What is the purpose of a sleeve bearing?
Sleeve bearings, alternatively termed as bearing sleeves, bushings, plain bearings, or journal bearings, distinguish themselves from ball or roller bearings by their sliding action, rather than rolling. Sometimes they’re referred to by the motion they make, such as linear sleeve bearings. This guide is designed to help you understand sleeve bearings, covering:
What is a sleeve bearing?
Sleeve bearings comprise a cylindrical sleeve and possess a smooth inner surface. They support and minimise friction between two moving parts, reducing vibration and noise. They’re designed to support shafts that move in a linear, oscillating, or rotating manner by allowing the shafts to slide against their inner surface, rather than rolling.
Functionally, sleeve bearings operate by establishing a fine layer of lubricant, like oil or grease, between the shaft and the sleeve. This lubrication mechanism reduces friction and wear on the contacting surfaces, ensuring smooth shaft movement and prolonging the lifespan of the bearing.
Their straightforward design and manufacturing process make sleeve bearings cost-effective and easy to produce compared to more intricate bearing types.
View our sleeve bearings
Where are sleeve bearings used?
Their simple design and reliability make them indispensable in applications where smooth and reliable movement is essential. Wherever there are pivot points, sleeve bearings can help. Common applications include:
Automotive
| Hinges | Ensures smooth opening & closing of doors, boots & bonnets |
| Seat adjustment mechanisms | Seat rails and recliners, height adjustment, & lumbar support components |
| Steering systems | Steering columns & steering shafts |
| Wiper linkages | Facilitates the oscillating motion of wiper blades |
| Belt tensioners | Prevents slippage & ensures proper operation of engines |
Machinery
| Conveyors | Supports rollers or shafts |
| Lathes, milling machines | Supports spindles & other rotating components |
| Lift & tilt mechanisms | Facilitates linear movement |
| Printing equipment | Rollers, cylinders, & other moving components |
| Hydraulic cylinders | Minimises wear on shafts |
Household appliances
| Fans | Supports the rotating shaft of fan blades |
| Blenders | Facilitates smooth rotation of blades during operation |
| Dishwashers | Used in spray arms for effective water circulation |
| Water pumps | Supports the shaft of the pump impeller |
| Washing machines | Used in rotating shafts in agitator assembly & drum support system |
If you have questions about shafts, we can help. Check out our guide, How to Select the Ideal Linear Shaft for Your Application.
If your application involves electronics, we urge you to read our Guide to Ferrite Beads, Sleeves and Cores.
What is the difference between a sleeve bearing and a bushing?
In essence, there exists no substantial difference between the two: a bushing essentially falls under the category of bearings. Generally, a bearing serves to facilitate movement between two components while diminishing friction. Typically, bearings boast a straightforward design featuring two surfaces that glide over each other, enabling seamless movement between mating parts with minimal friction.
A bushing represents a specific variant of a bearing tailored for particular applications. The shapes and configurations of bushings may vary according to the specific requirements of the application at hand. While a bushing is indeed a type of bearing, it's worth noting that not all bearings necessarily fall under the category of bushings.
Our experts have put together a helpful guide to help you learn more about bushings in How to Select the Right Linear Bushings for Your Application.
View our range of linear bushings
Types of sleeve bearings
The two most common designs of sleeve bearings are:
Our flange sleeve bearing offers high performance and mechanical stability. The flange helps to axially locate the bearing, providing a stop against which it can be positioned. The flange prevents it from moving along the axis of the shaft, ensuring that the bearing maintains proper alignment and preventing unwanted axial movement.
- Suitable for DIN H6-H7 Fittings
Available in:
- Black or natural nylon 6.6
- Nylon 6/6 with carbon fibre and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – PTFE sleeve bearings have very low friction and good heat discharge
High load-bearing capability with exceptional strength and longevity. Through meticulous manufacturing processes, stringent tolerances are upheld, ensuring an impeccable match between the bearing and shaft. This precise fit minimises friction and wear, facilitating seamless and effective rotation.
- Self-lubricating, negating the need for external lubrication and reducing maintenance demands
- Suitable for DIN H6-H7 Fittings
Available in:
- Nylon 6.6, carbon fibre, PTFE
Materials
Blending Nylon 6/6 with carbon fibre and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in a sleeve bearing offers a host of beneficial characteristics:
| Material | Attribute | Why it's used in sleeve bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon 6/6 | -High tensile strength -Impact resistance -Wear resistance |
-Gives the sleeve bearing overall durability & strength |
| Carbon Fibre | -Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio -Rigidity -Resistance to corrosion and fatigue |
-Boosts the sleeve bearing’s structural integrity -Enables it to withstand heavy loads -Delivers reliable performance |
| PTFE | -Low-friction properties -Chemical resistance -Broad temperature range tolerance |
-Reduces friction between the bearing & shaft -Protects against corrosion -Reduces need for frequent maintenance |
The amalgamation of Nylon 6/6 with carbon fibre and PTFE in a sleeve bearing yields a high-performance solution characterised by formidable strength, durability, low friction, and resilience to wear and corrosion.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples (some exclusions apply) to ensure the product you’ve chosen is exactly what you need.
If you need help choosing your bearing sleeve, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Request your samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.