What is the difference between bearing bushing and bearing sleeve?

Bearing bushings and bearing sleeves are important components in mechanical engineering. They each have unique functions and application scenarios, but there are also significant differences.

1. Definition and function
Bearing bushing:
A bearing bushing, also often referred to simply as a bushing, is an annular, thin-walled bearing component usually made of a wear-resistant material. It is mainly used to support and guide the movement of the shaft, and improve the operating efficiency and service life of the equipment by reducing friction and wear of the shaft. Bushings can be divided into sliding bushings and rolling bushings. The sliding bushing uses relative surface motion to reduce friction, while the rolling bushing supports and guides the movement of the shaft through the pressure between rolling surfaces.
Bearing sleeve:
Bearing sleeves, also called bearing bushings, are wear-resistant parts used in machinery to fix and support bearings. It is usually mounted on a housing such as a casting and is used to support the rotating shaft of the bearing or guide bearing. The main function of the bearing sleeve is to withstand the force and torque exerted on the bearing, reducing wear and extending service life by reducing friction and dispersing load.

2. Structure and shape
Bearing bushing:
The shape of the bushing is usually annular or cylindrical, matching the shape of the mechanical part. Its structure is relatively simple and is usually made of a single material or composite materials to adapt to different working environments and conditions.
Bearing sleeve:
The shape of the bearing sleeve depends on the specific application area and may be complex. It not only needs to support the bearings, but also needs to consider the assembly relationship with the housing and other components. Therefore, the design of bearing sleeves is often more delicate and complex.

3. Materials and Applications
Bearing bushing:
The materials of the bushing are usually polymer materials, polytetrafluoroethylene, graphite ferrous iron, etc. These materials work well in high temperature or high speed situations. Bushings are widely used in sliding components, such as sliding bearings, sliding bearing bushes, etc.
Bearing sleeve:
The materials of bearing sleeves are mostly copper, iron, steel, aluminum and other metals. These materials have high strength and wear resistance and can be suitable for work under various conditions. The application scenarios of bearing sleeves are very wide, including heavy machinery equipment in construction projects, bearing support components in industrial equipment, and bearing support components in automobile manufacturing.

4. Performance and features
Bearing bushing:
It has good friction reduction effect and can significantly reduce the friction and wear between the shaft and the bushing.
It is suitable for sliding motion and can work stably under high temperature or high speed conditions.
Low cost, relatively simple to install and maintain.
Bearing sleeve:
It has good wear resistance and can withstand the force and torque exerted on the bearing for a long time.
High stability, able to distribute load evenly and extend service life.
Easy to install and reusable.