self-lubricating bushes composite bearing material developed specifically to operate with marginal lubrication and consists of three bonded layers: a steel backing strip and a sintered porous bronze matrix, impregnated and overlaid with a pigmented acetal copolymer bearing material
Bronze CuSn7Zn4Pb7

Bronze CuSn7Zn4Pb7

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Solid bronze bearings for heavy-duty applications, CuSn7Zn4Pb7

Plain bearings and flange bearings made from CuSn7Zn4Pb7 material

Plain and flange bearings are made from CuSn7Zn4Pb7, an alloy of 85% copper known for its superior sliding properties. This red bronze (gunmetal) alloy, defined by DIN EN 1982 (CC493K), is the most common and economical option for plain bearings. Flanged plain bearing made from the material CuSn7Zn4Pb7, a specialized alloy composition designed for optimal performance in plain bearing applications. This flanged plain bearing utilizes the CuSn7Zn4Pb7 material, which is a specific combination of copper, tin, zinc, and lead to achieve durability and efficiency.

C93200 (SAE660) Bronze Ring Leaded Tin Bronze Leaded Tin Bronze
flange groove bearing C93200 (SAE660) or CuSn7Zn4Pb7-C (CC493K) GC Leaded Tin Bronze
with graphite inserts Material: C86300 Manganese Bronze with Graphite Plugs
with graphite inserts

Plain bearings and flange bearings made from CuSn7Zn4Pb7 material are commonly used in various industrial applications due to their excellent wear resistance, load-bearing capacity, and compatibility with lubrication systems. The addition of grooves and oil holes enhances their performance by ensuring proper lubrication distribution, reducing friction, and improving heat dissipation.

Key Features of CuSn7Zn4Pb7 Material:

  • Composition: Copper (Cu) alloyed with Tin (Sn), Zinc (Zn), and Lead (Pb).
  • Properties:
    • Good wear resistance.
    • High load-bearing capacity.
    • Excellent anti-friction properties.
    • Suitable for low to moderate speeds.
    • Good thermal conductivity.
  • Applications: Used in machinery, automotive components, pumps, and other systems where sliding or rotational motion is required.

Groove and Oil Hole Design:

  1. Grooves:
    • Grooves are machined into the bearing surface to distribute lubricant evenly across the bearing.
    • Common groove patterns include axial, circumferential, and helical grooves.
    • Grooves help reduce friction and wear by maintaining a consistent lubricant film.
  2. Oil Holes:
    • Oil holes are drilled into the bearing to allow lubricant to flow directly to the contact surfaces.
    • They ensure continuous lubrication, especially in high-load or high-speed applications.
    • Proper placement of oil holes is critical for optimal performance.

Advantages of Grooves and Oil Holes:

  • Improved lubrication efficiency.
  • Enhanced heat dissipation.
  • Reduced risk of overheating and bearing failure.
  • Extended bearing life.

Applications:

  • Plain Bearings: Used in rotating shafts, sliding mechanisms, and low-speed applications.
  • Flange Bearings: Used where axial positioning is required, such as in conveyor systems, motors, and gearboxes.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Regularly check and replenish lubricant to ensure proper functioning.
  • Monitor for signs of wear or damage, especially in high-load applications.
  • Ensure compatibility of lubricants with the bearing material.

If you need specific designs, dimensions, or further details about plain or flange bearings with grooves and oil holes, feel free to ask!

ALLOY SPECIFICATION: CuSn7Zn4Pb7 – CuSn7Zn4Pb7-C (CC493K) EN 1982

1. Requirements:

  • Including Ni.
  • For continuous castings and centrifugal castings:
    • Minimum tin content: 5.2%
    • Maximum copper content for ingots: 86.0%

Casting Process and Designation:

  • Continuous Cast (GC)
  • Centrifugal Cast (GZ)
Designation Tensile Strength Rm (MPa) 0.2% Proof Strength Rp0.2 (MPa) Elongation 5D A (%) Hardness HBW (10-1000)
Continuous (GC) 260 120 12 70
Centrifugal (GZ) 260 120 12 70
  • Mechanical property requirements apply to sizes up to 300 mm in external diameter. For larger continuous castings, requirements should be agreed between the supplier and the purchaser.

