How To Measure Bronze Bushings

Bronze bushings are resistant to corrosion and friction and are a long-lasting solution that won’t lose its shape over time. However, to reap all of these benefits and more, you are going to have to invest in bushings that are the right fit. 

Installing the wrong size bushing can be detrimental to your application. And, ordering the wrong size can halt production. Reduce your risk by knowing how to measure bronze bushings properly.  

Common Applications for Bronze Bushings

Bronze bushings can be found in all sorts of applications due to their many advantages – and their ease of use. This makes them a great solution for hydraulic cylinders, bicycles, surveillance systems, printer rollers, escalators, kitchen appliances, medical and dental tools, ATMs, engines, and so much more. 

If you believe that bronze bushings are the perfect fit for your project or if you currently have bushings you need to replace with bronze, how can you tell what size you need? How are bronze bushings measured? 

Measuring Bronze Bushings

Measuring bushings can be a bit confusing. Do you measure the interior ring or the exterior ring? And what happens if it is a flange bushing with an additional area to measure — does it count?

If you need to order bronze bushings, then you are going to need their precise size to ensure an accurate fit. That means you need to know how to properly measure it. So, let’s break it down. 

The inner diameter of a bronze bushing, generally referred to as ID, is measured from side to side using the inside walls. The outdoor diameter, or OD, is a measurement of the outer walls, straight across from the outside of each side. 

The overall length (OAL) of a bronze bushing refers to the length of the part from bottom to top when sitting flat on a surface. 

When it comes to flange bronze bushings, additional measurements are needed including the outer diameter and the thickness of the flange itself. These are referred to as the flange outer diameter (FLOD) and the flange thickness (FLTH), respectively. 

The unit of measurement for bronze bushings is inches. And they are referred to as “-ths of an inch.” Except, of course, the interior diameter or ID which is clearly broken down into four decimal points for precision purposes. 

When ordering your new bronze bushings you would use the sequence of ID, OD, OAL, and, if applicable, FLOD and FLTH. 

What Size Bronze Bushings You Need? 

If you are still not sure of how to properly measure the size of your bronze bushings, it is a good idea to get in contact with a knowledgeable professional within the industry. After all, getting the right part to complete your job is so important. Remember, you will need to know the exact size in order to be able to order the proper bronze bushings. 

Whether you know exactly what you want or you need some help with the calculations, the team at Atlas Bronze is here for you. We offer standard and made-to-order bushings for a perfect fit and can help you find exactly what you are looking for.  

Contact us today at (800) 478-0887.

What is Naval Brass?

 

Brass is one of the most common alloys due to its strength, durability, and immense malleability. This makes it very beneficial in a number of applications. Naval brass, on the other hand, is a specific type of brass with a slightly different composition that is often found in marine applications - hence its name. It, too, is very strong though corrosion-resistant which makes it successful for a lifetime in salty water. Just what is naval brass? Let’s take a closer look.

Brass vs. Naval Brass: The Composition

The composition of a metal alloy matters. One small change in it can impact its strength in certain situations - and in certain applications. As mentioned, brass is a metal alloy that is made up of copper and zinc. This composition is often in the range of 55 to 90 percent of copper and 10 to 45 percent of zinc. It does contain trace amounts of others, too, like lead and tin. The makeup of naval brass is a bit different. Generally, it will have higher levels of copper than other brass alloys. A common ratio of the metals that build this alloy includes 59% copper, 40% zinc, and 1% tin. Even though the amount of tin found in naval brass is low, it is what gives this metal alloy great resistance to corrosion while housed in the harsh conditions found in seawater. Low levels of lead are sometimes found in brass alloys. And while it may seem like an insignificant addition, it should never be overlooked. The addition of lead is what helps with the metal’s machinability. When you have the perfect combination, the metal can be more workable and stronger than initially thought.

Key Characteristics of Naval Brass

Because of its design, naval brass does have a few key characteristics that set it apart from traditional brass - aside from its ability to succeed in extreme conditions underwater. For example, when compared to brass, naval brass is:

• More durable
• More costly
• More corrosion resistant
• Less machinable

Naval brass also has a higher melting point than brass - and is not recommended for high-temperature applications. This is what makes it so fitting for marine applications.

Applications for Naval Brass

Yes, naval brass is often used in seawater applications due to its ability to handle saltwater for long periods of time. In the early 1900s, brass tubes were used on ships only to end up experiencing dezincification. This condition happens when the zinc in the alloy erodes due to corrosion. To battle this, naval bass was created and is now one of the most commonly used alloys for ships. It can be found in both saltwater and freshwater situations, used as propeller shafts, decorative fittings, shafting, marine hardware, pumps, valves, and more on ships and other marine equipment. There is no set time frame for how long naval brass will last in one of these water-submerged applications. But it is safe to say that it will last for many years - and definitely longer than traditional brass alloy.

Learn More About Naval Brass at Atlas Bronze

Interested in naval brass for your underwater application? Atlas Bronze can help. Our experts can answer any questions you may have and can help guide you to the right solution for your needs. Contact us today at (800) 478-0887.