Bronze bearings are widely used in many industries for their excellent wear resistance, low friction, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance. However, some applications require continuous lubrication in hard-to-reach areas, where oil or grease may not be feasible or desirable. In such cases, graphite plugged bronze bearings can offer a superior solution.

What are graphite plugged bronze bearings?

Also known as bronze bearings with graphite plugs, these are self-lubricating bearings with holes or grooves filled with graphite on the bearing surface. The graphite is mechanically forced into the holes or grooves under extreme pressure, forming a solid lubricant that transfers to the shaft as it turns. These bearings provide continuous lubrication over long periods without maintenance, even under heavy load, low speed, reciprocating, oscillating, and intermittent motions where oil film formation is difficult.

Bronze bearings with graphite plugs can be made from various bronze alloys, such as C95400 aluminum bronze, C93200 bearing bronze, and C86300 manganese bronze, depending on the application’s specific requirements. The graphite plugs’ size, shape, and distribution can also be customized to optimize the performance and service life of the bearings. This type of bearing has several advantages over conventional bronze or other self-lubricating bearings, including excellent wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, wide operating temperatures, and corrosion resistance.

What are some applications and industries that use graphite plugged bronze bearings?

Bronze bearings with graphite plugs are suitable for a wide range of applications and industries that require self-lubricating, wear-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant bearings, including the following:

Aerospace

Aircraft components such as landing gears, flaps, hinges, actuators, valves, and pumps often utilize graphite plugged bronze bearings. These bearings are specifically designed to provide reliable lubrication in high-speed, high-load, and high-temperature conditions commonly encountered in the aerospace industry. Additionally, these bearings are resistant to corrosion from salt water and jet fuel, ensuring their longevity and performance in harsh environments.

Automotive

Graphite plugged bronze bearings offer several benefits to various components in vehicles, including engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, and chassis. These bearings are designed to operate smoothly in low-speed, high-load, and high-temperature conditions. They have excellent resistance to wear caused by dust and dirt, making them reliable in harsh environments.

The ability of graphite plugged bronze bearings to operate smoothly in low-speed, high-load conditions is crucial for components such as engines, transmissions, and brakes. These components often experience significant loads and require bearings that can handle the pressure while maintaining a smooth operation.

Construction

Various machines and equipment used in construction sites, including cranes, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and mixers, use bronze bearings with graphite plugs. They work well because they lubricate durably in heavy-load, low-speed, and intermittent motions and resist abrasion from sand and gravel.

Marine

Propellers, rudders, pumps, winches, and anchors, use bronze bearings with graphite plugs. Effective performance in wet, salty, and corrosive environments and resistance to erosion from seawater and organisms make them a perfect choice for marine applications.

Oil & Gas

Drilling rigs, valves, compressors, and pumps use bronze bearings with graphite plugs. These bearings can lubricate stably in high-pressure, high-temperature, and explosive environments and resist corrosion from oil and gas.

Where to buy bronze bearings with graphite plugs?

ROC Carbon is a leading manufacturer of carbon graphite materials and parts, including carbon ring shaft seals, graphite bushings, and more. We have over 60 years of experience and expertise in providing solutions for various industries and applications. Our team can customize your bronze bearings with graphite plugs to meet your needs and specifications. You can count on fast response, quick turnaround times, competitive prices, and excellent customer service. Reach out to ROC Carbon when you need reliability and durability.