Reduce bearing maintenance with self-lubricating solid lubrication

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Oilless Bearing2026-10-01T04:11:52+00:00
graphite bushing bearings self lubricating Gun metal bushes size

Oil-Less Bearings， Prepared for exceptional tribological performance

Maintenance-free Plain Bearings

Lifting hoists and winches
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Oilless Bearings Material – Sleeve & Flange More

Oil-free bearings, also known as self-lubricating bearings, are bearings that can operate normally without the need for oil lubrication.

Oilless bearing manufacturers specialize in a diverse range of self-lubricating and maintenance-free sliding bearings. Their primary products encompass an array of materials such as brass, aluminum bronze, and tin bronze, which are manufactured in accordance with the standard specifications of different countries. Building upon these established materials, they have processed and produced a variety of solid-inlaid self-lubricating bearings. Additionally, they have innovated and introduced various new types of self-lubricating bearings to cater to evolving industry needs.

Complete machining solutions in steel, cast bronze bearing, non-ferrous metals bushing, and self-lubricating slide plate. We carry out high precision, medium and small series orders in a wide range of dimensions.

High-performance sliding bearings
self-lubricating sliding material made of highly wear-resistant bronze. The sliding surface is equipped with solid lubricant deposits and, if required, with a running-in film.
Bronze Plain Bearings with Grease Reservoirs
Wrapped Bronze Bearings made of CuSn8 with Grease Reservoirs
Bearing bush oilless bronze Cylindrical Bushing, Self-Lubricating (bronze with graphite/solid lubricant plugs, DIN 1850 / ISO 4379) Material: CuZn25Al5 base, solid lubricant approx. 25-30%

Custom Oilless Bearings， maintenance-free replacement of previously lubricated sliding bearings made of bronze.

Based on the type of lubricant, oil-free bearings can be categorized into oil-lubricated bearings, grease-lubricated bearings, water-lubricated bearings, gas bearings, solid lubricant bearings, magnetohydrodynamic bearings, and electromagnetic bearings. The materials for oil-free bearings can be metallic or non-metallic, such as high-strength brass, tin bronze with graphite bearings, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc. These bearings have the advantages of simple structure, easy manufacturing, small radial dimensions, and strong vibration absorption capabilities, and are capable of withstanding large impact loads, making them suitable for precision, high-speed, and heavy-load rotating applications.

Oilless Bearing Bushing, High-performance sliding bearings

The design and use of oil-free bearings require consideration of multiple factors. For instance, friction between the shaft diameter and the bearing bushing can cause surface heating and wear. Therefore, during the design, materials with good friction reduction properties should be selected, and appropriate lubricants and supply methods should be used. In terms of maintenance, traditional repair methods include welding, bushing insertion, and spot peening. In contrast, developed countries tend to use polymer composite material technology and nanotechnology for repairs. These technologies can be operated on-site, effectively improving repair efficiency and reducing repair costs and intensity.

Design Considerations for Sliding Bearings

To ensure the proper functioning of sliding bearings and to prevent the mating surface from damaging the sliding surface, it is crucial that the mating surface is smooth, without flats or grooves, and always extends beyond the bearing surface. Graphite bronze bearings are somewhat forgiving of misalignment. However, for optimal performance, the shaft and housing should be properly aligned. In scenarios where lateral thrust from axial forces is a concern, the deva.glide flanged bearing offers an economical choice for smaller dimensions. For larger diameters, using a graphite bronze slide bearing in conjunction with a graphite thrust washer may serve as a cost-effective alternative.

flange size Bearing bush oilless bronze Bearing bush oilless bronze Cylindrical Bushing, Self-Lubricating (bronze with graphite/solid lubricant plugs, DIN 1850 / ISO 4379) Material: CuZn25Al5 base, solid lubricant approx. 25-30%
Bearing bush oilless bronze plate

Various types of self -lubricating and maintenance -free sliding bearing

Various types of self-lubricating and maintenance-free sliding bearings are the main offerings of oilless bearing manufacturers. These include a range of products such as brass, aluminum bronze, and tin bronze, which are produced according to the standard grades of various countries. Based on these materials, a variety of solid-inlaid self-lubricating bearing products have been further processed and manufactured, along with the development of various new types of self-lubricating bearings.

