What Are Sintered Bronze Bearings Made From?

Sintered bronze bearings are one of those component parts that play a fundamental role in so many applications. Not only are they effective at what they do without requiring any maintenance, but they are also a cost-effective solution. 

Without losing its strength, the porous metal created from the sintering process is what gives them their traits - and makes these bronze bearings a go-to for many. 

But how are they made? And what exactly are sintered bronze bearings made from? Let’s find out. 

What are Sintered Bronze Bearings Made From? 

Sintered bronze bearings are made from powder metallurgy. 

Powder metallurgy is a metal-forming process in which bronze or bronze alloys are made into a powdered form through various processes, such as atomization, chemical decomposition, and grinding. 

This powder is poured into a mold cavity and pressed with great force in an attempt to compact the particles. 

The mold with the metal is then placed directly into a furnace. This heats the metal to just below its melting point. As a result, it comes together to form a very strong and porous component part. 

This process is known as sintering metal. 

Because this metal is so porous, it creates a great self-lubricating bearing. It is the fact that this metal is so porous that makes it a great option for self-lubricating bearings. As they work they are able to create a film that provides lubrication - keeping friction to a minimum while in motion. 

To get this effect, there is a second phase that follows the powder metallurgy known as oil impregnation. In a very brief overview, this refers to all of the pores being impregnated with grease so that it will continue to lubricate the bearing continuously. 

Applications for Using Sintered Bronze Bearings

Sintered bronze bearings are ideal and versatile enough to be used across many different industries. It is not uncommon to see them used in all sorts of applications - not to mention that they are affordable and easy to procure, too. 

A few of the most common places you may find them include:

• Aircraft accessories

• Spacecraft

• Automobile accessories

• Small appliances

• Motors

• Power tools

• Construction equipment

• Farm equipment 

• Business/packaging machines

Advantages of Sintered Bronze Bearings

So, why choose sintered bronze bearings over the alternative? Are they more effective at fulfilling their role than other metal, plastic, or rubber bearings?

Let’s just say that sintered bronze bearings are a highly-effective solution - and come with many advantages over the competition. A few of their most stand-out traits include: 

• Being self-lubricating 

• Requiring no maintenance

• Operating with low noise

• Having high sliding velocities

• A low friction coefficient

Regardless of how you intend to use them, you will likely be surprised by how well they hold up - without any maintenance. 

Looking for Sintered Bronze Bearings? 

If you have used sintered bronze bearings before and know what you are looking for, Atlas Bronze has a long list of sizing options to meet your needs. However, if you are in search of a better solution for your application, our metal experts are available to guide you - and answer any questions you may have along the way. 

Contact us today at (800) 478-0887. 

What is Centrifugal Casting?

Centrifugal casting is a process that has been around for over a century. It involves pouring molten metal into a mold to create pipes using centrifugal force. Hence, how it got its name. 

Now used in so many industries, centrifugal casting has been mass-produced on a large scale to meet the need. What makes it so popular? Perhaps it is its high level of reliability and material soundness or maybe it is because these products are created with a high level of accuracy. 

Whatever the reason, centrifugal casting isn’t going anywhere - so let’s learn about it. 

What is Centrifugal Casting? 

Sometimes referred to as roto casting, centrifugal casting is a metal casting process that begins with molten metal being poured into a die mold that has been heated and is spinning at a rapid rate. The die mold will be oriented and designed in any type of configuration so that it can yield the desired outcome. For instance, the mold could be horizontal or it could be vertical. 

As the molten metal is poured into the spinning die, inertia carries the metal throughout the walls of the mold at high pressures. Between the spinning and this added pressure, you get a piece of metal that has been created under controlled solidification. 

The result is a metal lacking in impurities without any unwanted pockets or inclusions. 

Types of Centrifugal Casting

There are many different applications that rely on centrifugal casting. A few of the most common include sewage and water pipes, engine cylinders, brake drums, bushings and rings, gas pipes, street lamp posts, and industrial equipment. 

To meet the needs of so many different industries, there are three main types of centrifugal casting. 

• True centrifugal casting. True centrifugal casting is the basic process mentioned above. The downfall is that it is limited to cylindrical and otherwise circular dies. 
• Semi-centrifugal casting. The product of semi-centrifugal casting is solid instead of tubular. 
• Centrifuging. Centrifuging works to create asymmetrical products using high pressure. These molds are typically small in size. 

Benefits of Centrifugal Casting

Are you interested in the benefits of centrifugal casting for your applications? Are you curious whether or not it will make a difference? Those who rely on it do so because it has proven to be beneficial, high-performing, and high-quality. 

Below are a few of the benefits of centrifugal casting. 

• The molten metal solidifies from the outside to the inside. This is what allows it to get rid of any impurities and cavities 
• Affordable manufacturing
• Easily mass-produce symmetrical products
• Mechanical soundness
• Can be used with different types of metal
• Very minimal waste

With all of the advantages it brings, the life and endurance of the resulting product are increased. And that makes it a reliable option. 

Atlas Bronze For All Your Metal Needs

Whether you are interested in learning more about centrifugal casting or you have other metal needs, such as forgings, sand castings, plates, or castings - the team at Atlas Bronze is here for you. Our made-to-order items are not only convenient, but they help to make your processes flow much more efficiently. 

Contact us today at (800) 478-0887.