VIIPLUS Plain Bearing Bushes: Self-Lubricating Solutions & Technical Specifications

A plain bearing bush is a sleeve-type friction component that carries rotating, oscillating and reciprocating motion without rolling elements. VIIPLUS supplies a range of self-lubricating and low-maintenance bushings — steel-backed PTFE composite, POM boundary-lubricated, bimetal, wrapped bronze and graphite-embedded bronze — covering dry-running to oil-lubricated duty. This page compiles the product series, engineering data and selection notes for designers, buyers and maintenance teams.

What Is a Plain Bearing Bush

A plain bearing bush (also called a sleeve bearing or bushing) supports a shaft through sliding contact rather than rolling elements. Compared with rolling bearings, it offers a compact build, a large load-carrying area and stable resistance to shock and edge-loading, which suits low-speed heavy-load, oscillating and contaminated or poorly lubricated environments.

A self-lubricating bearing (oilless bearing) integrates a solid lubricant phase or a composite low-friction layer into the contact surface, allowing stable operation with little or no external lubricant. By lubrication mechanism it is grouped into dry-running composite bushings, boundary-lubricated (grease-charged) bushings and solid-lubricant-embedded bushings.

Global Supplier Directory for Plain Bearing Bushes Technical Specifications

This section functions as a global supplier directory for plain bearing bushes technical specifications from VIIPLUS: a consolidated catalogue of the company’s bushing families with their construction, lubrication type and reference engineering values. Each entry below maps a VIIPLUS series to its material system so specifiers can compare options in one place. For an updated and complete listing, contact the VIIPLUS engineering team.

VIIPLUS Product Series

VSB-10Steel-backed PTFE Composite Bush (maintenance-free, dry-running)

Built from a low-carbon steel backing, a sintered porous bronze layer and a PTFE-based running layer. A thin transfer film forms on the mating shaft during operation, supporting dry running and also performing well when oil is present. Suitable for rotary, oscillating and reciprocating motion.

• Construction: steel backing + sintered bronze (0.20–0.35 mm) + PTFE/fibre mixture (0.01–0.03 mm)
• Forms: cylindrical bush, flanged bush, thrust washer, sliding plate, special stamped parts
• Lubrication: dry or trace oil; no scheduled re-greasing required

VSB-11Steel-backed Bronze-POM Boundary-Lubricated Bush

A POM running layer over a steel-backed sintered bronze substrate, with grease pockets. Initial grease charge is required; wear stays stable while lubrication is present and re-grease intervals can be extended. Used for moderate-speed general machinery.

VSB-20Bimetal Bush (JF series)

A steel backing with a sintered copper-lead or copper-tin layer, offering sound fatigue strength and load capacity, typically used with circulating oil and also workable under marginal lubrication. Common in engines, chassis parts and agricultural hydraulics.

VSB-22Wrapped Bronze Bush (FB series, CuSn8)

Formed from phosph bronze strip, often with lubrication pockets or through-holes. After an initial grease charge it serves moderate load and speed; a mature choice for general linkages and pivot points. Custom sizes and split versions are available.

VSB-50Graphite-Embedded Bronze Bush (JDB series)

Cast bronze with graphite or other solid-lubricant plugs. The solid phase supplies a continuous film in dry running, matching heavy-load, low-speed, intermittent motion and high-temperature duty such as heavy machinery, tooling and hydraulic components.

Fabric-Reinforced Composite Bush (stainless-steel backed / fibre)

A stainless or carbon steel backing with a fibre fabric running layer, working dry or grease-lubricated with stable load capacity; suitable for water works, valves and corrosive settings.

Technical Specifications Comparison

The table below lists typical reference values for each VIIPLUS series. Figures are compiled from published product data sheets and may vary with grade, lubrication state and tolerance. Confirm with the latest data sheet and duty calculation before selection.

The PV value (pressure × speed) is the governing limit for composite and dry-running bushings: exceeding the allowable PV raises interface temperature and accelerates wear. Check pressure and speed together, not one alone.

Bronze Material Grades

VIIPLUS supplies several cast and wrapped bronze substrates for varied strength, wear and corrosion needs:

Selection Guide by Duty

1. Lubrication: no scheduled oiling → VSB-10 (dry composite) or VSB-50 (solid lube); initial grease acceptable → VSB-11, VSB-22; oil system present → VSB-20.
2. Load & speed: heavy-load low-speed → VSB-50, fabric composite; moderate-speed general → VSB-10, VSB-11; high-speed oil-lubricated → VSB-20.
3. Temperature: wide/cryogenic (down to -195 °C) → VSB-10; high temperature (up to +400 °C by grade) → VSB-50; moderate grease range → VSB-11.
4. Medium & environment: water, seawater or corrosion → stainless-backed / aluminium bronze; dust contamination → dry-running or solid-lubricant types.
5. Space & form: thin-wall compact → wrapped composite (VSB-10/11/22); split or special shape → custom stamped and machined parts.

Standards & Tolerances

• Assembly dimensions follow DIN 1494 and ISO 3547.
• Housing bore tolerance H7; bush inner diameter after mounting H9; shaft tolerance f7 ~ h8.
• Standard forms: cylindrical and flanged bushes, thrust washers, sliding plates; non-standard sizes, half-bushes, locating notches, oil holes and grease grooves available to drawing.

Typical Applications

• Hydraulic & pneumatic components, injection and forging machinery
• Construction, lifting and port equipment
• Automotive, rail and agricultural machinery
• Textile, food packaging and office automation equipment
• Metallurgy, mining, marine and water-control valves

FAQ

Do dry-running bushes need any lubrication?

VSB-10 and similar dry composites rely on the built-in running layer and normally need no external oil; they also work when oil is present. VSB-11 and VSB-22 require an initial grease charge.

How do I pick the right size?

Select a standard series by shaft, housing and length, and machine to the tolerances above. Non-standard or special shapes can be made to drawing.

Can they be used at high temperature?

VSB-10 reaches about +280 °C; VSB-50 graphite-embedded bronze can go higher by grade. Confirm material and duty with an engineer before exceeding the stated range.