High-Performance Thrust Washers solution & Self-Lubricating Sliding Elements

Designed for procurement managers and mechanical engineers: from material selection and application positions to sizing and operating conditions, enabling fast, practical solutions to axial load issues such as face wear, seizure, and unexpected downtime. Standard sizes are available, with full support for custom manufacturing based on drawings (inch & metric).

Thrust Washer Manufacturer | High-Performance Bronze & Oilless Thrust Washers

Custom Thrust Washer Supplier

A Thrust Washer (also known as a thrust bearing washer) is a flat bearing designed to support heavy axial loads and prevent movement along the shaft. Unlike radial bearings, thrust washers are specifically engineered to handle forces parallel to the axis of rotation. At BronzeOilless.com, we specialize in providing high-wear resistance and low-friction solutions tailored to diverse industrial environments, from hydraulic pumps to heavy earth-moving machinery.

Performance Comparison: Which Washer fits your needs?

Feature Embedded Solid Lubricant (Brass/Graphite) PTFE Steel Backed (Composite) POM Steel Backed (Composite) Solid Bronze
Lubrication Maintenance-Free (Self-Lube) Dry Running / Maintenance-Free Pre-lubricated (Grease needed) Oil/Grease Required
Load Capacity Ultra High High High Medium/High
Max Speed Low (< 0.5 m/s) Medium/High Medium Medium
Temp Range -40°C to +300°C -195°C to +280°C -40°C to +130°C Depends on Lube
Friction Low Very Low Low Medium
thrust plate thrust washer
Types of Thrust Washer Bearings Thrust washer bearings can be clearly categorized by their material structure and lubrication performance, allowing engineers to select the most suitable type for specific operating conditions. Casting Bronze Thrust Washers These are designed for high load capacity and good wear resistance. They are commonly used in heavy-duty and industrial applications where reliability and long service life are required. Brass Thrust Washer Bearings with Embedded Solid Lubricant By incorporating solid lubricant plugs, this type provides self-lubricating performance, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring stable operation under high load or intermittent lubrication conditions. Wrapped PTFE-Lined Thrust Washers with Bronze Backing Featuring a low-friction PTFE sliding layer supported by a bronze backing, these washers are ideal for dry-running or boundary-lubricated environments, offering smooth motion and low wear. POM Thrust Washers with Bronze Backing This composite design combines a POM sliding surface with a bronze support layer, delivering low noise, good dimensional stability, and enhanced mechanical strength for light to medium load applications.

Custom Thrust Washer Solution – Metric & Inch Sizes Available

Reliable Axial Load Control & Friction Reduction

Bronze thrust washer for axial load bearing

Common Problems You May Be Facing

  • Rapid face wear → Increased clearance, axial play, rising noise and vibration
  • Low speed / heavy load / frequent start-stop → Oil film cannot form properly, leading to lubrication failure and galling
  • High temperature, water wash, dust, or corrosive media → Grease is washed away, carbonized, or contaminated
  • Limited maintenance space or no regular lubrication possible → High maintenance costs and unpredictable downtime

What You Want to Achieve

  • Reduce unplanned downtime
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Protect high-value components such as shafts and housings

High load capacity, excellent impact resistance, and easy machinability. Ideal for general heavy-duty applications where periodic lubrication is possible or oil grooves are designed into the system.

Bronze alloy base combined with solid lubricant plugs. Designed for conditions where lubrication is difficult or impossible—such as high temperature, water exposure, corrosive environments, or dusty conditions. Enables maintenance-free or low-maintenance operation.

Suggested Searches: Copper， Brass， Bronze， Copper Nickel， Manganese， Aluminum

Thrust Washer Applications Across Industries

Our thrust washers are widely used in industries where axial load control, wear resistance, and long service life are critical:

  • Mold & Tooling Industry:
    Injection molds, stamping dies, and precision press tools requiring smooth axial movement and reduced friction.
  • Heavy Equipment & Mining:
    Excavators, crushers, loaders, and steel mill machinery operating under high loads and harsh environments.
  • Automotive & Aerospace:
    Transmission systems, steering assemblies, and high-stress mechanical components demanding durability and precision.
  • Packaging & General Machinery:
    Conveyor systems, automated production lines, and industrial equipment requiring stable, low-friction performance.
Oilless self-lubricating thrust washer Solution
Oilless self-lubricating thrust washer solution with graphite plugs

Our Thrust Washer Options

We provide three material solutions to suit different working conditions:

1. Brass with Embedded Solid Lubricant (JDB / 500# Series)

Material: High-strength brass with graphite plugs.
Features: Self-lubricating, maintenance-free, high load capacity, excellent high-temperature performance.
Applications: Injection molding machines, steel mills, heavy construction equipment.

