Bronze vs. Plastic Bushings | Kormax Design
Bronze vs. Plastic Bushings
Bushings and bearings are essential parts of many machines. You can find them in various sizes and materials. You can choose from different options. It means you can buy bearings to fit in any type of machine.
Due to the different options available for you, it is always difficult to choose which option is the best for you. Different materials have different advantages and different properties. It is very important to know the features of that specific material before buying.
A general comparison:
Price
In terms of price, plastic bushings are affordable. These bushings are available at a low cost as compared to the bronze ones.
Size
You can find any size you want in both materials. There is no restriction in size. If plastic bushings are available in one size, then bronze bushings will also be available in the same size.
Durability
In terms of durability, bronze bearings are a good option. Durability in plastic bushings depends upon the type of material you are choosing. They are available in both cheap and good materials. Plastic bushings are not suitable for heavy-duty jobs. For heavy machinery, bronze bearings are used because they can bear a lot of stress and weight.
Long-lasting
Bronze bearings are generally built to stand the test of time and last longer. There is no doubt that bronze bearings are very strong. On the other hand, plastic bushings have a specific lifetime. After that, they are useless. But with the advancement in technology, the lifetime of plastic bearings is very predictable. It is very easy to calculate its lifetime. So, you can easily replace the bearing before it breaks and damages the machine.
Material quality
Plastic bearings are available in different types of materials. You can find cheap materials in the market too. Solid materials are also available in the market. On the other hand, you can also find different alloys of bronze. These alloys differ in their properties. You and choose any option according to your needs.
Types of bearings
Rotary bearings
As the name suggests, these bearings allow a body to rotate around a pivot point. They make the rotational motion a lot easier. These are the most common type of bearings, and you can find them in almost every machine.
Linear bearings
These bearings are used to move a body along a straight line. They also reduce linear friction.
Magnetic bearings
Magnetic bearings are used when it is to be done in a magnetic field. These bearings help to move the weight in a magnetic field.
Flexure bearings
These bearings come to use when they involve bending.
Conclusion
Bearings and bushings are available in different types and different shapes. Each type has its own distinctive advantages and uses. These things have made the movement of machines a lot more conventional. They differ in terms of durability and cost. This article will help you to thoroughly understand the difference between plastic and bronze bushings. We have covered every single detail in this article.
