Flanges feature a projecting rim over the edge of another part, a collar to secure connecting pieces together, or a ring to provide pressure to holds components in place. They enable part fabricators to customize the function of end products for customers.
Ultimately, flanges provide strength and stiffness at more vulnerable areas of a part and facilitate the connection of diverse components. They are also useful in mounting and positioning static items. When paired with bearings on the external housing of a device, flanges increase the ability of the end product to effectively handle radial and thrust loads.
Flanges are one of the most popular types of bearings requested by our clients at Bunting Bearings. This introduction to bronze flanged bearings will help readers understand what they are and what they can do for industrial manufacturing and assembly projects.
The Benefits of Bronze
Bronze alloys predominantly consist of copper and tin. Additional metals are added to the mix – i.e. aluminum, manganese, nickel, or zinc – to achieve the desired metallurgy. This results in a bronze material with ideal physical properties to suit the needs of the end application. For example, bronze can be tailored to have a specific physical appearance and offer better protection for end components against corrosion and surrounding conditions like moisture.
Bronze bearings and bushings are made to be rigid and tough. In comparison to those made of brass, bronze parts last longer and hold their shape better under repeated use. Bronze greatly improves resistance to:
- Impact
- Shock
- Corrosion
- Mechanical wear-and-tear
This means that bronze bearings last longer than their softer and more malleable brass counterparts. Bronze also causes less friction when brought in contact with other metal parts, which helps to extend the life of the bearing.
Applications and Advantages of Bronze Flanged Bearings
The versatility of bronze flanged bearings makes them an ideal fit for a number of industrial applications. Bronze flanged bearings are known for their low-maintenance durability. Heavy-duty industrial operations that rely on low-speed, high-load processes are particularly good candidates for bronze flange bearings, which hold up well under immense and repeated pressure.
Bronze flanged bearings are often found in equipment used in:
- Iron and steel manufacturing
- Food processing
- Injection molding
- Automotive equipment
- Earth movers
- Industrial pumps
The additional metal alloys that make up the bronze impart beneficial characteristics to the resulting material. Some of the common alloys used for bronze flanges include:
- Oil is infused into the alloy via powder metallurgy. Depending on its composition, SAE841 can accommodate for a wide range of speeds and temperature ranges. It is often used in food-grade applications.
- Aluminum, tin, and silicone. Marine manufacturers value the high corrosion-resistance of copper, but must alloy the copper with other materials to improve its strength. Copper alloyed with aluminum, tin, or silicone creates a bronze that enables manufacturers to create water-tight vessels without excessive weight.
Speak to your bearing provider for personalized bronze flanged bearing guidance based on your specifications.
Bronze Flange Bearings at Bunting Bearings
Bunting Bearings stocks a comprehensive line of cast bronze bearings, flange bearings, and much more. All of our parts are produced with P/M bronze for superior performance and durability. We are proud to serve our clients with high-quality stock parts.
Our Bronze Flanged Bearings SAE 841 conform to ASTM chemical and physical standards. They are the first of their kind to include all ASTM standard sizes, recommended dimensions, and tolerances. Operations and processes with large variations in temperature benefit from our oil-based bronze bearings. With the ability to function in temperatures that range from 10° F to 220°F, these parts are a convenient and cost-effective way to meet your application and equipment needs.
For more information on bronze flanged bearing products and services from Bunting Bearings, please contact us today.
SHARE THIS: