Uses for Brass Bushings

Posted by Bruce Clark on August 24th, 2022

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is a solid and durable metal that is frequently used in a variety of industries. One of the most common uses for brass is in manufacturing bushings.

Bushings are components that provide a smooth and consistent surface for two moving parts to glide against each other. They are often used in automotive and machine applications where there is a need for reduced friction.

Bearing and bushings manufacturing companies use various materials, but brass is often the preferred choice due to its high resistance to wear and its low coefficient of friction. This post will take a closer look at brass bushings and some of their common uses.

Brass Bushings in Everyday Life

Propeller Shaft Bushings

The propeller shaft of a boat or ship sooner or later goes through the hull and connects to the propeller. The Propeller Shaft Bushings are usually made of brass. Another advantage is that brass does not rust, making it an excellent choice for a marine environment.

Some marine bushings are constructed of two parts. They have a steel outer shell and an internal brass bushing that sits against the shaft. Because steel is tougher than brass, it can withstand greater forces. Therefore, the rotating shaft will be housed inside a brass shell. These bearings are made from a mixture of brass and polyethylene, durable plastic.

Water Pump Bushing

Water pumps are in all water-cooled automobile engines, and the pump includes a brass bushing for the main shaft. The shaft bushing is made of brass, which has anti-rust and anti-friction properties in contact with steel. To prevent water from entering the bushing, a rubber seal is placed on the inner surface of the housing that contacts the shaft. This seal allows a little fluid to seep through and lubricate the bushing. Manufacturers never advise using simply water. Instead, they suggest fluids with built-in lubricants to help combat friction between the bushing and the water pump shaft.

Electric Motors

On either side of the rotating part, electric motors use a brass bushing to support the motor shaft. Brass is widely utilized for a variety of purposes:

1. It is both inexpensive and readily available.

2. It contains anti-friction qualities, so minimal grease is required.

3. It can be produced with essential machine tools.

It is strong enough to support the weight of the armature. Bearing manufacturing companies can produce a wide variety of brass bushings to suit the specific needs of your electric motor.

Slide Bearings

A machine shaft may not rotate but instead, slide in and out of an arrangement at times. This motion is seen in the operation of automatic document feeders, which move the print head back and forth on paper to feed it. If you have a printer, look at the sliding carriage that supports the ink cartridge. It most likely uses a simple brass bushing on each end of the carriage shaft.

The material is soft enough to allow a snug fit on the shaft yet not so soft that it wears away quickly. The friction between the shaft and the bushing is further reduced by adding a small amount of oil or grease to the surface.

Read here to know the difference between bearings and bushings.

In Conclusion

Brass bushings are a versatile and commonly used component in various industries. Thanks to their low friction properties and resistance to wear, they are an ideal choice for many applications. If you need high-quality brass bushings, contact a reputable bearing and bushes supplier.