Sliding surface with:

  • running-in film
  • Solid lubricant plugs
  • Base material (bronze)

Minimal wear. Low friction. Great performance Oil-less bearing Material selection

Maintenance-free, self-lubricating sliding bearing materials are made from highly wear-resistant copper and brass alloys. The sliding surfaces are evenly embedded with solid lubricant deposits, distributed in a “macro-pattern,” ensuring consistent lubrication.

  • Mechanical and plant engineering
  • Heavy duty
  • Offshore and marine
  • Power generation
  • Transport
By using the leaded, corrosion-resistant bronze CuSn7ZnPb7
hydroelectric turbines' Hydraulic steelwork
By using the highly resilient and corrosion-resistant aluminum bronze CuAl10Fe5Ni5
Offshore applications seawater
By using the highly resilient brass alloy CuZn25Al5Mn4Fe3
sliding speeds and very high loads
By using the tough and corrosion-resistant bronze CuSn12
offers an extremely high-performance
By using the hard, highly resilient, and outstandingly corrosion-resistant aluminum bronze CuAl11Fe6Ni6
self-lubricating solid lubricants

Explore Other Alloys,

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Suggested Searches: C93200 Tin Bronze, C86300 Manganese Bronze, Aluminum Bronze,

Nickel Aluminum Bronze, Phosphor Bronze…

Oilless Bearing Precision Machining Markets, Arrive at your individual sliding bearing solution with excellent service

The bearings are then machined to precise tolerances to ensure a perfect fit and smooth operation within the application they are designed for.

Material Grade Comparison Table

Material Codes / Standard  High-strength alloy copper  High-strength alloy copper Cast aluminum bronze Cast tin bronze Cast tin bronze Cast iron
China brands GB1776-87 ZCuZn25Al6 Fe3Mn3 ZCuZn25Al6 Fe3Mn3 ZCuAl9Fe4 Ni4Mn2 ZCuSn5 Pb5Zn5 ZCuSn10Zn2 GB5675-85 HT250
International ISO 1338 GCuZn25Al6 Fe3Mn3 GCuZn25Al6 Fe3Mn3 GCuAl10 FeNi5 GCuPb5 Sn5Zn5 GCuSn10Zn2
Germany DIN DIN1709 G-CuZn25Al5 DIN1709 G-CuZn25Al5 DIN17656 G-CuAl10Ni DIN1705 G-CuSn5ZnPb DIN1705 G-CuSn10Zn
Japan JIS H5102 HBSc4 H5102 HBSc4 H5114 AlBC3 H5111 BC6 H5111 BC3 FC250
America ASTM(UNS) B30-92 C86300 B30-92 C86300 B30-92 C95500 B30-92 C83600 B30-92 C90500 ASTM Class40
England BS HTB2 HTB2 AB2 LG2 G1
France NF CuAl10 Fe5Ni5 CuPb5 Sn5Zn5 CuSn12
Applicable conditions High-load, low speed, commonly used Over high load, low speed, High load used Mid-load, mid-speed, commonly used Mid-load, low speed Mid-load, low speed Mid-load, low speed

The key benefit of adding graphite to these bronze alloys is to:

  • Reduce friction: Graphite acts as a solid lubricant.

  • Enable dry running: Can operate without external lubrication for periods.

  • Prevent seizure: Especially under boundary lubrication conditions.

  • Improve wear resistance: The combination of bronze strength and graphite lubricity.

  • Handle higher temperatures: Graphite is stable at high temperatures where liquid lubricants might break down.

  • Reduce stick-slip: Provides smoother motion at low speeds.

