Bimetal Bearings & Bushings
High-load capacity bimetallic bearings combining steel backing strength with sintered bronze wear resistance. Cost-effective alternative to solid bronze for automotive, construction, and heavy equipment.
What Are Bimetal Bushings?
Bimetal bushings, also known as bi-metallic bearings, are high-performance sliding bearings engineered from two distinct metal layers. The outer layer is a low-carbon steel backing that provides structural strength and enables press-fit installation. The inner layer is a sintered bronze alloy that delivers excellent wear resistance and anti-friction properties.
The manufacturing process involves sintering bronze powder onto a steel strip, then roll-forming the composite material into cylindrical bushings. This creates a metallurgical bond between the two metals, combining:
- Steel's strength: High load capacity, structural rigidity, low cost
- Bronze's lubricity: Excellent wear resistance, anti-seizure properties
JBM bimetal bushings are available in both leaded bronze (CuPb10Sn10) for maximum performance and lead-free (RoHS compliant) versions for environmentally conscious applications.
Bi-Layer Structure
Steel Backing
Low-carbon steel (0.8-2.0mm). Provides mechanical strength, allows press-fit installation, and transfers heat away from the bearing surface.
Sintered Bronze Lining
Lead-bronze (CuPb10Sn10) or lead-free bronze (CuSn6.5P) layer (0.25-0.50mm). Provides wear resistance, anti-friction, and oil retention capability.
Technical Data
| Max Static Load | 300 N/mm² |
| Max Dynamic Load | 140 N/mm² |
| Max Speed (Lubricated) | 2.5 m/s |
| PV Limit | 65 N/mm²·m/s |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +250°C |
| Hardness (Bronze) | HB 60-160 |
| Lubrication | Oil or Grease |
| Wall Thickness | 1.0 - 3.0mm |
RoHS Compliant Options
JBM offers lead-free bimetal bushings (CuSn6.5P0.1) that meet RoHS and REACH requirements for European and North American OEMs.
The JF Series & SAE Standards
Bimetal bushings are manufactured to international material standards. JBM offers a complete range of alloy compositions to match your OEM specifications and application requirements.
| JBM Grade | Industry Code | SAE Standard | Composition | Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBM-800 Most Popular | JF-800 | SAE 792 | CuPb10Sn10 |
| Engine bushings, chassis, track rollers |
| JBM-700 | JF-700 | SAE 797 | CuPb24Sn4 |
| Diesel engine main/rod bearings |
| JBM-720 | JF-720 | SAE 799 | CuPb24Sn |
| Connecting rod bushings |
| JBM-820 Lead-Free | JF-20 | - | CuSn6.5P0.1 |
| EU/US OEMs, agricultural, automotive |
Surface Features & Joint Types
Bimetal bushings are roll-formed from flat strip material, resulting in a longitudinal split joint. JBM offers various joint types and surface treatments to optimize oil retention and load distribution.
Split Joint Types
Straight Butt Joint
Standard joint type. Simple gap between bushing ends. Most common for general applications.
Clinch / Butterfly Lock
Interlocking joint design provides secure closure. Prevents rotation and spreading under load.
Oil Groove & Pocket Options
Why Choose JBM Bimetal Bushings
Cost Effective
Uses less expensive bronze than solid bushings. Steel backing reduces material cost while maintaining performance.
High Load Capacity
Steel backing provides superior structural support. Handles static loads up to 300 N/mm² and dynamic loads up to 140 N/mm².
Thin Wall Design
Compact wall thickness (1.0-3.0mm) allows for space-saving designs where solid bronze would be too bulky.
Fatigue Resistant
Lead-bronze alloys excel in cyclic loading conditions. Ideal for connecting rods and engine applications.
High Temperature
Operates continuously at temperatures up to 250°C. Steel backing maintains dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.
Anti-Seizure
Lead-bronze lining prevents galling and seizure during boundary lubrication conditions or oil starvation events.
Easy Installation
Press-fit into housing with simple tooling. Steel backing provides interference fit stability.
Global Standards
Manufactured to SAE, ISO, and DIN specifications. Drop-in replacement for OEM parts worldwide.
We typically respond to inquiries within 12 hours. Get expert recommendations for your application.
Get a QuoteWhere Bimetal Bushings Excel
Bimetal bushings are the preferred choice for high-load, oil-lubricated applications in automotive, construction, and heavy equipment industries.
Automotive & Engine
- Connecting rod bushings
- Camshaft bushings
- Rocker arm bushings
- Piston pin bushings
- Crankshaft bearings
- Starter motor bushings
Construction Equipment
- Track roller bushings
- Carrier roller bearings
- Idler wheel bushings
- Sprocket bushings
- Boom pivot bearings
- Bucket pin bushings
Heavy Trucks
- Leaf spring bushings
- Kingpin bushings
- Shackle bushings
- Brake camshaft bushings
- Steering knuckle bushings
- Transmission bushings
Agricultural
- Tractor linkage bushings
- Combine harvester bearings
- PTO shaft bushings
- Implement pivot bearings
- Loader arm bushings
- Disc harrow bearings
Solid Bronze vs. Bimetal Bushings
| Property | Solid Bronze | Bimetal (Steel + Bronze) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | Higher (100% bronze) | Lower (steel + thin bronze layer) |
| Load Capacity | Good (material limited) | Excellent (steel backing support) |
| Wall Thickness | Thicker (3mm+ typical) | Thinner (1-3mm possible) |
| Dimensional Stability | Good | Excellent (steel rigidity) |
| Heat Dissipation | Good | Excellent (steel conducts heat) |
| Fatigue Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Installation | Press-fit or shrink-fit | Easy press-fit |
| Best Application | Custom shapes, heavy wear | High load, compact design |
When to switch from Solid Bronze to Bimetal: Consider bimetal bushings when you need to reduce costs, handle higher loads in limited space, or improve fatigue life in cyclic loading applications. Bimetal is particularly advantageous for undercarriage components and engine bearings.
Bimetallic Bearing Range
Need Bimetal Bushings for Your Application?
JBM manufactures bimetallic bearings to SAE and OEM specifications. From engine components to undercarriage parts, we deliver the right material grade and surface treatment for your requirements.
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