Your Starter Guide
As a leading metal services company, we are often asked what the difference is between a bearing and a bushing. If you’re not an expert in the field, it can be easy to assume that they do the same thing. However, there are some key differences that you should bear in mind. Here’s everything you need to know, along with how you can benefit from our metal bushing services and expertise in bearings.
Bearings
Let’s get started with bearings. What are they? To put it simply, a bearing is a piece of machinery that helps things move in a certain way and reduces friction between parts. A bearing is designed to provide smooth movement in the direction you want, while stopping movement in other directions. So, it might let a wheel spin around but stop it from moving from side to side. There are a number of different types of bearings, with the most common being:
- Ball bearings
- Roller bearings
- Needle bearings
- Rod end bearings
- Sleeve bearings
Metal Bushings
Now, let’s move on to bushings! By definition, a bushing is a type of plain bearing, although that doesn’t mean that they are interchangeable. A bushing is designed to reduce friction and wear in an application that involves a sliding motion. They can be identified by their plain, cylindrical design, and they are one of the most popular products that we manufacture here at Potters. So, what are the benefits of a bushing? Well, they provide amazing shock absorption, and they also keep noise and wear, along with energy consumption, to a minimum.
Bearing or Bushing?
So, do you need a bearing or a bushing? You may want to think about it like this: Bearings are designed for smooth, low-friction rotation at high speeds. Bushings, on the other hand, are more suited to applications where high loads are being applied at slower speeds. Depending on your project, you may even require both. That’s where we come in.
We’re Here to Help
As a leading manufacturer of metal bearings and bushings, we are ideally placed to help you no matter which one you are looking for! We work closely with all of our customers, delivering custom orders that perfectly meet their needs. If you aren’t sure if you would be better served by bushings or bearings, we will carefully listen to your requirements and then point you in the direction of the best option for your application.
No matter which one you choose, you can count on exceptional workmanship and products that are designed to stand up to plenty of wear and tear with ease. Couple this with our already impressive prices, and you have outstanding value for money.
Talk to Us
Want to find out more about the differences between bearings and bushings? Or have some questions for us about how we can help you? Then get in touch today! We can’t wait to hear from you and give you all the information you need.