Here’s a more detailed look at each group from your table:

Group 1 & 2: High-Strength Manganese Bronze (Often with Aluminum)

  • China Brand: ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3

  • International ISO 1338: GCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3

  • Germany DIN 1709: G-CuZn25Al5

  • Japan JIS H5102: HBsC4 (High Strength Brass Casting, Class 4)

  • America ASTM B30-92 (UNS): C86300 (Manganese Bronze)

  • England BS: HTB2 (High Tensile Brass)

  • Detailed Description:

    • Alloy Family: This is a high-strength brass, often referred to as Manganese Bronze. Despite the name, it’s technically a brass (copper-zinc alloy) with significant additions of manganese, aluminum, and iron.

    • Key Alloying Elements & Their Role:

      • Copper (Cu): Base metal.

      • Zinc (Zn): ~22-28%. Primary alloying element that defines it as brass, increases strength.

      • Aluminum (Al): ~5-7.5%. Significantly increases strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance (especially to seawater). Forms a tenacious, self-healing oxide layer.

      • Manganese (Mn): ~2.5-5%. Increases strength, hardness, and wear resistance. Acts as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer during casting.

      • Iron (Fe): ~2-4%. Acts as a grain refiner, increasing strength and hardness.

    • Key Characteristics:

      • Very high tensile strength and hardness for a copper alloy.

      • Excellent wear resistance, especially under heavy loads and slow speeds.

      • Good corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments and against non-oxidizing acids.

      • Good castability, though can be more challenging than simpler bronzes due to dross formation from aluminum.

    • With Embedded Graphite:

      • The inherent strength and wear resistance of C86300 are complemented by graphite’s self-lubricating properties.

      • Ideal for very high-load, low-speed applications where external lubrication is difficult, intermittent, or undesirable.

      • Reduces the coefficient of friction, prevents galling and seizure under extreme pressure.

    • Common Applications (with graphite): Heavy-duty bushings and bearings for construction equipment, mining machinery, large valve stems, bridge bearing plates, heavy-duty gears, screw-down nuts, and other applications requiring high strength and slow, oscillating, or intermittent motion.

  • Applicable Conditions: High-load, low-speed, commonly used for robust applications.

Group 3: Nickel Aluminum Bronze

  • China Brand: ZCuAl9Fe4Ni4Mn2

  • International ISO 1338: GCuAl10Fe5Mn3 (Note: slight variation, often ISO reflects typical range)

  • Germany DIN 1756: G-CuAl10Ni

  • Japan JIS H5114: ALBC3 (Aluminum Bronze Casting, Class 3)

  • America ASTM B30-92 (UNS): C95500 (Nickel Aluminum Bronze)

  • England BS: AB2

  • France NF: CuAl10Fe5Ni5

  • Detailed Description:

    • Alloy Family: Nickel Aluminum Bronze. These are known for their exceptional strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

    • Key Alloying Elements & Their Role:

      • Copper (Cu): Base metal.

      • Aluminum (Al): ~8.5-11.5%. Primary strengthening element, responsible for the excellent corrosion resistance due to the formation of a passive alumina (Al₂O₃) surface film.

      • Nickel (Ni): ~3-5.5%. Increases strength (especially at elevated temperatures), improves corrosion resistance (particularly against cavitation and erosion), and enhances toughness.

      • Iron (Fe): ~3-5%. Acts as a grain refiner, significantly increasing strength and hardness.

      • Manganese (Mn): Up to ~3.5%. Improves castability, deoxidizes, and can contribute to strength.

    • Key Characteristics:

      • Exceptional tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness.

      • Outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in seawater, brackish water, and many acidic or caustic environments. Resists biofouling.

      • Excellent wear and abrasion resistance.

      • Good fatigue strength.

      • Retains properties well at moderately elevated temperatures.

      • Good weldability (with appropriate procedures).

    • With Embedded Graphite:

      • Combines the superior mechanical and corrosion properties of nickel aluminum bronze with self-lubrication.

      • Suitable for extremely demanding high-load, low-speed applications, especially in corrosive environments or where maintenance is difficult.

