JIS Self-Lubricating Bearing Materials

JIS Self-Lubricating Bearing Materials

High-Performance Self-Lubricating Bronze Bushing Solutions & Technologies. Minimize downtime, extend service life, and reduce costs for dynamic applications.

JIS Self-Lubricating Bearing Materials

Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) Copper Alloys for Oil-Free Bearings

Introduction

Under Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), self-lubricating bearing materials are mainly based on copper alloys designed to operate under dry running, boundary lubrication, or limited maintenance conditions.
These materials are widely used in industrial machinery, construction equipment, steel mills, port cranes, and automotive applications.

According to JIS H 5120 / JIS H 5115, the most relevant self-lubricating bearing materials fall into three main categories:

  1. Leaded Tin Bronze (LBC Series) – inherent self-lubrication

  2. High Tensile Brass (HBsC Series) – solid-lubricant compatible

  3. Aluminium Bronze (ALBC Series) – high load, low speed, oil-free service


1. Leaded Tin Bronze – LBC Series

(True Self-Lubricating Bronze Bearings)

Leaded tin bronzes provide natural self-lubrication due to the presence of dispersed lead (Pb), which forms a lubricating film during sliding.

Common JIS Grades

JIS Grade Alternative Name Key Composition Self-Lubricating Feature
CAC602 LBC2 Cu-Sn-Pb (4–6% Pb) Moderate self-lubrication
CAC603 LBC3 Cu-Sn-Pb (9–11% Pb) Widely used bearing bronze
CAC604 LBC4 Cu-Sn-Pb (14–16% Pb) Enhanced dry-running ability
CAC605 LBC5 Cu-Sn-Pb (16–22% Pb) Maximum self-lubrication

Typical Applications

  • Oil-free bushings

  • Boundary-lubricated bearings

  • Industrial sliding components

  • Medium load, low-to-medium speed machinery

⚠️ Note: Leaded alloys may face RoHS / environmental restrictions in some regions.


2. High Tensile Brass – HBsC Series

(Solid-Lubricant Plug Bearings)

High tensile brasses are Cu-Zn based alloys strengthened by Al, Mn, and Fe.
They are not self-lubricating by composition, but are ideal base materials for graphite-plug or solid-lubricant bearings.

Common JIS Grades

JIS Grade Alternative Name Key Characteristics
CAC301 HBsC1 Balanced strength & machinability
CAC302 HBsC2 Improved wear resistance
CAC303 HBsC3 Low-speed, high-load performance
CAC304 HBsC4 Maximum strength & impact resistance

Typical Applications

  • Graphite-insert self-lubricating bushings

  • Heavy-load pivot bearings

  • Construction machinery

  • Steel mill and port equipment

✅ Best choice for:
High load + low speed + shock + dry or poor lubrication


3. Aluminium Bronze – ALBC Series

(Extreme Load, Corrosion-Resistant Bearings)

Aluminium bronzes offer exceptional strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
When combined with solid lubricants, they perform reliably under severe operating conditions.

Common JIS Grades

JIS Grade Alternative Name Key Features
CAC701 ALBC1 Good strength & corrosion resistance
CAC702 ALBC2 Higher strength, marine-grade
CAC703 ALBC3 Heavy-duty sliding applications
CAC704 ALBC4 Extreme load & abrasion resistance

Typical Applications

  • Marine and offshore equipment

  • High-load sliding bearings

  • Heavy industrial machinery

  • Corrosive or abrasive environments


4. JIS Self-Lubricating Bearing Material Selection Guide

Operating Condition Recommended JIS Material
Oil-free / boundary lubrication CAC603 / CAC604
Maximum self-lubrication CAC605 (LBC5)
Heavy load, low speed CAC303 / CAC304
Solid lubricant plug bearings HBsC series
Extreme load & corrosion ALBC series

5. Summary

JIS standards define a robust material system for self-lubricating bearings, with each alloy family addressing specific operating conditions:

  • LBC Series → intrinsic self-lubrication

  • HBsC Series → high-strength solid-lubricant bearings

  • ALBC Series → extreme load and harsh environments

Correct material selection under JIS standards ensures long service life, reduced maintenance, and reliable bearing performance.

Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) – Copper Alloy Chemical Composition

(Typical composition in wt. %)

Element Symbols

Cu = Copper, Sn = Tin, Pb = Lead, Zn = Zinc, Fe = Iron, Ni = Nickel,
P = Phosphorus, Al = Aluminum, Mn = Manganese, Si = Silicon, Sb = Antimony


1. Aluminium Bronze (ALBC Series)

JIS Grade Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni P Al Mn Si Sb
CAC701 (ALBC1) ≥85.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 1.0–3.0 0.1–1.0 – 8.0–10.0 0.1–1.0 – –
CAC702 (ALBC2) ≥80.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 2.5–5.0 1.0–3.0 – 8.0–10.5 0.1–1.5 – –
CAC703 (ALBC3) ≥78.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 3.0–6.0 3.0–6.0 – 8.5–10.5 0.1–1.5 – –
CAC704 (ALBC4) ≥71.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 2.0–5.0 1.0–4.0 – 6.0–9.0 7.0–15.0 – –

2. Tin Bronze

JIS Grade Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni P Al Mn Si Sb
CAC402 (BC2) 86.0–90.0 7.0–9.0 ≤1.0 3.0–5.0 ≤0.2 ≤0.8 ≤0.03 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.2
CAC403 (BC3) 86.5–89.5 9.0–11.0 ≤1.0 1.0–3.0 ≤0.2 ≤0.8 ≤0.03 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.2
CAC502A / 502B (PBC2 / PBC2B) 87.0–91.0 9.0–12.0 – ≤0.3 ≤0.2 ≤0.5 ≤0.1 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.05
CAC503A / 503B (PBC3B) 84.0–88.0 12.0–15.0 – ≤0.3 ≤0.2 ≤0.5 ≤0.1 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.05

3. Gun Metal (BC Series)

JIS Grade Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni P Al Mn Si Sb
CAC401 (BC1) 79.0–83.0 2.0–4.0 3.0–7.0 8.0–12.0 ≤0.35 ≤0.8 ≤0.03 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.2
CAC406 (BC6) 83.0–87.0 4.0–6.0 4.0–6.0 4.0–6.0 ≤0.3 ≤0.8 ≤0.03 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.2
CAC407 (BC7) 86.0–90.0 5.0–7.0 1.0–3.0 3.0–5.0 ≤0.2 ≤0.8 ≤0.03 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.2
CAC408 84.0–88.0 4.0–6.0 2.0–4.0 5.0–7.0 ≤0.3 ≤0.8 ≤0.03 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.2

4. Leaded Bronze (Self-Lubricating Bronze – LBC Series)

JIS Grade Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni P Al Mn Si Sb
CAC602 (LBC2) 82.0–86.0 9.0–11.0 4.0–6.0 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤0.05 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.3
CAC603 (LBC3) 77.0–81.0 9.0–11.0 9.0–11.0 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤0.05 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.05
CAC604 (LBC4) 74.0–78.0 7.0–9.0 14.0–16.0 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤0.05 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.05
CAC605 (LBC5) 70.0–76.0 6.0–8.0 16.0–22.0 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤0.05 ≤0.005 – ≤0.005 ≤0.05

5. High Tensile Brass (HBsC Series)

JIS Grade Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni P Al Mn Si
CAC301 (HBsC1) 55.0–60.0 ≤1.0 ≤0.4 Rem. 0.5–1.5 ≤1.0 – 0.5–1.5 0.1–1.5 ≤0.1
CAC302 (HBsC2) 55.0–60.0 ≤1.0 ≤0.4 Rem. 0.5–2.0 ≤1.0 – 0.5–2.0 0.1–3.5 ≤0.1
CAC303 (HBsC3) 60.0–65.0 ≤0.5 ≤0.2 Rem. 2.0–4.0 ≤0.5 – 3.0–5.0 2.5–5.0 ≤0.1
CAC304 (HBsC4) 60.0–65.0 ≤0.2 ≤0.2 Rem. 2.0–4.0 ≤0.5 – 5.0–7.5 2.5–5.0 ≤0.1

6. Brass Alloys

JIS Grade Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni P Al Mn Si
CAC801 (SzBC1) 84.0–88.0 – ≤0.1 9.0–11.0 – – – ≤0.5 – 3.5–4.5
CAC802 (SzBC2) 78.5–82.5 – ≤0.3 14.0–16.0 – – – ≤0.3 – 4.0–5.0
CAC803 (SzBC3) 80.0–84.0 – ≤0.2 13.0–15.0 ≤0.3 – – ≤0.3 ≤0.2 3.2–4.2
CAC201 (YBsC1) 83.8–88.0 ≤0.1 ≤0.5 Rem. ≤0.2 ≤0.2 – ≤0.2 – –
CAC202 (YBsC2) 65.0–70.0 ≤1.0 0.5–3.0 Rem. ≤0.6 ≤1.0 – ≤0.5 – –
CAC203 (YBsC3) 58.0–64.0 ≤1.0 0.5–3.0 Rem. ≤0.6 ≤1.0 – ≤0.5 – –

Metal Bushing (Lubricated Metal) -Self-Lubricating Bushing Materials

Bushings are specialized, self-lubricating metal components widely utilized across various industries due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Self-lubricating metal bushings are engineered to function without additional lubrication in numerous applications, thereby minimizing maintenance needs. These bushings are available in various series and configurations, such as flanged bushings and split bearings, to meet specific application requirements.

Metal-Polymer Anti-Friction Plain Bearings

Metal-Polymer Composite Self-lubricating Bushing Material

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Compare prices and delivery times, then place your order directly online or request a quotation.

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