Simple Shape, Two Critical Fits
A bushing or sleeve looks trivial — a tube with an outer and inner diameter — but it does two precise jobs at once: it press-fits into a housing on its outside, and provides a running fit for a shaft on its inside. Those two diameters carry tight, opposite tolerances (interference outside, clearance inside). That's exactly what turning controls well, and it's why a worn bushing is one of the most reproducible parts we make.
Custom Bushing Specifications
| Attribute | Capability |
|---|---|
| Materials | SAE 660 & aluminium bronze, brass, steel, stainless, Delrin/PTFE/nylon |
| Outer diameter (press fit) | Interference class, e.g. r6 / s6 to the housing |
| Bore (running fit) | Clearance class, e.g. H7 / F7 over the shaft |
| Tolerance | ±0.01–0.02 mm on both diameters |
| Features | Flange, oil grooves, lube cross-holes, chamfers, split |
| Size range | ~Ø4–200 mm (larger on request) |
Bushing Types We Machine
- Plain sleeve bushings — straight OD and bore
- Flanged bushings — with a shoulder to locate axially
- Oil-grooved / lubricated — internal grooves and cross-holes
- Bearing sleeves — bronze for sliding-contact bearings
- Thrust washers & split bushings — axial bearing & clamp-on types
- Wear sleeves & spacers — protective sleeves on shafts
Bushing Materials — Including Self-Lubricating
Material is the biggest decision on a bushing, and the right one depends on load, speed and whether the part can be oiled. Self-lubricating ("oilless") bushings run without external grease — ideal where maintenance is hard or oil isn't allowed. Our full menu:
| Material | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SAE 660 (C93200) bronze | Cast bearing bronze | General sliding bearings — strong all-rounder |
| Oil-impregnated bronze | Self-lubricating (sintered) | Low-maintenance, dry-start, light–medium load |
| Graphite-plugged bronze | Self-lubricating (solid) | High temp, oscillating, no-oil / dirty environments |
| Aluminium bronze (C954) | High-strength bronze | Heavy load, shock, marine |
| Brass (C360) | Free-machining | Light-duty, low-cost |
| Steel / stainless | Structural sleeve | Wear sleeves, structural, corrosion |
| PTFE / Rulon / filled | Self-lubricating plastic | Chemical, dry, very low friction |
| UHMWPE / nylon / Delrin | Machined or molded plastic | Dry-running, quiet, light load, food-safe |
Not sure which? Tell us the load, speed and whether it's lubricated and we'll recommend. For higher plastic quantities we can also mold rather than machine — part of being a full custom parts maker in any material.
A note on self-lubricating limits. Oil-impregnated (sintered) bronze runs maintenance-free in a typical band of about −30 to 100 °C and is best for rotary, low-to-moderate speed and load — its self-lubrication comes from oil drawn out of the pores, so it suits dry-start but not high heat. For high temperature, oscillating motion or dirty, no-oil environments, graphite-plugged bronze (solid lubricant) is the better choice; for chemical or very-low-friction dry running, PTFE-based liners win. Give us the load, surface speed and temperature and we'll match the material to the duty (PV).
Worn or seized bushing? Send the old one — even damaged. We restore the OD and bore to nominal and machine a new one to the right fits. It's the same approach as our reverse engineering service; no drawing required.
Typical Applications
- Pivot and hinge bushings on machinery and equipment
- Sliding bearings in pumps, gearboxes and presses
- Wear sleeves on shafts and pins
- Replacement bushings for discontinued machines
- Vintage and classic restoration parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — one of the easiest parts to reproduce. We measure OD, bore, length and any flange/groove, restore to nominal, and machine a new one. We confirm the two critical fits with you; no drawing needed.
OD to a press/interference class (e.g. r6/s6 into the housing), bore to a running-clearance class (e.g. H7/F7 over the shaft), typically ±0.01–0.02 mm. Give us the housing bore and shaft size, or your specified fits.
SAE 660 and aluminium bronze for bearings, brass for light duty, steel/stainless for structural sleeves, and Delrin/PTFE/nylon for dry-running plastic bushings. We recommend by load, speed and lubrication.
Yes — flanged bushings, internal/external oil grooves, lubrication cross-holes, and split or solid sleeves to your pattern.
Quote a Custom Bushing
Worn sample, drawing or sizes — all accepted. Reply in 24h.