LB2 Bronze
LB2 Bronze
High-Performance LB2 Bronze Bushings (CuSn10Pb10) – Graphite Impregnated for Zero-Maintenance Longevity
The Ultimate Self-Lubricating Leaded Tin Bronze Solution
LB2 Bronze (CuSn10Pb10) is a premium-grade leaded tin bronze engineered for high-load industrial environments where conventional lubrication is impossible or unreliable. By combining the structural integrity of Centrifugal/Continuous Cast Bronze with the advanced tribological properties of Solid Graphite Impregnation, LB2 bushings offer a “fit-and-forget” solution for heavy-duty machinery.
Unlike low-cost sintered alternatives, our non-sintered, solid LB2 bushings provide superior impact resistance and “Emergency Running Properties,” ensuring maximum uptime in the harshest marine, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Engineered for Zero Failure: Key Features
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Advanced Dual-Lubrication: The high lead content (10%) provides a molecular-level lubricating film, while integrated graphite plugs offer permanent dry-running protection.
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Extreme Load & Impact Resistance: Our casting process ensures high tensile strength (290 N/mm²) and hardness, outperforming powder metallurgy parts in heavy-duty applications.
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High-Temperature Stability: Designed to operate efficiently in environments where traditional grease carbonizes or fails.
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Seawater & Chemical Corrosion Resistance: High tin content ensures longevity in marine and corrosive industrial processing environments.
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Anti-Seizing “Emergency” Protection: The micro-distribution of lead prevents “welding” or shaft seizure during sudden lubrication oil-film rupture.
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Precision CNC Customization: Fully machined to your drawings with custom oil groove patterns (Spiral, Figure-8, Circular).
Technical Specifications & International Standards
Our LB2 material strictly complies with BS1400 LB2, ASTM B505 C93700, and BS EN 1982-2008 CC498K.
1. Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) | Element | Content (%) |
| Copper (Cu) | Remainder | Iron (Fe) | Max 0.15% |
| Tin (Sn) | 9.0% – 11.0% | Nickel (Ni) | Up to 2.0% |
| Lead (Pb) | 8.5% – 11.0% | Zinc (Zn) | Up to 1.0% |
2. Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 290 N/mm² | Density | 9.0 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 150 N/mm² | Thermal Conductivity | 47 W/m·K |
| Brinell Hardness | 85 HB | Thermal Expansion | 19 x 10⁻⁶/°C |
Material Comparison: Standard Cast vs. Graphite Impregnated
| Dimension | Standard LB2 (Cast) | Graphite Impregnated LB2 (Cast) |
| Base Matrix | Solid Centrifugal Cast LB2 | Solid Cast LB2 + Graphite Plugs |
| Lubrication Type | Periodic Grease/Oil Required | Maintenance-Free / Self-Lubricating |
| Load Profile | Continuous High Load | Heavy Load / Low Speed / Oscillating |
| Wear Life | Excellent | Superior (Permanent Lubricant Film) |
| Best Use Case | Pumps, Motors, Gearboxes | Underwater, High-Temp, High-Pressure |
Precision-Made LB2 Graphite Bronze Bushings – Maintenance-Free, Self-Lubricating & Corrosion-Resistant
Case Studies: Proving Reliability in the Field
Case 1: Hydraulic Motor Reliability (OEM)
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Challenge: Extreme pressure fluctuations caused oil-film rupture in valve plate bushings, leading to shaft “welding.”
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Solution: Switched to Centrifugal Cast LB2. The zero-porosity casting ensured perfectly uniform lead distribution.
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Result: Passed “oil-starvation” tests without failure, saving manufacturers from costly housing replacements.
Case 2: Marine Steering (MRO)
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Challenge: Rudder Stock Bushings failing due to seawater corrosion and massive radial loads.
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Solution: Thick-Walled LB2 with CNC-machined double spiral oil grooves.
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Result: 5+ years of stable operation without overhaul, significantly reducing shipowner dry-docking costs.
Engineering FAQ: Technical Insights
Q1: What is LB2 bronze material equivalent to?
A: LB2 corresponds to BS 1400 LB2, and is equivalent to ASTM B505 C93700 (SAE 64) and DIN CuPb10Sn. It is a high-lead tin bronze known for excellent machining and self-lubricating properties.
Q2: What are the key benefits of using LB2 bushings?
A: LB2 offers superior anti-seizing properties, high thermal conductivity, and the ability to operate under temporary lubrication failure due to its high lead content (9-11%).
Q3: Can LB2 bushings be used in high-speed applications?
A: Yes. LB2 is specifically designed for high-speed, heavy-load environments where standard bronzes might fail, such as in turbines and centrifugal pumps.
Q4: How does LB2 compare to LG2 bronze?
A: While LG2 (Red Brass) is for general purpose, LB2 has higher lead content, providing much better dry-running capabilities and higher resistance to wear under heavy friction.
Q5: Are LB2 bushings corrosion-resistant?
A: Yes, LB2 shows excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in seawater and brine environments, making it ideal for marine applications.
Q6: What is the maximum operating temperature for LB2?
A: LB2 bushings can typically operate efficiently up to 230°C (450°F) without losing mechanical integrity.
Q7: Do you provide custom oil groove designs for LB2 bushings?
A: Absolutely. We offer various oil groove patterns (spiral, figure-eight, circular) to optimize lubricant distribution for specific industrial needs.
Q8: What casting methods are used for LB2 bushings?
A: We primarily use Centrifugal Casting for superior density and Continuous Casting for cost-effective standard sizes.
Q9: Is LB2 suitable for applications with poor lubrication?
A: Yes, LB2 is often called “emergency running bronze” because the lead acts as a natural lubricant if the primary oil film breaks down.
Q10: What is the lead time for custom LB2 bushing orders?
A: Custom CNC-machined LB2 parts typically take 10-15 business days, depending on complexity.
Strategic Industry Applications
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Rubber & Plastic Machinery: Ideal for internal mixing machinery and high-temperature oil lubrication systems.
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Marine & Offshore: Propeller shafts, rudder components, and corrosion-resistant underwater hardware.
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Energy & Power: Hydroelectric and wind turbines subjected to peak loads up to 100MPa.
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Heavy Machinery: Machine spindles, conveyor systems, and high-pressure bimetal bushings for internal combustion engines.
Optimize Your Machinery with LB2 Today
Don’t let friction dictate your equipment’s lifespan. Our Graphite Impregnated LB2 Bronze Bushings provide the durability, corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating power required by modern engineering.
