Custom Spherical Bushings
Manufacturer & Supplier
Engineered for complex kinematics. We manufacture custom spherical plain bearings and bushings designed to handle misalignment, oscillation, and high static loads.
Engineering Solutions for Motion
Solving geometric challenges in dynamic assemblies.
Misalignment Compensation
Accommodates structural deflection and manufacturing tolerances by allowing self-aligning rotation within the housing.
Oscillating Movements
Optimized sliding interfaces (Steel-on-Steel, PTFE) designed specifically for slow, high-load oscillatory cycles.
Edge Loading Prevention
Prevents stress concentrations at the bushing edge by maintaining full contact area even when the shaft is tilted.
The Misalignment Envelope
Our custom designs define the operational envelope based on your specific kinematics. We tailor the inner ring width and outer ring geometry to maximize range of motion.
Load Path & Direction Analysis
Pure Radial Load
Primary design condition. Contact pressure distributed over the projected area.
Pure Axial Load
Requires specific retention design. Limited by the projected annular area of the sphere.
Combined Load
Vector sum of radial and axial forces. We calculate equivalent dynamic load for life estimation.
Tilting Moment
Forces trying to misalign the bearing. Spherical design naturally sheds this moment.
Shock/Impact
Requires high toughness core materials (e.g., case-hardened steel) to prevent fracture.
Reversing Load
Alternating direction causes fatigue. Proper internal clearance (play) is critical to prevent hammering.
Custom Technical Specifications
| Misalignment Angle | Custom engineered up to ±25° or constrained per housing design. |
|---|---|
| Sliding Interface | Steel-on-Steel (Lubricated), Steel-on-Bronze, or Maintenance-Free (PTFE/Composite Liners). |
| Materials | Bearing Steel (52100), Stainless Steel (440C, 17-4PH), Aluminum Bronze. |
| Surface Finish | Sphere surface superfinished to Ra 0.2µm for minimal friction. |
| Tolerance Class | Custom fitments: m6, p6, H7 or specific interference requirements. |
| Lubrication | Grooves and holes in inner/outer rings; Pre-greased or dry film options. |
| Temperature Range | -50°C to +200°C (Standard) or up to 500°C with specialized alloys. |
| Traceability | Laser marking on outer ring face; Mill certs for all raw materials. |
Wear & Lubrication Strategy
Choosing the right tribological pair is essential for spherical bushing longevity. We offer two primary paths based on maintenance accessibility and load type.
Lubricated (Steel-on-Steel)
Best for heavy alternating loads and shock. Requires periodic relubrication via oil grooves/holes. Offers highest static load capacity.
Maintenance-Free (Dry)
Uses PTFE (Teflon) liners or composite layers. Ideal for unidirectional loads or where lubrication is impossible. Lower static load capacity but zero maintenance.
Manufacturing & Metrology
Producing a precise spherical fit requires specialized grinding and assembly techniques.
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Form Grinding:
Outer and inner raceways are ground to precise curvature to ensure consistent contact area.
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Clearance Control:
We match-grind components to achieve the specified radial internal clearance (RIC).
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Crack Detection:
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) performed on load-bearing components to ensure structural integrity.
Failure Modes & Engineering Mitigations
Proactive design features to prevent common field failures.
| Failure Mode | Root Cause | Prevention Strategy | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seizure / Galling | Lack of lubrication or excessive heat. | Use of PTFE liners or increased lubrication groove density. | Friction torque testing. |
| Outer Ring Fracture | Shock loads exceeding static rating. | Increase ring cross-section or upgrade to higher toughness steel. | Static load proof testing. |
| Liner Peeling | Poor bonding or edge loading. | Improved bonding process and chamfered edges on inner ring. | Peel strength validation. |
RFQ Checklist
To provide an accurate quote and engineering assessment, please include the following data points in your request.
- Radial and Axial Load magnitudes
- Oscillation angle and frequency
- Housing and Shaft tolerance/material
- Environmental conditions (temp, dirt, moisture)
- Required life cycle
Why this data matters
| Loads | Determines bearing size and material selection. |
| Oscillation | Calculates sliding distance and wear rate. |
| Environment | Dictates sealing and coating requirements. |
Solve Your Kinematic Challenges
Get custom spherical bushings built to your exact print specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum misalignment angle you can accommodate?
It depends on the design, but we can engineer bushings with misalignment angles up to 20-25 degrees by adjusting the width ratio of the inner and outer rings.
How do you define “dynamic load rating”?
Dynamic load rating is the constant radial load under which the bearing can theoretically operate for a specified life (usually defined by sliding distance) without failure.
When should I choose a PTFE liner?
Choose PTFE (maintenance-free) liners when relubrication is difficult or impossible, or when sticking/slip must be avoided. Note that they generally have lower static load capacities than steel-on-steel.
What lubricants do you recommend?
For steel-on-steel bearings, we typically recommend lithium-based greases with MoS2 additives for high-pressure applications.
What tolerances are standard?
We typically manufacture to ISO standard tolerances (e.g., H7/g6), but as a custom manufacturer, we can hold specific limits as required by your drawing.
How are the parts inspected?
We use CMMs for geometry, contour tracers for raceway profile, and MPI for crack detection on critical load-bearing components.
Can you make stainless steel spherical bushings?
Yes, we manufacture corrosion-resistant bushings using 440C, 17-4PH, or 316 stainless steel, often paired with PTFE liners.
What is the lead time for custom orders?
Typical lead time for custom spherical bushings is 3-5 weeks depending on complexity and material availability.
Do you have an MOQ?
We are set up for custom batches. While 1 piece is possible, 25-50+ pieces is usually the most cost-effective entry point.
Do I need to provide drawings?
Yes, as a custom manufacturer, we require engineering drawings (PDF/CAD) to quote and manufacture your specific design.
Contact Us
Send us your requirements. We specialize in non-standard, made-to-print spherical bushings.
Our Location
Rongli Industrial Park, Dalang
Longhua District, Shenzhen, China