LG2 Bronze Bushing
LG2 Bronze Bushing
Maintenance-Free LG2 Bronze Bushings: ASTM C83600 Technical Specifications
LG2 Bronze (ASTM C83600 / Leaded Red Brass) is widely regarded as the industry’s most versatile “all-rounder” for sliding bearings. At Bearingface.com, we elevate this material by integrating solid lubricant technology, creating maintenance-free LG2 bronze bushings that excel where traditional lubrication fails.
Whether you are an engineer designing for longevity or a procurement officer sourcing high-reliability components, LG2 provides the optimal balance of machinability, corrosion resistance, and anti-friction properties.
1. Technical Parameters: LG2 (ASTM C83600) Specs
The performance of LG2 stems from its unique 85-5-5-5 chemical structure, which provides a “soft” matrix capable of embedding debris and protecting shafts.
Chemical Composition Matrix
| Element | Symbol | Content (%) | Technical Role |
| Copper | Cu | 84.0 – 86.0 | Base matrix for heat dissipation |
| Tin | Sn | 4.0 – 6.0 | Increases structural hardness and wear resistance |
| Zinc | Zn | 4.0 – 6.0 | Deoxidizer; improves casting integrity |
| Lead | Pb | 4.0 – 6.0 | Provides “emergency-run” self-lubrication |
| Nickel | Ni | 1.0 Max | Enhances fine-grain structure |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value |
| Tensile Strength | 250 MPa (Typical) | 36,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 110 MPa | 16,000 psi |
| Brinell Hardness | 60 – 75 HB | 60 – 75 HB |
| Elongation in 50mm | 15% | 15% |
| Max Pressure (P) | 40 N/mm² | 5,800 psi |
| Max Velocity (V) | 2.0 m/s | 400 sfpm |
2. Targeted Application Parts
Thanks to its excellent corrosion resistance and self-lubricating capabilities (when inlaid with graphite), LG2 bushings are the standard choice for several critical mechanical sub-assemblies:
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Fluid Handling: Pump shaft sleeves, impeller wear rings, and valve stem guides for water and low-pressure steam.
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Maritime Engineering: Rudder stock bushings, deck winch bearings, and outboard engine pivots.
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Industrial Automation: Conveyor roller bearings, automated packaging arm joints, and pneumatic cylinder clevises.
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Agriculture & Construction: Pivot pins for harvesters, tractor linkage bushings, and small crane sheave bearings.
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Power Generation: Hydro-turbine gate linkages and cooling water pump bushings.
3. Material Comparative Analysis
How does ASTM C83600 (LG2) stack up against other industrial bronze grades? Understanding these differences is key to effective material selection.
| Feature | LG2 (ASTM C83600) | PB1 (ASTM C90700) | AB2 (ASTM C95800) |
| Best For | General Purpose & Oilless | High Fatigue/Wear | Extreme Loads/Sea Water |
| Machinability | Excellent (100%) | Moderate (20%) | Low (20%) |
| Shaft Tolerance | Forgiving (Soft shafts OK) | Requires Hardened Shaft | Requires Hardened Shaft |
| Self-Lube Potential | Superior (High Pb content) | Moderate | Low |
| Cost Profile | Competitive / Mid-range | High | Premium |
4. Why Upgrade to Oilless LG2 Bushings?
Standard LG2 requires periodic greasing. Bearingface.com’s Oilless LG2 Bushings utilize a “Solid Lubricant Inlaid” (SLI) design. We CNC-machine a calculated pattern into the LG2 wall and plug it with high-purity graphite.
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Maintenance-Free: Eliminates the need for manual lubrication systems.
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Shaft Protection: The lead and graphite combination creates a protective film that prevents metal-to-metal contact, even with unhardened shafts.
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Corrosion Resistance: LG2 is naturally resistant to dezincification and salt-water corrosion, making it more durable than standard brass.
FAQ: Engineering & Sourcing
Q: What is the equivalent of LG2 in other international standards?
A: LG2 is the British designation (BS1400). It is equivalent to ASTM C83600 (USA), CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (EN), and RG5 (DIN 1705).
Q: Can these bushings operate in high-temperature environments?
A: LG2 bronze is stable up to 230°C (450°F). For applications exceeding this, please consult our technical team for alternative high-temp solid lubricants.
Q: Is LG2 suitable for high-speed rotation?
A: It is ideal for low-to-medium speeds. For very high-speed applications, we recommend a precision-ground finish and ensuring the PV (Pressure x Velocity) value remains within the 1.5 – 2.0 N/mm²·m/s range.
Q: Does Bearingface.com provide custom sizing?
A: Yes. We specialize in custom-machined LG2 bushings based on your 2D/3D drawings, including specialized oil grooves or graphite plug patterns.
Ready to specify Maintenance-Free LG2 for your next project?