      • Graphite helps maintain low friction even if the primary lubricant film breaks down.

    • Common Applications (with graphite): Marine bushings and bearings (propeller shafts, rudder bearings), heavy-duty industrial equipment bearings, valve components, pump components, wear plates, aircraft landing gear bushings, and applications in chemical processing equipment.

  • Applicable Conditions: Over high load, low speed, high load used; particularly in corrosive or demanding environments.

Group 4: Leaded Red Brass / Leaded Gunmetal

  • China Brand: ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5

  • International ISO 1338: GCuPb5Sn5Zn5

  • Germany DIN 1705: G-CuSn5ZnPb

  • Japan JIS H5111: BC6 (Bronze Casting, Class 6)

  • America ASTM B30-92 (UNS): C83600 (Leaded Red Brass, often called “85-5-5-5”)

  • England BS: LG2 (Leaded Gunmetal)

  • France NF: CuPb5Sn5Zn5

  • Detailed Description:

    • Alloy Family: Leaded Red Brass or Leaded Gunmetal. A very common general-purpose bearing alloy.

    • Key Alloying Elements & Their Role:

      • Copper (Cu): Base metal (~85%).

      • Tin (Sn): ~4-6%. Increases strength, hardness, and wear resistance.

      • Lead (Pb): ~4-6%. Improves machinability significantly. Provides some inherent lubricity and conformability, helping the bearing “seat” well and tolerate minor misalignments or debris.

      • Zinc (Zn): ~4-6%. Acts as a deoxidizer and improves castability, slightly increases strength and pressure tightness.

    • Key Characteristics:

      • Good balance of strength, ductility, and toughness.

      • Excellent machinability due to the lead content.

      • Good corrosion resistance to water, steam, and many mild chemicals.

      • Good bearing properties: Offers a combination of wear resistance, load-carrying capacity, and anti-friction qualities.

      • Excellent castability and pressure tightness.

    • With Embedded Graphite:

      • Enhances the already good bearing properties of C83600, especially the self-lubricating aspect.

      • The combination of lead and graphite provides excellent protection against seizure under boundary or intermittent lubrication.

      • Reduces friction and wear, allowing for higher PV (Pressure x Velocity) values or longer life in some applications.

    • Common Applications (with graphite): General-purpose bushings and bearings for moderate loads and speeds, pump components, valve bodies and components, pipe fittings, small gears, and applications requiring good pressure tightness and machinability.

  • Applicable Conditions: Mid-load, mid-speed, commonly used; a versatile and cost-effective choice.

Group 5: Tin Bronze / Gunmetal

  • China Brand: ZCuSn10Zn2

  • International ISO 1338: GCuSn10Zn2

  • Germany DIN 1705: G-CuSn10Zn (some standards might use G-CuSn12 for similar applications)

  • Japan JIS H5111: BC3 (Bronze Casting, Class 3)

  • America ASTM B30-92 (UNS): C90500 (Tin Bronze / Gunmetal, also known as SAE 62)

  • England BS: G1 (Gunmetal)

  • France NF: CuSn12 (Note: higher tin content than C90500, closer to C90700 or C90800)

  • Detailed Description:

    • Alloy Family: Tin Bronze or Gunmetal. This alloy has a higher tin content and lower (or no) lead compared to Group 4.

    • Key Alloying Elements & Their Role:

      • Copper (Cu): Base metal (~88%).

      • Tin (Sn): ~8-11% (C90500 typically ~10%, CuSn12 is ~12%). Main alloying element; significantly increases strength, hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

      • Zinc (Zn): ~1-3% (C90500 typically ~2%). Acts as a deoxidizer and improves castability and pressure tightness.

    • Key Characteristics:

      • Good strength, hardness, and excellent wear resistance, especially against steel shafts under good lubrication.

      • Good corrosion resistance, particularly to seawater and brines.

      • Good antifrictional properties.

      • Lower ductility and machinability compared to leaded bronzes.

