Machinery Bushings

Machine bushings are used in many industries, including industrial and farm machinery as well as electronic equipment and power transmission assemblies. They typically function as shims or spacers because of their precise dimensions, which provides an array of benefits that help preserve the integrity of the machinery.

Application Considerations

There are several things to consider about your application before purchasing the right machine bushing. Think about the following points as you make your decision:

Shaft Size: You need to determine how big the mating shaft is in order to choose the correct inside diameter.

Spacing: It's important to know the precise dimension of the space your bushing will occupy in the application so you can facilitate precise alignment.

Shaft Motion or Rotation: Will the mating shaft move in any way? This may increase the wear and tear on the bushing and potentially speed up the rate at which you plan to replace it.

Shaft Material: Typically, the material of any type of bushing should be softer than the mating shaft so it takes the brunt of the friction. Carbon steel is a good candidate for a durable bushing material.

Environmental Elements: If the bushing will be exposed to rain, temperature damage, lubrication, shocks, or dirt and debris, consider how the material and finish might offer corrosive protection.

Benefits and Advantages

Machine bushings provide several distinct benefits in their application performance. They are:

Precision Alignment: As the bushings take up precise play, they facilitate optimal performance and reduce the wear and tear of misalignment.

Reduced Friction and Vibration: The bushing performance also absorbs the friction that would otherwise occur between the shaft and the mating component; it also reduces vibration because it eliminates extra space.

Cost Efficiency : Machine bushings are economical, especially considering the cost savings they induce by reducing machinery maintenance.

Options: Huyett offers carbon steel machine bushings in plain, black oxide, and zinc clear or yellow finishes to provide different types of material protection. We also offer a wide range of diameter sizes and four precise thickness options.

What's the Difference Between a Machine Bushing and a Thrust Bearing?

A thrust bearing (or thrust washer) looks and functions very similarly to machine bushings. However, there are two key differences in its design:

Material: Thrust bearings are often made of bronze - a malleable material that is particularly suited to help reduce friction.
Lubricity: Thrust bearings can be impregnated with oil, providing a durable surface for moving components to slide against. They are often found in applications like pumps and watercraft props.

What is the Difference Between a Bushing and a Bearing?

Many explanations will simply state that there is no difference because a bushing is a type of bearing. While this isn’t untrue, bushings are more of the "parent part." In short:

A bushing is a hollow, single-component cylinder that reduces friction between a shaft and a bore, alters the size of the bore, and guides or constricts the motion of the mating shaft.
A bearing is a fastener similar in design that bears the load of an application and reduces friction between a shaft and a bore. Specific types allow for high-speed radial motion.

Beyond a few specific parts, the difference between a bushing and a bearing at a practical level is how it is used, not how it is designed. However, at Huyett, bearings are typically made from bronze while bushings are made from a type of steel.