2. Steel-Backed Composite Washers (PTFE / POM Series)

  • PTFE: Steel + sintered bronze + PTFE layer (dry running).

  • POM: Steel + sintered bronze + POM layer (boundary lubrication).
    Features: Low friction, compact thin-wall design, strong wear resistance.
    Applications: Automotive systems, hydraulic pumps, shock absorbers, pneumatic cylinders.

3. Solid Bronze Thrust Washer

Material: Cast bronze (CuSn12, CuSn7Zn4Pb7, aluminum bronze) with lubrication grooves.
Features: Customizable, corrosion-resistant, reliable with oil or grease lubrication.
Applications: Agricultural machinery, forestry equipment, general transmission systems.

thrust washer used in Wind Turbines and Heavy-Duty Equipment

In modern wind power systems, large-diameter thrust washers play a critical role within yaw drive assemblies. They are designed to accommodate significant axial loads generated by wind forces acting on oversized rotor blades. These washers must handle intermittent shock loads caused by sudden gusts while preserving precise alignment and stability over extended service cycles, often in remote and maintenance-intensive environments.

In heavy-duty applications such as mining machinery and industrial cranes, thrust washers are built to endure extreme compressive forces and high-torque conditions. Their function is to distribute axial loads evenly, reduce wear between rotating and stationary components, and prevent metal-to-metal contact that could lead to structural damage or premature failure. Engineered with high-strength alloys and wear-resistant surfaces, these washers ensure operational reliability under demanding working conditions.

Oilless self-lubricating thrust washer with graphite plugs

Brass Thrust Washer Size Chart

brass thrust washer size

Article No. Article Name Inner Ø d (mm) Außen-Ø
d:		 Shaft Ø (mm) l: Radius r (mm)
17100001 Thrust Washer 10 10.2 30 10 3 0.5
17120001 Thrust Washer 12 12.2 40 12
17160001 Thrust Washer 16 16.2 50 16 1
17200001 Thrust Washer 20 20.2 50 20 5
17250001 Thrust Washer 25 25.2 55 25

Technical Specifications & Installation Guidelines

To ensure optimal performance and prevent jamming, precise tolerances and mating partner preparation are crucial.

1. Tolerances and Clearance

Our bronze bushings and thrust washers with solid lubricant (graphite) rely on a small sliding gap to distribute the lubricant via abrasion and thermal expansion.

  • Housing Bore: Standard tolerance H7.

  • Bushing Compression: After insertion into an H7 housing, a brass bushing typically narrows to range H7.

Recommended Shaft Tolerances:

  • h6: For highest precision (e.g., cutting tools, mold construction).

  • f7 / e7: For high accuracy in general engineering.

  • d8 / e8: For standard engineering applications.

2. Mating Partners (Sliding Counterparts)

For the best results, the sliding partner should be gas nitrated or hardened steel alloys.

  • Hardness: HRC > 35.

  • Hardness Difference: The mating part should be at least 100 HB harder than the sliding material.

  • Surface Roughness: Recommended Rz = 3…6.3 µm (grinding).

Note: If guides are continuously moved apart (e.g., in large punching tool dies), ensure the counterpart has generous centering chamfers.

3. Special Attention: Small Movements

Graphite lubrication relies on movement to create a film. If your application involves very small movements, the lubricant may not deposit on the entire surface. Please contact our technical department for specialized advice on these applications.