    • With Embedded Graphite:

      • Provides self-lubrication, which is particularly beneficial for these higher-tin bronzes that might otherwise require more consistent external lubrication.

      • Reduces friction and wear, especially in applications with oscillating motion, intermittent lubrication, or where starting friction needs to be low.

      • Helps prevent galling with mating steel surfaces.

    • Common Applications (with graphite): Bushings, bearings, gears, worm wheels, valve components, pump impellers, and fittings requiring good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, especially in marine applications or for higher loads than leaded bronzes can handle without deformation.

  • Applicable Conditions: Mid-load, low speed; suitable where higher strength and wear resistance are needed compared to leaded red brass.

Group 6: Gray Cast Iron (Not a Bronze)

  • China Brands: GB5675-85 HT250

  • Japan JIS: FC250

  • America ASTM (UNS): ASTM A48 Class 40 (Class 40 indicates a minimum tensile strength of 40 ksi)

  • Detailed Description:

    • Material Family: This is Gray Cast Iron, not a bronze alloy. It’s included likely because it’s a common bearing material that inherently contains graphite.

    • Key Compositional Features:

      • Iron (Fe): Base metal.

      • Carbon (C): ~2.5-4.0%. Exists primarily as graphite flakes in the microstructure.

      • Silicon (Si): ~1.0-3.0%. Promotes graphitization.

      • Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulfur: Also present in smaller amounts, influencing properties.

    • Key Characteristics:

      • Good wear resistance: The graphite flakes provide solid lubrication and sites for oil retention.

      • Excellent vibration damping capacity.

      • Good machinability (though can produce dusty chips).

      • Relatively low cost.

      • Good compressive strength, but lower tensile strength and impact toughness compared to bronzes.

      • Susceptible to rusting if not protected.

    • Graphite’s Role (Inherent):

      • The graphite flakes are an integral part of the gray cast iron microstructure. They act as a natural solid lubricant, reducing friction and wear.

      • The porous nature associated with graphite flakes can also help retain liquid lubricants.

    • Common Applications: Machine tool beds and ways, engine blocks and cylinder liners, pump housings, some low-speed/moderate-load plain bearings where cost and damping are important factors. It’s not typically combined with additional embedded graphite plugs in the same way bronzes are, as it already has graphite throughout its structure.

  • Applicable Conditions (for bearings): Moderate loads, low to moderate speeds, good for vibration damping, often used where cost is a primary driver.

General Considerations for Bronze Graphite Bearings:

  • Method of Graphite Incorporation:

    • Graphite Plugs: Holes are drilled into the bronze bearing and filled with compressed graphite plugs. Common for larger bearings.

    • Sintered Bronze Graphite: Bronze powder and graphite powder are mixed, compacted, and sintered. This creates a porous bronze structure with graphite dispersed throughout. Often oil-impregnated.

    • Cast-in Graphite: Less common for high-performance, but some specialized casting techniques can incorporate graphite.

    • Graphite-Filled Grooves: Grooves are machined into the bearing surface and filled with graphite paste or solid graphite.

  • Selection: The choice of bronze alloy depends on the specific requirements of load, speed, temperature, corrosive environment, and desired lifespan. The addition of graphite extends the operational range and reduces reliance on external lubrication for all these alloys.

This detailed breakdown should give you a much better understanding of these materials and their suitability for bronze graphite bearing applications.

Oilless Guide Elements – Material Data

Property Value
Chemical composition %
Cu 60~80
Al 3.0~7.5
Fe 2.0~4.0
Mn 2.5~5.0
Balance Zn
Specific density kg/dm ³ 8.2
Tensile strength Rm N/mm² 770
Brinell hardness HB 10 180~210
Shear strength N/mm² 560
Yield limit Rp 0.2 N/mm² 450
Elongation to fracture A5 % 8
Elongation % 12
Modulus of elasticity kN/mm² 105~115
Stroking velocity m/min 15
Coefficient of friction 0.04~0.10
Temperature conductance W/(m×K) 45~55
Temperature resistance °C +300
Coefficient of thermal expansion 1.6~2.0 × 10⁻⁵/°C
Coefficient of shrinkage % 1.8~2.3
Electric conductance m/(Ω × mm²) 7~8
Alt. flexural strength N/mm² ±150
Ratio sliding surface to lubricant deposits (%) 25~30

