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
- Wear sleeves & spacers — protective sleeves on shafts
Choosing the Material
For sliding bearings, SAE 660 bearing bronze is the classic — strong, wear-resistant and forgiving. Aluminium bronze handles higher loads; brass suits light duty; steel and stainless make structural sleeves; and engineering plastics like Delrin or PTFE run dry without lubrication. Tell us the load, speed and whether it's lubricated, and we'll recommend.
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.