 

Brass Thrust Washer With Holes Size Chart

Brass thrust washer with Embedded Solid Lubricant

Article No. Article Name Inner Ø d (mm) Outer Ø D (mm) Außen-Ø
d:		 Shaft-Ø: l: Radius r (mm) D1 (mm) M
(ISO 10642):
17100000 Thrust Washer 10 10 10.2 30 10 3 0.5 20 M3
17120000 Thrust Washer 12 12 12.2 40 12 28
17130000 Thrust Washer 13 13 13.2 40 13
17140000 Thrust Washer 14 14 14.2 40 14
17150000 Thrust Washer 15 15 15.2 50 15 1 35
17160000 Thrust Washer 16 16 16.2 50 16
17180000 Thrust Washer 18 18 18.2 50 18
17200000 Thrust Washer 20 20 20.2 50 20 5 M5
17250000 Thrust Washer 25 25 25.2 55 25 40
17300000 Thrust Washer 30 30 30.2 60 30 45
17350000 Thrust Washer 35 35 35.2 70 35 50
17400000 Thrust Washer 40 40 40.2 80 40 7 2 60 M6
17450000 Thrust Washer 45 45 45.3 90 45 67.5
17500000 Thrust Washer 50 50 50.3 100 50 8 75
17550000 Thrust Washer 55 55 55.3 110 55 85
17600000 Thrust Washer 60 60 60.3 120 60 90 M8
17650000 Thrust Washer 65 65 65.3 125 65 95
17700000 Thrust Washer 70 70 70.3 130 70 10 100
17750000 Thrust Washer 75 75 75.3 140 75 110
17800000 Thrust Washer 80 80 80.3 150 80 120
17900000 Thrust Washer 90 90 90.5 170 90 140 M10
17991000 Thrust Washer 100 100 100.5 190 100 160
17991200 Thrust Washer 120 120 120.5 200 120 175

 

 

 

 

Choose Your Thrust Washer Material to Match Your Industrial Application

We supply a comprehensive portfolio of lubrication-free sliding elements manufactured to international standards. Our thrust washers are available in a variety of materials to suit your specific load and environmental requirements:

  • Tin Bronze & Brass (with Graphite): Our core technology. Embedded solid lubricant (graphite) plugs ensure continuous lubrication even under high loads.

  • Steel & Cast Iron: Designed for extreme load-bearing capacities and structural integrity in heavy engineering.

  • Custom Alloys: Tailored solutions for specific corrosion resistance or thermal conductivity needs.

Property thrust washer thrust washer thrust washer thrust washer thrust washer thrust washer Tin Bronze sinter bronze thrust washer Cusn8 thrust washer thrust washer Plastic
Base Material Hard brass + graphite Alu-bronze + graphite Alu-bronze + graphite Hard brass + graphite Bronze + graphite Red brass + graphite – – tin bronze (DIN 17662) Steel + graphite Grey cast iron + graphite plastic
Self-Lubricating Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes No
Lubricant Graphite Graphite Graphite Graphite Graphite Graphite – Oil – – Graphite Graphite Graphite
Max. Surface Pressure (N/mm²) 100 100 120 130 120 50 80 50 80 40 30 5 25
35 (with oil)
Max. Sliding Speed (m/min) 30 10 10 15 10 50 20 300 50 120 10 10 50
200 (with oil)
Max. PV Value (N/mm²·m/min) 200 150 200 200 200 100 – 96 100 – 80 50 100
200 (with oil)
Temperature Range (°C) -50 / +150
+300		 -50 / +150
+300		 -50 / +150
+300		 -50 / +150
+300		 -50 / +150
+300		 -50 / +150
+400		 -50/+200 -12/+90 -50/150+300 -200/+200 -50/+150 -50/+150 -50/+80
Friction Coefficient (Initial) 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.2 0.15 0.16 0.09 0.15 – 0.01 – –
Friction Coefficient (Long-term) 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.15 0.07 – – 0.07 – – – –
Brinell Hardness (HB) >210 >210 >260 220–260 >280 >60 >80 >25 >80 – >375 160–220 115（HRR)
Further Inrformation
Elongation (%) >12 >18 >2 >3 >0.5 >15 >6 – >5 – 19 – 73
Density (kg/dm³) 7.9 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.2 8.7 8.7 6.5–7.0 8.2 8.8 7.8 7.1–7.3 1.4
Tensile Strength (N/mm²) >755 >686 >833 >700 >550 >195 >295 – >295 – >690 >250 69
Yield Strength (N/mm²) >412 >372 >509 – – >105 >161 – >161 – – – –
Elastic Modulus (N/mm²) 97,000 108,000 123,600 108,000 145,000 96,000 108,000 – 108,000 115,000 – – –
Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁵/°C) 1.9 1.6 1.6 1.9 1.71 1.8 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.1 1 7.7