Advantages and Key Features of Oilless Guide Elements

Oilless Guide Elements, featuring embedded solid lubricants, are engineered for linear or rotary motion in demanding applications like tool making, general machine construction, and other engineering fields. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to operate without external liquid lubrication, relying instead on solid lubricant deposits integrated directly into the base material.

Key Advantages:

  1. Good Emergency Sliding Properties:

    • Detail: Even if some unforeseen condition compromises optimal performance, the inherent solid lubricant provides a failsafe, allowing the components to slide without immediate seizure or catastrophic damage. This is crucial for system reliability.

  2. Highest Carrying Capacity at Low Speeds:

    • Detail: These elements excel in applications where heavy loads need to be moved at relatively slow speeds. The solid lubricant film effectively separates the sliding surfaces under high pressure, preventing metal-to-metal contact and wear. The text highlights they “satisfy highest demands in terms of load bearing capacity at low sliding speeds.”

  3. Suitability for Harsh Environments:

    • Use Under Water or with Chemical Solutions:

      • Detail: Unlike conventional oils and greases that can be washed away or degraded by water and many chemicals, the embedded solid lubricants are generally more stable and resistant. This allows for reliable operation in submerged conditions or where exposure to various chemicals is unavoidable.

    • Extremely Wide Temperature Resistance (Hot and Cold):

      • Detail: Solid lubricants can maintain their lubricating properties over a broader temperature range than many liquid lubricants, which can become too thin at high temperatures or too viscous at low temperatures. Standard types are rated up to 200°C, with special types available for even more extreme conditions.

  4. Damping Properties in Presence of Vibration:

    • Detail: The material composition and the presence of solid lubricant can help absorb and dampen vibrations within a mechanical system. This can lead to smoother operation, reduced noise, and potentially longer life for associated components by mitigating the effects of vibratory stresses.

  5. Reduced Maintenance & Cleaner Operation (Implicit):

    • Detail: Being “oilless,” they eliminate the need for regular re-lubrication with oils or greases. This reduces maintenance schedules, labor costs, and the risk of lubricant contamination in the operating environment or on the manufactured product.

Mechanism and Design Considerations:

  • Embedded Solid Lubricants: The base material (likely a metallic alloy, as suggested by the previous table) has “closely spaced deposits of solid lubricant.” These deposits are released onto the sliding surface during motion, forming a low-friction film.

  • Optimized Lubricant Distribution: “The lubricant deposits are arranged in staggered geometrical patterns, thus ensuring optimal lubrication effect along the sliding motion.” This design ensures continuous availability of lubricant across the contact area.

  • Surface Area of Lubricant: “On flat guideways and pillar guides, from 25 to 30 per cent of the sliding surfaces consist of lubricant deposits.” This significant proportion ensures ample lubrication.

  • Counter Bearing Requirements: For optimal performance, “Surfaces of counter bearings must have a ground finish, preferably with a lay parallel with the sliding motion.” This minimizes abrasion and ensures smooth interaction with the solid lubricant film.

  • Initial Commissioning: “The sliding surfaces should be lightly greased with lithium grease emulsion, prior to commissioning.” This initial greasing likely helps with the run-in process, establishing an effective solid lubricant film quickly.

Performance Characteristics (PV Value):

The performance of these bearings is often characterized by the PV value, which is critical for determining their suitability for an application and predicting wear life.

  • PV Value Definition: PV = P × V

    • P (Surface Pressure): P = F/A (N/cm²)

      • F = Maximum load (N)

      • A = Projected area of the bearing (cm²)

    • V (Running Velocity): (m/min)

  • Significance: The PV value represents the combined effect of load and speed on the bearing. A higher PV value indicates more severe operating conditions. The elements are designed to operate up to a certain maximum PV value, beyond which wear may become excessive.