2. Closest International Standards:

Region Standards Alloy
Europe BS 1400, DIN 1705, NFA-53707 LG4, CuSn7ZnPb (Rg7), UE7
USA ASTM B505, ASTM B271 C93200 (SAE 660)
Australia AS 1565 C93200
Japan JIS H5121, JIS H5120 CAC407C, CAC407
ISO 1338 CuSn7Pb6Zn4

3. Optional Heat Treatments at Client’s Request:

  • Stress relieve.

4. Technical Characteristics:

  • Good machining properties.
  • Good self-lubricating properties.
  • Corrosion resistant.
  • Working conditions should not exceed 200°C (392°F).

Discovering the Benefits of CuSn7ZnPb Solid Lubricated Bronze Bearings

Bronze bearings have long been a staple in industries where high load capacity and durability are paramount. Among the various bronze alloys, CuSn7ZnPb, also known as the solid lubricated bronze bearing alloy, stands out for its exceptional properties and versatility. This blog post delves into the characteristics, applications, and advantages of CuSn7ZnPb bronze bearings, offering insights for engineers and manufacturers alike.

Introduction to CuSn7ZnPb Bronze Alloy

CuSn7ZnPb, commonly referred to by its European standard name CC493K, is a high-grade casting bronze alloy. It consists of copper, tin, zinc, and lead, elements that contribute to its strength, machinability, and wear resistance. The presence of lead in the alloy enhances its compatibility and embeddability, which are crucial for applications involving dirt and other contaminants.

Key Characteristics

  • High Load Capacity: CuSn7ZnPb bearings can withstand higher loads compared to many other materials, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
  • Excellent Wear Resistance: The alloy’s composition provides outstanding wear resistance, essential for prolonging the service life of machinery.
  • Good Machinability: The machining properties of CuSn7ZnPb are excellent, allowing for precise dimensions and smoother finishes.
  • Solid Lubrication: These bearings are often embedded with solid lubricants like graphite or MoS2 (molybdenum disulfide), which release lubricity as they wear, maintaining low friction over the bearing’s lifetime.
  • Corrosion Resistance: CuSn7ZnPb offers good resistance to corrosion from a variety of chemicals, making it ideal for harsh environments.

Applications in Industry

CuSn7ZnPb bronze bearings are utilized in a wide range of industrial applications, including but not limited to:

  • Heavy Machinery: Construction, mining, and agricultural machinery rely on CuSn7ZnPb bearings for pivot joints, linkage systems, and undercarriage components.
  • Marine Applications: The alloy’s corrosion resistance makes it suitable for shipbuilding, particularly in propeller shafts and rudder assemblies.
  • Automotive Industry: High-load bearings in vehicles, such as those used in transmission systems and chassis, often use CuSn7ZnPb.
  • Energy Sector: Wind turbines and hydropower plants utilize these bearings for their durability and low maintenance requirements.

Advantages Over Other Materials

The introduction of solid lubricants in CuSn7ZnPb bearings eliminates the need for frequent lubrication, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. This self-lubricating feature ensures continuous operation even in remote and inaccessible parts of machinery, where regular maintenance is not feasible. Furthermore, the alloy’s robust nature makes it ideal for applications exposed to high temperatures and pressures.

Environmental Considerations

While CuSn7ZnPb contains lead, which raises environmental and health concerns, advancements in alloy technology have led to the development of lead-free alternatives that retain many of the beneficial properties of CuSn7ZnPb. These newer compositions are designed to meet stricter environmental regulations while ensuring performance is not compromised.

Conclusion

CuSn7ZnPb solid lubricated bronze bearings represent a perfect blend of traditional and modern engineering materials. Their ability to operate under high load and severe conditions without the need for additional lubrication offers a significant advantage in both performance and cost-effectiveness. As industries continue to evolve, the role of such versatile materials becomes increasingly crucial in achieving efficiency and sustainability in operations.

For manufacturers and engineers, choosing CuSn7ZnPb bearings means investing in reliability and longevity, essential attributes for the demanding pace of modern industry. Whether upgrading existing systems or designing new installations, the solid lubricated bronze bearing alloy is a proven choice that delivers superior results.

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