How To Choose From 5 Most Popular Bushing Materials | DCW

How To Choose From 5 Most Popular Bushing Materials

When it comes to industrial applications and machinery, using the right bushing material is crucial. Materials used for bushings must be durable enough to withstand the effects of changing weather and high temps. In this context, there are trusted manufacturers that offer a wide range of premium-bushing materials. 

Plastic Bushings

Therefore, if you’re looking for strong, dependable bushing material, this guide can be helpful for you. Learn about the pros and cons of the top five materials in this article. We will also give you in-depth insights into the bushing and its potential applications. 

What Is a Bushing?

The first question that comes to mind is— what is a bushing? A mechanical bushing is a lining or sleeve that is placed between two moving components, usually to absorb shock, reduce friction, or guard against wear. 

A bushing also referred to as a sweat fitting in plumbing connects pipelines of various diameters. Although they can be made of other materials, the plastic bushings are relatively popular among several applications.

What Are the Differences between Bushing vs Bearing?

In mechanical engineering, the words bushing vs bearing are frequently used. Despite their apparent similarity, the two actually vary significantly in a number of key ways. A bushing is a kind of sleeve that is put inside a housing to give a moving shaft a smooth surface. In comparison, a bearing is a type of device that lessens friction while enabling two surfaces to move relative to one another.

What Are the Applications of Bushing?

Bushing is a type of sleeve that is used to protect and isolate an electrical connection. Usually, it is constructed of a durable material such as rubber or plastic. 

Plastic Bushings

A bushing can also be placed between two parts to act as a spacer and stop them from grinding against one another and breaking. Bushings can occasionally be used to absorb and reduce tremors as well. Read below to find out some of the top applications of the bushing.

  • Limit opening size
  • Load support
  • Protect machine parts
  • Serve as a guide

Factors to Note When Choosing Bushing Materials

This guide runs over some recommendations for selecting bushing materials, including things like corrosion protection, weight, durability, and other elements. Find out more about the bushing variety that will best meet your specific needs! You can narrow down your options and choose the ideal material for your requirements by keeping these tips in mind.

Ambient Temperature

Choosing the appropriate bushing material for an application requires careful consideration of different aspects. The climate of the environment is one of the most crucial factors. Depending on the operating temperature range, various materials may be better suited. 

For instance, a material like PTFE with a very high melting point may be required if the product is exposed to extreme temperatures. On the other hand, a softer substance like Nylon might be adequate if the product will only be exposed to low temperatures.

Friction

To guarantee proper operation and long life, bushing materials must be carefully chosen. Friction is a significant aspect to take into account because it can affect the bushing’s durability and functionality. Friction can result in excessive wear and higher heat generation in situations with high loads or speeds. The bushing may prematurely break as a result of this.

Load Carrying Capacity

It is crucial to think about the material’s load-carrying capability when selecting a material for a bushing. The total performance of the bushing may vary depending on which materials are more capable of supporting a given load. In some instances, a material with a higher load-carrying capacity might be more costly, but if it means the bushing will last longer or perform better, it might be worth the investment. 

Sliding Velocity

In order to make sure that the material will be able to withstand the forces produced, it is crucial to take the application’s maximum sliding velocity into account when selecting a bushing material. A measure of how quickly two surfaces are moving in relation to one another is called sliding velocity.

The force produced increases with the speed at which the surfaces are moving. Therefore, picking a material that can resist these forces is crucial.

Chemical Resistance

The chemical resistance of the materials should be taken into account when selecting bushing materials. The right material for your application can be determined by which materials are more resistant to chemicals than others. 

When used in a location where chemical contact is unlikely, a less chemically resistant material may occasionally be appropriate. Chemical resistance, however, must be a crucial factor in other situations, such as when selecting materials for use in a chemical plant or other industrial settings. The chemical resistance of materials can be tested in a variety of methods, so it’s crucial to speak with experts to make sure the material you select will be suitable.

Mechanical Properties

When choosing a bush bearing material, strength, and hardness are two crucial mechanical characteristics to take into account. The capacity of a material to resist deformation under load is referred to as strength, whereas a material’s resistance to wear and indentation is referred to as hardness. 

Stiffness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance are some additional crucial mechanical characteristics. While wear resistance decides how well the material resists abrasion and indentation, stiffness affects a bushing’s capacity to resist deformation under pressure. In situations where bushings are subjected to harsh environments or chemicals, corrosion resistance is particularly crucial.

Wear Rate

The wear rate of theplastic bushing material must be taken into account when choosing the best bushing for a specific purpose. The wear rate is a measure of how quickly a material wears down under circumstances of friction and contact with other surfaces. 

A material will need to be replaced more frequently if its wear rate is greater. This might or might not matter, depending on the application. For instance, a reduced wear rate would be preferable in a high-wear application, such as a pivoting joint, in order to reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

5 Most Popular Polymer Bushing Materials 

It can be difficult to choose the best bushing material for your project because there are so many distinct properties to take into account. In this article, we will discuss the five most common polymer bushing materials along with their advantages and disadvantages so you can decide on a product with assurance. 