 

General and technical information

Material Fresh Water Sea Water
High strength
brass casting		 no problem in use Affected
Red brass Preferred Ono problem in use
Alu-bronze Preferred Ono problem in use
Grey cast Not allowed for use Not allowed for use
Steel Preferred Preferred
Polyacetal Ono problem in use Ono problem in use
Chemical(acid) High strength
brass casting(CuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3)		 Hard Brass / High-Strength Copper Alloy Red brass Alu-bronze Grey cast Steel Polyacetal
Alcohol Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred unknown Preferred unknown
Formic Acid unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown Not allowed for use
Chlorine (Dry) Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred unknown Preferred unknown
Chlorine (Wet) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Affected Affected unknown unknown unknown
Chromic Acid Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Preferred Not allowed for use Not allowed for use unknown unknown
Acetic Acid Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Affected Preferred (20°C)
Affected?(118°C)		 Not allowed for use Preferred no problem in use
Hydrochloric acid unknown unknown no problem in use no problem in use Not allowed for use unknown Not allowed for use
Hydrochloric Acid (Concentrated) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Affected Not allowed for use Not allowed for use unknown
Lactic Acid Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use Not allowed for use
Phenol unknown unknown Not allowed for use unknown unknown unknown Not allowed for use
Phosphoric Acid Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use no problem in use Not allowed for use Affected Not allowed for use
Nitric Acid Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use unknown
Sulfuric Acid (40–80%) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Affected Affected Not allowed for use Affected Not allowed for use
Sulfuric Acid (80–95%) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use no problem in use Not allowed for use Affected Not allowed for use
Diluted Hydrochloric Acid Affected Affected unknown unknown unknown Not allowed for use Not allowed for use
Hydrogen Peroxide Affected Affected no problem in use no problem in use Not allowed for use no problem in use unknown
Chemical(Alkal) High strength
brass casting(CuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3)		 Hard Brass / High-Strength Copper Alloy Red brass Alu-bronze Grey cast Steel Polyacetal
Ammonia (dry) Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use Preferred((20°C)
Not allowed for use(gas)		 Not allowed for use
Ammonia (wet) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use Preferred((20°C)
Not allowed for use(gas)		 Not allowed for use
Ammonia (liquid) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use unknown Preferred Not allowed for use
Iron chloride Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use no problem in use Not allowed for use Affected unknown
Potassium hydroxide no problem in use no problem in use no problem in use no problem in use unknown unknown unknown
Calcium chloride Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use no problem in use Affected no problem in use unknown
Calcium hydroxide no problem in use no problem in use Preferred Preferred no problem in use unknown no problem in use
Sodium hydroxide no problem in use no problem in use no problem in use no problem in use unknown Preferred unknown
Sulfur (dry) Preferred Preferred no problem in use no problem in use Affected unknown no problem in use
Sulfur (wet) Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Not allowed for use Affected unknown no problem in use
Chemical(Solvent) High strength
brass casting(CuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3)		 Hard Brass / High-Strength Copper Alloy Red brass Alu-bronze Grey cast Steel Polyacetal
Acetone Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use Preferred Affected
Benzene unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown Affected
Ethylene glycol no problem in use no problem in use Preferred Preferred Affected unknown unknown
Carbon tetrachloride
(dry)		 Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Not allowed for use Preferred unknown
Carbon tetrachloride
(wet)		 Not allowed for use Not allowed for use no problem in use no problem in use Not allowed for use unknown unknown
Methyl alcohol Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use no problem in use Affected
Chemical(Grease and others) High strength
brass casting(CuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3)		 Hard Brass / High-Strength Copper Alloy Red brass Alu-bronze Grey cast Steel Polyacetal
Gasoline Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use Preferred no problem in use
Diesel unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown no problem in use
Crude oil Affected Affected no problem in use no problem in use no problem in use no problem in use unknown
Lacquer Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Affected unknown unknown
Kerosene Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use Preferred unknown
Vegetable oil Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Affected unknown unknown
Lubricants Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Affected Preferred no problem in use
Heavy oil no problem in use no problem in use Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use unknown
Animal oil Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred no problem in use unknown unknown

Typical Installation Positions (Where It Works)

Gearboxes / Transmissions
Installed between gear faces, shaft shoulders, and housings to control axial movement and provide wear resistance on contact surfaces.

