What are Oil Free Bushings: Available Types and Materials
Publish Date: 6 Oct 2025
Bushings or plain bearings generally face high frictional resistance that generates significant heat. In traditional designs, lubricants such as oil or grease are used to prevent abnormal wear or seizure. However, oil-free bushings—also referred to as self-lubricating bushings or lubrication-free bearings—eliminate the need for oiling by incorporating solid lubricants or lubrication structures directly within the bearing material.
This innovation makes them ideal for applications where lubricants are impractical, such as precision machinery, clean environments, or industries where oil contamination must be avoided. By reducing the need for regular lubrication, oil-free bushings improve reliability and cut down maintenance costs significantly.
Alternate Names in the Market
Oil-free bushings may also be found under the following names:
- Self-lubricating bushings
- Maintenance-free bushings
- Dry bushings
- Solid lubricant bushings
- Lubrication-free bearings
Product Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight / Sleeve | Cylindrical bushing for simple sliding support |
| Flanged Type | With flange for axial positioning |
| Flange-Mount Type | For mounting on machinery with easy fixation |
| Housing Unit Type | Pre-assembled in housings for quick installation |
Metals
| Metal Type | Key Properties |
|---|---|
| Bronze | High load capacity, wear resistance |
| Brass | Corrosion resistant, moderate loads |
| Cast Iron | Good vibration absorption |
| Sintered Steel | High strength, porous for lubricant retention |
Resins
| Resin Type | Key Properties |
|---|---|
| POM (Polyacetal) | Low friction, good wear resistance |
| PTFE | Excellent self-lubrication, chemical resistance |
| PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) | High temperature resistance |
| High-Performance Polymers | Tailored for demanding industries |
Multi-Layer Composites
| Structure | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Steel + Bronze + PTFE | High strength + low friction |
| Steel + Bronze + POM | Versatile and durable |
| Steel + Copper Alloy | Excellent conductivity and sliding properties |
| Metal Mesh + PTFE | Lightweight and flexible |
| Aluminum + Fluororesin | Lightweight, corrosion resistant |
| Polyacetal Layers | Low-cost, balanced performance |
Environment Applications
| Environment Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Standard | General machinery use |
| Heat Resistant | High-temp applications |
| Foreign Object Resistant | Dusty/contaminated environments |
| Vibration Resistant | Heavy vibration machinery |
| In Oil | Oil-immersed systems |
| In Water | Fluid-exposed systems |
| In Seawater | Corrosion-sensitive marine use |
| In Chemical | Harsh chemical resistance |
| Food Sanitation Compliance | For food machinery standards |
Mounting Fits
To ensure precise installation and alignment, oil-free bushings are designed for multiple hole and shaft fitting conditions:
| Fit Category | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Mounting Hole Fits | G7, H6, H7, M7 |
| Mounting Shaft Fits | d8, e7, g6, h6, h7, h9, f8, m6, js6, f7 |
Additional Features
Depending on application needs, oil-free bushings offer:
- Low dust generation (ideal for cleanroom or precision equipment)
- Non-magnetic properties (important for medical or electronic use)
- High heat resistance (suitable for high-temperature operations)
Regulatory Compliance
RoHS Compliant: These bushings adhere to restrictions on hazardous substances (10 substances compliance), ensuring environmentally responsible installation.