PTFE/Teflon

Because of their low friction and resistance to corrosion, PTFE/Teflon bush is a popular option for numerous uses. Virgin PTFE material can resist temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. When additives are added to PTFE material, it can operate in conditions up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a self-lubricating polymer and can operate well in dry conditions. 

PTFE plastic flange material is suitable for high-performance applications with high loadings and extreme speeds. In addition, this material is the least chemically reactive option, which is why it is the most preferred choice for industrial applications involving different chemicals. Different grades of PTFE show FDA- and USDA compliance. 

When additives are added to the PTFE material, the bushings will have enhanced resilience and stiffness. In addition, it can work well for a longer period of time. However, there are quite a few pros and cons that have been listed below. Therefore, when selecting PTFE bushing, it is crucial to take the application and operating circumstances into account.

Pros:

  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Low friction 
  • Withstands high temperatures 
  • Shows compatibility with a wide range of additives 

Cons:

  • Dimensional changes and, ultimately, bushing failure may result from using PTFE
  • PTFE/Teflon is not as durable as materials like steel or copper

PEEK

PEEK is a polymer that is frequently used in engineering plastic bushing. It is well-known for its great strength and resistance to wear and tear. PEEK is the most often used bushing material when it comes to extreme temperature and wet applications. PEEK bushings can be utilized in applications up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. 

PEEK Bushings
Source: Dechengwang

The polyetheretherketone material is light in weight in comparison to many other bushing materials. It shows resistance to chemicals, moisture, and constant use. Even after steady exposure to steam or heat, it will not be subjected to corrosion or distortion. 

It is a common material for bushings in many industrial uses due to these qualities. PEEK bushing might be the finest option for some applications, but there are some uses where other materials might be a better fit. However, before using this material in any application, one must take into account some of its pros and cons listed below.

Pros: 

  • PEEK is a semi-crystalline polymer with exceptional stiffness and tensile strength
  • It can endure high temperatures
  • It has excellent chemical resistance

Cons:

  • It can be challenging to deal with and is an expensive material
  • PEEK’s use in some applications may be limited by its comparatively low melting point

UHMW PE

Ultra-High Molecular Weight polyethylene, or UHMW, is a kind of plastic with extraordinary abrasion resistance. In situations where friction must be reduced, it is frequently used as a wear strip or plastic bushing substance. 

Although this plastic bearings bushings material has many advantages, there are a few disadvantages that need to be taken into account before using it in a specific application.

Pros:

  • Incredibly low coefficient of friction that makes it perfect for applications like conveyor lines or chutes where two surfaces must slide past one another with little resistance 
  • UHMW is a versatile material for a variety of uses due to its resistance to corrosion and is suitable for most chemical industry applications

Cons:

  • When compared to other kinds of plastic, UHWM can be more expensive, and the manufacturing method used can affect the material’s physical characteristics
  • Due to its extreme slipperiness, working with it and securing it can be challenging

PPS

Due to its numerous advantageous characteristics, PPS, a type of polyphenylene sulfide, is frequently used as a bushing material. Given below are a few pros and cons of it. 

Pros:

  • It has strong electrical insulating properties.
  • It has a high chemical and thermal resistance.
  • It offers superb dimensional stability. 

Cons:

  • It can be challenging to machine.
  • The material is also fairly expensive.

NYLON

Due to its cheap cost and high durability, Nylon is a popular polymer material for bushings. However, there are a few advantages and disadvantages as well that should be taken into account before choosing it for a specific application. 

However, Nylon continues to be a preferred option for many uses despite these disadvantages.

Pros:

  • Highly affordable
  • Long-term performance

Cons:

  • NYLON’s poor resistance to UV light and moisture is one of its major drawbacks. This can lead to premature degradation of the material, especially in outdoor applications
  • It may not be the ideal material to use in harsh environments because it is not as chemically resistant as some other materials

DCW: Providing High-Quality Bushing Materials

As a leading manufacturer of bushing materials, DCW is committed to providing high-quality products that meet the needs of our customers. Our products are manufactured to precise quality standards and come with an industry-leading warranty. We provide a broad selection of bushing materials, such as bronze, steel, and stainless steel, in different sizes and configurations. 

Plastic Bushings

Additionally, we also excel in manufacturing and designing fluoropolymer materials, such as PTFE, modified PTFE, PTFE compound, PEEK, PFA, PCTFE, PVDF, etc. We have the knowledge and experience to satisfy your needs, whether you need a standard or custom bushing solution. 

Takeaways 

Bushing materials are critical components in many mechanical and engineering applications. Their primary purpose is to shield shafts or rods from abrasion while also giving bearings a smooth surface to rotate on. There are numerous types of bushing materials on the market, each with a distinct range of qualities and attributes. In order to choose the best bushing substance for your application, it’s crucial to take the specific requirements of a project into account. 

DCW is a leading manufacturer of high-quality bushing materials. Get in touch with us right away to find out more about our bushing materials and how we can assist you in locating the ideal option for your application. In the most demanding applications, our products are built to deliver better efficiency and durability. Besides, our experienced and skilled team can design a solution specifically based on your needs.

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