts as a grain refiner, contributing to a finer, tougher microstructure and increasing tensile strength.

• Solid Lubricant: Holes are systematically drilled into the sliding surface of the bronze bearing and filled with specially formulated solid graphite plugs. During operation, a thin, low-friction graphite film is transferred to the mating shaft, creating a continuous lubricating layer that prevents metal-to-metal contact.

🔧 Material Name:

CuAl10Ni (Aluminum Bronze with Graphite Inserts)

Graphite Insert Copper Bush Bearing material CuAl10Ni (also referred to as C95400 in ASTM standards):

📋 Composition:

3. Key Performance Characteristics

• High Load Capacity: With a tensile strength exceeding 650 MPa and a hardness of 170-210 HB, these bearings are engineered to handle heavy static and dynamic loads, impacts, and shocks without deformation.

• Self-Lubrication: The embedded graphite provides reliable lubrication throughout the bearing’s life. This is especially advantageous in applications where lubrication is difficult, undesirable (e.g., risk of contamination), or impossible.

• Exceptional Wear Resistance: The combination of the hard aluminum bronze base and the low-friction graphite surface results in minimal wear for both the bearing and the shaft, ensuring a long service life.

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: The CuAl10Ni alloy offers excellent resistance to seawater, acidic solutions, and other corrosive media, making it a first choice for marine, offshore, and chemical processing equipment.

• Wide Temperature Range: The material maintains its structural integrity and lubricating properties across a broad temperature range from -40°C to +300°C, with intermittent capabilities at even higher temperatures.

4. Typical Applications

The robust and self-lubricating nature of CuAl10Ni graphite-plugged bearings makes them suitable for a wide range of challenging environments, including:

• Steel and Casting Industry: Continuous casting machines, roller guides, and ingot handling equipment.

• Hydraulic Systems: Pivot pins for hydraulic cylinders, construction equipment, and heavy machinery.

• Marine & Offshore: Rudder bearings, crane pivots, winch bearings, and submerged equipment.

• General Heavy Industry: Bridge support bearings, dam gates, and other large-scale, low-speed oscillating applications.

5. Summary of Advantages

• Maintenance-Free Operation: Eliminates the need for greasing schedules, reducing labor costs and downtime.

• Enhanced Reliability: Performs reliably in dirty, dusty, and high-temperature conditions where liquid lubricants would fail or attract contaminants.

• Cost-Effective: Long service life and the elimination of lubrication systems lead to a lower total cost of ownership.

• Excellent Dimensional Stability: Low coefficient of thermal expansion and high compressive strength ensure tight tolerances are maintained under load and temperature variations.