What is SAE 841 Sintered Bronze?
SAE 841 sintered bronze is an oil-impregnated powder metal bronze used for self-lubricating bearings and bushings. It is commonly specified when a sleeve bearing needs quiet operation, built-in lubrication, and reliable performance in moderate-load, moderate-speed service.
Unlike cast bronze bar, SAE 841 is made by powder metallurgy. The controlled pore structure holds lubricating oil, allowing the bearing to release oil during operation and reabsorb it when the shaft stops. This makes SAE 841 a practical choice for equipment where regular grease service is limited or inconvenient.
Common Names and Cross References
| Name or designation | How it is commonly used |
|---|---|
| SAE 841 | Common U.S. bearing material designation |
| Oil-impregnated sintered bronze | Functional material description |
| ASTM B438 Grade 1 Type II | Common specification reference |
| MPIF CT-1000-K26 | Powder metal material reference |
| Self-lubricating bronze | Common buyer and maintenance term |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Nominal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 87.5 | 90.5 | - |
| Tin (Sn) | 9.5 | 10.5 | - |
| Carbon (C) | - | 1.75 | - |
| Iron (Fe) | - | 1.0 | - |
Bearing and Physical Properties
Published SAE 841 values depend on powder metal density, oil content, porosity, and bearing geometry.
| Property | Typical published value |
|---|---|
| Density | 6.4-6.8 g/cm3 |
| Oil porosity | 19% minimum by volume |
| K strength constant | 26,500 psi |
| Compressive yield strength | 11,000 psi |
| Elongation | 1% in 1 in. |
| Machinability rating | No verified numeric rating found |
Fabrication and Secondary Operations
| Operation | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Grooving | Common secondary operation |
| Milling | Common secondary operation |
| Broaching | Common secondary operation |
| Welding | Not typically specified in consulted datasheets |
| Heat treatment | Not typically handled like cast bronze alloys |
Typical Applications for SAE 841
- Oil-impregnated sleeve bushings and flanged bearings.
- Self-lubricating bearings for light and medium industrial equipment.
- Gears, cams, sprockets, and small motion components.
- Pumps, office machines, appliances, and lawn or agricultural equipment.
- Applications where periodic lubrication is difficult.
RFQ Details for SAE 841 Parts
Send the shaft size, housing bore, length, flange dimensions if required, load, speed, operating temperature, quantity, and whether the bearing must be supplied oil-impregnated. If the application requires higher load capacity or heavy machining from bar stock, compare SAE 841 with C93200 / SAE 660 bearing bronze.
Available Forms
Available Forms and Shapes
Review common product forms for SAE 841 Sintered Bronze, then send drawings, dimensions, quantity, and finished-part requirements for material and production guidance.
Sintered Oilite Bushings
Oil impregnated sintered bronze bushings, SAE 841 bearings, and Oilite-style sleeve bearings for low-maintenance motion.
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Plain Bronze Sleeve Bushings
Plain bronze sleeve bushings and cast bronze sleeve bearings in C93200 SAE 660 and alternative alloys for radial load applications.
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Flanged Bronze Bushings
Flanged bronze bushings and cast bronze sleeve bearings with an integral thrust face for radial support and axial location.
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