Bronze Sliding Pads
Bronze Sliding Pads
Bronze Sliding Pads for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM)
Heavy Load • Self-Lubricating • Precision Alignment
Stop costly TBM downtime caused by pad wear.
Bearingface Bronze Sliding Pads are engineered for mud, sand, and vibration-resistant performance, ensuring precise guidance and long-term reliability in the toughest tunneling conditions.
Why Traditional Sliding Pads Fail
In tunnel boring machines, traditional steel or polymer pads face harsh abrasion from mud and sand, causing:
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Rapid surface wear and friction increase
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Push-rod misalignment and steering inaccuracy
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Frequent shutdowns for replacement or lubrication
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Escalating maintenance costs and project delays
Solution:
Upgrade to self-lubricating bronze sliding pads — built for high-load precision, even under extreme contamination and vibration.
Our Solution: CuSn8 Bronze Sliding Pads with Graphite Inserts
Bearingface’s CuSn8 Phosphor Bronze pads integrate solid graphite plugs for permanent, oil-free lubrication.
This advanced composite design delivers:
- Heavy Load Endurance:
Handles pressures >500 kg/cm² without deformation.
- Low Friction Coefficient (μ < 0.1):
Graphite plugs continuously form a solid lubrication film, ensuring smooth sliding under boundary conditions.
- Superior Wear Resistance:
In tests under sand abrasion, the wear rate is <0.01 mm / 1000 h.
- Corrosion & Vibration Proof:
Stable under IP65 conditions; ideal for electric or hybrid TBMs.
- Maintenance-Free Operation:
No oil, no grease, no contamination risk.
Material & Design Options
| Alloy Type | Key Features | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|
| CuSn8 Bronze (CuSn8 + Graphite) | High load, embedded graphite, long life | TBM push rods / linear guides |
| C93200 Bearing Bronze | Anti-corrosion, high embeddability | Coastal/wet tunnel sites |
| C95400 Aluminum Bronze | Ultra-high strength (up to 800 kg/cm²) | Heavy-duty or rock TBMs |
Designs Available:
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T-Type Guide Pads – for accurate TBM rod alignment
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Flat Sliding Plates – for modular assembly systems
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Custom Shapes – per drawing or model (tolerance ±0.02 mm)
Performance Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Steel Pad | Bearingface Bronze Pad |
|---|---|---|
| Lubrication | Requires oil / grease | Solid graphite plugs – self-lubricating |
| Friction Coefficient | 0.20–0.25 | 0.05–0.10 |
| Wear Rate | 0.05 mm / 100 h | 0.005 mm / 100 h |
| Maintenance Cycle | Every 2–3 months | 12–24 months |
| Precision Deviation | ±0.5 mm | ±0.1 mm |
| Operating Cost | High | Reduced by up to 15% |
Real-World Performance: Northern Europe TBM Project
A tunneling equipment manufacturer replaced standard steel pads with Bearingface CuSn8 + graphite sliding pads.
Results:
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Friction coefficient stabilized at μ = 0.08
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Wear rate reduced 10× under sandy slurry conditions
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Maintenance interval extended 3×
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TBM uptime improved, achieving zero unplanned stops
“The self-lubricating pads handled mud and vibration effortlessly—precision stayed within tolerance for over a year.”
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | CuSn8 / C93200 / C95400 Bronze |
| Lubricant | Graphite or MoS₂ inserts |
| Load Capacity | Up to 800 kg/cm² |
| Hardness | HB 80–210 |
| Operating Temperature | Up to 400°C |
| Typical Dimensions | 10×60×80 mm (customizable) |
| Surface Finish | Precision ground ≤ Ra 0.8 µm |
Why Choose Bearingface.com
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Many years of bearing and wear plate expertise
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Custom engineering support for OEMs and TBM retrofit projects
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Fast prototyping & precision machining within ±0.02 mm
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Global delivery and technical documentation
Call to Action
Maximize your TBM’s uptime — choose Bearingface Bronze Sliding Pads.
📘 Download the Product Catalog (PDF)
FAQ: Quick Answers for Engineers
Q1: Can I use bronze pads without lubrication?
Yes. Graphite inserts provide continuous self-lubrication—ideal for dry, dusty, or wet environments.
Q2: Are these pads customizable?
Absolutely. We manufacture per drawing or specification, including T-type, L-type, and modular designs.
Q3: How do they perform in high-vibration zones?
The embedded plugs and secure bolt-lock geometry maintain tight tolerance and prevent loosening.
Q4: What maintenance is required?
Minimal. Inspection every 12 months is recommended for precision-critical systems.
Optimize Your TBM Performance Today
Reduce downtime. Extend component life. Maintain alignment accuracy under the harshest conditions.