Operating Parameters (from the graph example):

The graph illustrates the relationship between temperature, maximum load capacity, sliding speed, and PV value:

Temperature (°C) Max. Load (N/cm²) Speed (m/min) PV Value (N/cm² × m/min) Lubrication
Not specified 5000 Not specified 10,000 Initial
80 3000 15 20,000 Initial / Pressure Lubrication*
150 Not specified 60 Not specified Not specified

Note: The graph seems to indicate that for higher PV values (e.g., 20,000), “Pressure lubrication” might be considered alongside “Initial” lubrication, suggesting that for the most demanding applications within their range, some form of supplementary or enhanced initial lubrication could be beneficial, or it refers to the pressure generated by the solid lubricant itself under load.

Types:

  • Standard: For general uses at temperatures up to 200°C.

  • Special Types: Available on request, likely for more extreme temperatures or other specific application requirements.

In summary, oilless guide elements offer a robust, low-maintenance solution for guiding motion, particularly advantageous in high-load/low-speed scenarios and in environments where conventional lubrication is impractical or undesirable due to temperature extremes, chemical exposure, or cleanliness requirements.

Browse The Oilless Bearing availability， graphite-based plugs and one PTFE-based plug variant are available

Solid-inlaid lubricating bearings use high-strength copper alloys as the base material, and solid lubricants are processed into cavities on the working surface in a certain proportion according to the operating conditions.

The high-strength copper alloy provides a high load-carrying capacity, while the solid lubricant can form a pair with lower friction.

Under dry friction conditions, we design a pre-lubricated film on the bearing surface to ensure that the solid lubricant is transferred to the mating piece in the shortest time and forms an effective solid lubricating film.

Self-Lubricating Graphite Bronze Sleeve Materials and Their Key Characteristics

Self-lubricating graphite bronze sleeve materials hold a significant position among modern bearing materials due to their unique properties. Here is a summary of these characteristics:

Self-Lubrication: The primary feature of graphite bronze sleeves is their self-lubricating property. Graphite, acting as a solid lubricant, forms a lubricating film between the bearing and the shaft, reducing friction and wear. This allows for smooth operation even in the absence of external lubrication.

High Load Capacity: The copper alloy base provides excellent mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity, enabling the graphite bronze sleeves to withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for high-load applications.

Wear Resistance: The addition of graphite significantly enhances the material’s wear resistance, ensuring minimal wear over extended operation and thereby prolonging the lifespan.

High-Temperature Resistance: Graphite bronze sleeves can operate at high temperatures without softening, maintaining structural and performance stability, making them suitable for high-temperature environments.

Corrosion Resistance: The copper alloy itself offers good corrosion resistance. The addition of graphite further enhances the material’s chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various chemical environments.

Low Friction Coefficient: Graphite serves as a lubricant, effectively reducing the friction coefficient between the bearing and the shaft, minimizing energy loss and improving mechanical efficiency.

Easy Installation: Graphite bronze sleeves are typically designed for easy installation and maintenance, allowing for quick replacements and reduced downtime.

Environmental Friendliness: Due to their self-lubricating nature, graphite bronze sleeves reduce reliance on external lubricants, helping to decrease environmental pollution.

Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial cost of graphite bronze sleeves may be higher than some traditional bearing materials, their longevity and low maintenance requirements can reduce overall operational costs in the long term.

Versatility: Graphite bronze sleeves are adaptable to a variety of working conditions, including high-speed, low-speed, heavy-load, vibration, shock, and environments where lubrication is challenging.

Additionally, the manufacturing process of graphite bronze sleeves is noteworthy. For instance, bronze-based high-speed self-lubricating bearings with solid lubricants such as MoS2 and graphite, and phosphorus as a solid solution strengthening element, have been developed through powder metallurgy. These bearings have been tested at speeds of 25,000 to 27,240 rpm. Bench tests show that with a load of 10N, they have a continuous life span of more than 736 hours and switch cycles reaching 10,800, exhibiting excellent resistance to thermal seizing, superior self-lubricating performance, and sufficient wear resistance.

