Sintered Oilite bushings are porous bronze bearings made by powder metallurgy and impregnated with oil. During operation, heat and shaft motion draw oil from the interconnected pores to the bearing surface; when the shaft stops, oil can be reabsorbed back into the structure.
They are a strong fit for compact, low-maintenance assemblies where a machined cast bronze sleeve would be overbuilt or where regular lubrication is not practical.
| Quick spec | Catalog reference |
|---|---|
| Bearing type | Oil-impregnated sintered bronze sleeve or flanged bearing |
| Common material | SAE 841 sintered bronze |
| Typical composition | About 87-90% copper and 9.5-10.5% tin |
| Oil content | Commonly listed at 19% minimum by volume |
| Typical density | 6.4-6.8 g/cm3 |
| Common standards | ASTM B438 Grade 1 Type II, MPIF CT-1000-K26 references |
Manufacturing & Performance
SAE 841 bushings are formed from bronze powder, sintered, sized, and vacuum-impregnated with oil. The pore network is the key feature: it stores lubricant inside the bearing instead of relying only on external grease.
This makes sintered bronze useful for small motors, appliances, office equipment, light machinery, and repetitive motion assemblies. It is not the same product as a machined C93200 sleeve; cast bronze is usually selected when higher structural strength, special grooves, or larger custom dimensions are required.
Standard Tolerances
Sintered bronze bushings are normally controlled by catalog size and post-sinter sizing operations. Final tolerance depends on whether the bushing is supplied as-stock, reamed after installation, or machined to a special print.
| Feature | Typical buying note | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ID | Confirm catalog bore or post-install bore | Press fit can close the bore |
| OD | Confirm housing press fit | Too much interference can reduce oil clearance |
| Length | Catalog or print tolerance | Affects alignment and bearing area |
| Lubrication | Oil type and impregnation | Match temperature and duty cycle |
| Reaming | Avoid unless specified | Cutting can smear pores and reduce oil delivery |
Size & Availability
Oilite-style bushings are available as sleeve bearings, flanged bearings, thrust washers, and bar stock. Sizes are commonly specified as ID x OD x length, with both inch and metric series available.
Alternative Alloys
- SAE 841 Sintered Bronze for oil-impregnated bronze bearing applications.
- C93200 SAE 660 Bearing Bronze when machined cast bronze strength and custom features are needed.
- C95400 Aluminum Bronze for higher load machined bushings.
- C86300 Manganese Bronze for severe low-speed load.
Typical Applications
- Fractional horsepower motors, fans, pumps, appliances, and office equipment.
- Light-duty pivots, linkages, hinges, and small rotating shafts.
- Assemblies where periodic oiling is difficult but load is controlled.
- Replacement bearings where SAE 841 or Oilite-style material is already specified.
RFQ Details That Speed Up Quoting
Send ID, OD, length, quantity, operating speed, load, temperature, shaft material, housing material, and whether the bushing will be pressed in before final bore inspection.