Steel Bushing
Steel Bushing
Self-lubricating bronze bearings are engineered for applications where external lubrication is impractical. Solid lubricants are compressed and molded directly into the bearing to guarantee a maintenance-free product. No additional lubrication is necessary.
Long-lasting Steel Bushing with solid lubricant- self lubricating tecnology
Steel (iron) based self-lubricating bearings and slideways are self-lubricating bearings or slideways with high-quality alloy steel or ductile iron as matrix and drilled holes on the base and solid lubricants embedded in the holes. When the components work, the solid lubricants form a thin and smooth lubricating film on the surface of the working pair to realize the self-lubrication of the components. After the shutdown, the direct contact between the friction pairs can be reduced and the restarting resistance can be reduced. It can be used as a substitute for copper base inlaid self-lubricating material in a situation where the mechanical properties are not high. This material can be made into a bearing, slideway, thrust washer, inner ring of the joint bearing, and so on.
Steel Bushing’s Material Structure | Graphite Plugged
- HT250 + graphite.
- GCr15 + graphite
A graphite-plugged steel bushing is a type of mechanical component used in various industrial applications. It is a cylindrical type of steel bushing with a graphite plug inserted. The graphite plug serves as a self-lubricating element, reducing friction and wear between the bushing and the rotating shaft it is installed on.
The steel bushing provides structural support and durability, while the graphite plug allows for smooth rotation and reduces the need for external lubrication. This makes graphite-plugged steel bushings ideal for use in high-load, high-speed applications where frequent maintenance or lubrication is difficult or impossible.
Graphite-plugged steel bushings are commonly used in automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace applications, among others. They are available in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs and can be custom-made to meet specific requirements.
| GCr15 + Solid Lubricant | Cu | Sn |
| SL1 High purity graphite + additives | Good wear resistance and chemical stability, the use of temperature <400°C | Used in general machinery, used in the atmosphere |
| SL4 PTFE + additives | Very low coefficient of friction and good moisture, the use of temperature <300°C | Used in water, and seawater lubrication, such as ships, hydraulic arc gates, turbines, and pharmaceutical beverage machinery. |
| Technical Data | |||||
| Performance index/Type | Oilless Bearing | Graphite Plugged Bushing | Oil-free Bearing | HT250 Steel Bushing | GCr15 Steel Bushing |
| Max Move Load Capacity | 100 | 60 | 70 | 250 | 60 |
| Max Sliding Speed | dry0.4 oil0.5 | 2 | 2 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| Max PV Value Limit | 3.8 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.8 |
| Density | 8 | 8 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Tensile Strength | >600 | >250 | >500 | >1500 | >250 |
| Elongation | >10 | >4 | >10 | – | – |
| Hardness | >210 | >80 | >80 | HRC>55 | 160 |
| Max Working Temperature | 300 | 350 | 300 | 350 | 400 |
| Friction coefficient | Oil Lubrication:0.03 | ||||
| Dry Friction:0.16 |
| Alloy Material | |||||
| Corresponding Brands/Type | Oilless Bearing | Graphite plugged Bushing | Oil-free Bearing | Steel Bushing | Steel Bushing |
| China Brands GB1776-87 | ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 | ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3 | (steel)+ZCuSn6Zn6Pb3 | GCr15 | HT250 |
| International ISO1338 | GCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 | GCusn6Zn6Pb3 | (steel)+CuSn6Zn6Pb3Fe3Ni5 | B1 | – |
| Germany DIN | G-CuZn25Al5 | GB-CuSn5Zn5Pb5 | (steel)+CuSn6Zn6Pb3Ni | 100Cr6 | – |
| Japan JIS | HBsC4 | BC6 | BC6 | SUJ2 | FC250 |
| America ASTMUNS | C86300 | C83600 | C83600 | 52100 | Class40 |
| England Standard | HTB2 | LG2 | LG2 | – | – |
Cast Iron Graphite Inlaid vs. GCr15 Graphite Steel Bushings: A Layperson’s Guide
Imagine two types of bearings as “shoes” for machinery parts. One is like a rugged hiking boot (cast iron), and the other is a high-performance running shoe (GCr15 steel). Both keep your feet comfortable without constant maintenance, but they’re built for different terrains. Let’s break it down:
Key Similarities
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Self-Lubricating Magic: Both have graphite plugs (like built-in grease sticks) that slowly release lubrication, reducing friction. No need for frequent oiling—ideal for “set it and forget it” applications.
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Tough Customers: Designed for heavy loads and harsh conditions, from car suspensions to mining equipment.
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Eco-Friendly: Both cut down on external lubricants, reducing environmental mess.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Cast Iron Bushing (Hiking Boot) | GCr15 Steel Bushing (Running Shoe) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | HT250 cast iron (sturdy, absorbs vibrations) | GCr15 steel (harder than a diamond ring, heat-treated) |
| Strength | Good for moderate loads, dampens shakes (like engine parts) | Handles extreme pressure (e.g., mining crushers) |
| Environment | Loves heat, hates chemicals | Tough in dust/heat, but rusts in water/acid without a coat |
| Cost & Use Case | Cheaper, great for farms or factories | Pricier, for critical roles (trains, ships, aerospace) |
| Durability | Wears gracefully over time | Lasts longer under brutal stress but cracks if mishandled |
Real-World Scenarios
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Automotive Suspension: Cast iron bushings shine here—they absorb road vibrations like a cushioned boot.
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Mining Excavator Joints: GCr15’s hardness handles relentless pounding, like a sprinter on rocky trails.
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Marine Propellers: GCr15 needs a protective coating (like waterproofing spray) to avoid rust in seawater.
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Agricultural Harvesters: Cast iron’s cost-effectiveness and decent durability make it a farmer’s friend.
Why This Matters
Choosing between these bushings is like picking tools for a job:
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Cast Iron: The “workhorse” for everyday reliability. Think factory conveyor belts or tractor hinges.
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GCr15 Steel: The “specialist” for extreme conditions. Imagine a spaceship’s landing gear or a steel mill’s machinery.
Innovation Insight: Advances in material science could blend the vibration absorption of cast iron with GCr15’s hardness, creating “hybrid boots” for future machinery.
Simple Summary
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Cast Iron Bushing: Your go-to for steady, shake-prone jobs. It’s the reliable pickup truck of bearings.
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GCr15 Bushing: The Formula 1 car—built for speed and stress but needs careful handling.
Both keep machines running smoothly, but their secret sauce lies in the materials they’re made from. Next time you see a bulldozer or a car door, remember: there’s a tiny, self-lubricating hero inside!