Material Type Code China GB1176-87 International ISO 1338 Germany DIN Japan JIS USA ASTM(UNS) UK BS France NF Applicable Situation
High Strength Alloy Copper JDB650 ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 GCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 DIN1709 G-CuZn25Al5 H5102 CAC304 B30-92 C86300
Super High Strength

Alloy Copper

 JDB650 S1 ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 GCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 DIN1709 G-CuZn25Al5 H5102 CAC304 B30-92 C86300
Cast Tin Bronze JDB650 S2 ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 GCuPb5Sn5Zn5 DIN1705 G-CuSn5ZnPb H5111 BC6 B30-92 C83600
Cast Aluminum Bronze JDB650 S3 ZCuAl9Fe4Ni4Mn2 GCuAl10FeNi5 DIN17656 G-CuAl10Ni H5114 AlBC3 B30-92 C95500
Cast Iron JDB(HT250) GB5675-85 HT250 FC250 ASTM Class40 – – – –
Code JDB650 JDB650 S1 JDB650 S2 JDB650 S3 JDB650 S4 JDB (HT250) JDB (Gcr15)
Material Grade CuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 CuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 CuAl9Fe4Ni4Mn2 CuSn5Pb5Zn5 CuSn12 HT250 Gcr15
Density 8.0 8.0 8.5 8.9 9.05 7.0 7.8
Hardness HB >210 >250 >150 >70 >80 >190 HRC>58
Tensile Strength N/mm² >750 >800 >800 >200 >260 >250 >1500
Elongation % >12 >8 >15 >10 >8 >5 >15
Linear Expansion Coefficient 10⁻⁵/°C 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.0 1.1
Operating Temperature °C -40~+300 -40~+150 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+400 -40~+400
Maximum Dynamic Load N/mm² 100 120 150 60 70 90 200
Maximum Linear Speed m/min (Dry) 15 15 20 10 10 8 5
Max. PV Value N/mm²*m/min 200 200 60 60 80 40 150
Compressive Permanent

Deformation 300N/mm²

 <0.01 <0.005 <0.04 <0.05 <0.005 <0.015 <0.002

Copper Alloys: CuSn7ZnPb, CuSn12Pb, CuAl10Ni, and CuZn25Al5—Their Chemical Compositions and Performance Characteristics

All of these materials are copper alloys, each with distinctive chemical compositions and performance features.

CuSn7ZnPb is a tin bronze alloy known for its excellent dry friction performance and resistance to seawater. It is commonly used for bearing shells and connecting rod bearings, as well as sliding plates and strips under medium loads. This material has a density of 8.8 g/cm³.

CuSn12Pb is a leaded tin bronze noted for its superior lubrication and wear reduction properties, enabling high surface precision in machined parts. Its chemical composition includes 84-87% copper, 11-13% tin, and 1-2% lead, with strict regulations also applying to other elements such as iron, sulfur, and antimony.

CuAl10Ni is an aluminum bronze alloy, prized for its high strength and excellent resistance to seawater corrosion. Its chemical composition consists of 8.5-11% aluminum, 4-6% nickel, 2-5% iron, up to 1.5% manganese, with the remainder being copper.

CuZn25Al5 is a high-strength aluminum bronze known for its robust mechanical and physical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation rate. This material has a density of 8.2 g/cm³ and offers good thermal and electrical conductivity.

These materials are used across various fields including machinery, marine, chemical, and aerospace industries. The choice of material depends on the required performance and application environment. For example, CuSn7ZnPb is suitable for medium-load sliding bearings, while CuZn25Al5 is ideal for applications demanding high strength and corrosion resistance. Each material possesses unique properties and application scenarios, and selecting the appropriate material ensures that the final product meets specific requirements.

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