Pumps & Compressors
Used at impeller faces or shaft locating surfaces to stabilize axial positioning. Suitable for corrosive media and continuous operation.

Heavy-Duty Equipment
Widely applied in construction machinery, metallurgy/mining, and wind power systems—especially in low-speed, high-load, impact-prone, and hard-to-maintain environments.

Solution 1: Cast Bronze Thrust Washer

Typical materials include C93200 / SAE 660 cast bearing bronze, with options such as tin bronze, aluminum bronze, or manganese bronze depending on operating conditions. Supports oil grooves, lubrication holes, and positioning features.

Standard Sizes (Inch Examples)

Part No. ID (in) OD (in) T (in)
04 07 01 0.25 0.4375 0.0625
08 16 02 0.50 1.00 0.125
20 48 04 1.25 3.00 0.25

Suitable for:

  • Medium to low speeds
  • Heavy loads and impact conditions

Optional Features:

  • Oil grooves
  • Lubrication holes

Solution 2: Graphite Plugged Thrust Washer (Self-Lubricating)

Manufactured with a high-strength copper alloy base embedded with precisely distributed solid lubricant plugs (graphite). During operation, a solid lubrication film forms on the contact surface.

Typical performance (based on website data): stable operation up to 500°F / 260°C under high-temperature conditions (subject to material selection and PV calculation).

Standard Sizes (Metric Examples)

Nominal Size ID d (mm) OD D (mm) T (mm)
10 10.2 30 3
20 20.2 50 5
50 50.3 100 8
120 120.5 200 10

Material / Operating Reference (e.g., JDB650)

  • Temperature Range: -40 ~ +300°C
  • Max Dynamic Load: 100 N/mm²
  • Max Sliding Speed (Dry): 15 m/min
  • Max PV Value: 200 N/mm²·m/min

Suitable for:

  • Difficult or impossible lubrication conditions
  • High temperature, water exposure, or corrosive environments

Advantages:

  • Maintenance-free or low-maintenance operation
  • Reliable performance in harsh conditions

 

 

FAQ: Precision Selection Guide for Bronze Thrust Washers

A: Self-lubricating washers are typically made by embedding solid lubricants (such as graphite or PTFE) into a bronze matrix. During operation, these lubricating materials are gradually transferred onto the contact surface, forming a thin lubricating film. This allows for “dry running” without the need for additional grease or oil.

A: The selection mainly depends on the PV value (pressure × sliding velocity). For high-load, low-speed conditions, graphite-plugged bronze washers are recommended. For high-speed, low-load applications, PTFE composite washers are more suitable. In extremely high-load environments with an existing lubrication system, standard bronze washers often deliver the best performance.

A: Yes, they are designed for maintenance-free or low-maintenance operation. They are especially suitable for enclosed or hard-to-access locations where regular lubrication is difficult, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

A: Oil grooves are designed to store and distribute lubricant evenly across the friction surface. By using different groove patterns (such as figure-eight, circular, or straight lines), the lubricant can be effectively spread under pressure, reducing friction and heat generation.

A: The temperature range depends on the material. Standard bronze washers can typically operate up to around 200°C under proper lubrication. Special graphite-embedded washers, however, can withstand temperatures as high as 300°C to 400°C in certain conditions.

A: Yes, we provide comprehensive customization services. Inner diameter, outer diameter, thickness, oil groove design, and material composition can all be precisely manufactured according to customer drawings (CAD/PDF).

A: Thrust washers have a more compact structure, allowing significant savings in axial space. They are also more cost-effective, offer better shock resistance, and typically provide longer service life than rolling bearings in low-speed, high-load applications.