Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushings
Categories: Industry News | News
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Bronze Sleeve Bushing
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Link Assembly with Bronze Sleeve Bushing and Thrust Washers
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Bronze Flange Bushing
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Link Assembly with Bronze Sleeve and Flange Bushings
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Bronze Thrust Washer
Baggage conveyors commonly use oil impregnated bronze bushings (aka plain, or plane bearings, or friction bearings), and bronze washers.  For simplicity, we usually refer to bronze bearings as “bronze bushings”. Specific configurations common in the baggage conveyor industry are flange bushings, sleeve bushings, and thrust washers.
Bronze bushings and thrust washers are some of the simplest types of bearings, offering an inexpensive solution with no maintenance, and a high load carrying capacity. Â Oil impregnated sintered bronze was initially made available in the early 1930s, developed by the automotive industry, using powder metallurgy to present small pores in the material, then vacuum impregnated with oil to a volume of approximately 20%.
Baggage carousels usually present slower speeds, intermittent use and high loads.  Oil impregnated bronze bushings and thrust washers are an ideal application for baggage carousels, particularly in the link weldments and pallet supports. The characteristics of the carousel velocity and loads are best handled by the self-lubricated, durable material, while offering a maintenance-free solution.
Routine checks on the condition of bronze bushings and thrust washers are needed to prevent irreversible damage to the more expensive parts, as the bronze is meant to be the sacrificial material. Â Unified Supply offers bronze bushings and thrust washers, as well as most link weldments and pallet/carrier supports in case your oil impregnated bronze parts have worn too far.
