Premium Die & Mold Self-Lubricating Bronze Components
High-Performance Solutions for Modern Tooling

graphite bronze bushing for stamping die set application self-lubricating graphite-embedded bushings and bronze wear plates for die sets application

High-Performance Solutions for Modern Tooling

  • 100% Oil-Free Operation: Eliminate oil contamination and environmental hazards.

  • Extreme Load Capacity: Specifically engineered for high-tonnage stamping and heavy injection cycles.

  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: Maintenance-free performance significantly extends the life of the tool.

  • Precision Alloy Selection: Available in multiple high-grade bronze alloys for specific industrial needs.

Why Choose Oil-Free Bushings for Your Dies & Molds?

Traditional grease-lubricated components often fail in high-demand production environments. Switch to self-lubricating bronze to solve:

  1. Product Contamination: Prevent oil leaks from ruining plastic surfaces or precision metal parts.

  2. High Maintenance Cycles: Eliminate the need for manual lubrication in complex or inaccessible die sections.

  3. Component Seizure: Prevent “galling” or lock-ups caused by high heat or heavy side-loading.

  4. Abrasive Wear: Avoid the “grinding paste” effect created when dust and metal debris mix with traditional grease.

Die & Mold Product Collection

Component Type Base Material Alloy Grades (Standard) Key Advantages Application Example
Plain Guide Bush Tin Bronze C93200 / CuSn5Pb5Zn5 High precision, cost-effective. Standard stamping die sets.
Graphite Plugged Bush High-Strength Brass C86300 / ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 Maintenance-free, high load. Progressive dies, automotive tools.
Shoulder / Flanged Bush Aluminum Bronze C95400 / ZCuAl10Fe3 Secure axial positioning. Injection molds, multi-station dies.
Wear Plate / Slide Plate Cast Bronze + Graphite C86300 / C95800 Massive surface contact area. Cam units, slide bases, and large slides.
Custom Components Specialized Alloys Per Drawing Requirement Tailored for non-standard tools. Core pulls, specialized machinery.

Comparison: Bushings vs. Slide Plates

Feature Graphite Embedded Bushings Bronze Graphite Slide / Wear Plates
Primary Function Precision circumferential guidance; handles vertical/radial loads. Planar sliding guidance; handles lateral thrust and surface friction.
Geometry Cylindrical / Tubular. Flat Plates / L-Blocks / V-Blocks.
Typical Parts Leader pins, stripper guides, lifters, nitrogen springs. Cam sliders, scrap cutters, binder sliding surfaces.
Load Characteristics Vertical impact and radial side-loading. Tangential thrust and large-area sliding pressure.
Installation Press-fit into plate bores. Bolted or fixed via dovetail grooves.
Main Advantage Ensures die set alignment and prevents pin seizure. Ensures smooth cam motion and maintains part accuracy under high thrust.

Technical Material Selection & Comparison

Selecting the correct bronze alloy is the foundation of tool longevity. We offer three primary cast bronze categories:

1. High-Strength Brass (ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3 / C86300)

  • Hardness: HB 210–250

  • Performance: The highest load-bearing capacity and excellent impact resistance.

  • Best For: Heavy-duty automotive stamping dies and heavy-load cam units.

2. Tin Bronze (ZCuSn10 / C90700)

  • Hardness: HB 70–110

  • Performance: Exceptional anti-frictional properties and high dimensional stability.

  • Best For: High-speed precision molds and electronic connector tooling.

3. Aluminum Bronze (ZCuAl10Fe3 / C95400)

  • Hardness: HB 150–190

  • Performance: Superior heat resistance and oxidation stability.

  • Best For: Hot stamping, die casting, and glass molds (up to 400°C).

Specific Application Breakdown

1. Stamping & Progressive Dies

  • Main Guide Pillars & Bushings: Use Graphite Plugged Flanged Bushings (C86300). These handle the primary alignment and absorb the impact of the blanking stroke.

  • Cam Units: Use Self-Lubricating Wear Plates. Essential for the sliding surfaces of driving and working blocks where manual grease fails under pressure.

  • Stripper Plates: Use Graphite Plugged Bushings to handle high-frequency oscillation while remaining resistant to metal dust.

2. Injection Molds

  • Ejector Systems: Use Solid Lubricant Bushings for ejector pins and plates to ensure a clean, oil-free environment for plastic parts.

  • Side Cores & Slides: Use L-type or V-type Slide Plates to maintain precision lateral movement without the risk of seizing.

Performance Advantages vs. Limitations

Advantages:

  • Heavy Load Handling: Superior to thin-wall composite bushings in high-impact scenarios.

  • Shock Resistance: The ductility of cast bronze prevents cracking under sudden loads.

  • Debris Tolerance: Solid lubricant pores can trap fine particles, preventing shaft scoring.

Limitations:

  • Speed Limits: Not suitable for high-speed continuous rotation (best for linear/oscillating motion).

  • Clearance Requirements: Requires slightly larger clearances than needle bearings to allow for the formation of the lubricant film.

FAQ: Die & Mold Self-Lubricating Components

Q1: What are the standard alloy grades used?
We primarily use High-Strength Brass (C86300), Tin Bronze (C93200), and Aluminum Bronze (C95400), depending on the load and temperature requirements.

Q2: What is the benefit of the “Flanged” or “Shoulder” design?
The flange provides a mechanical stop that ensures accurate axial positioning and prevents the bushing from moving during high-vibration stamping.

Q3: Can these components operate in high-temperature molds?
Yes, our Aluminum Bronze based components (C95400) with specialized solid lubricants can operate reliably at temperatures reaching 400°C.

Q4: Do I need to lubricate them during installation?
A light film of grease during initial assembly is recommended to help establish the solid lubricant transfer film, but they run 100% dry thereafter.

Q5: What shaft hardness is required?
For maximum life, we recommend mating our bronze components with hardened steel shafts (HRC 55 or higher).

Q6: Can you manufacture custom sizes or special grades?
Absolutely. We specialize in custom-cast bronze components based on your specific drawings.

Q7: How do these handle metal shavings?
The solid lubricant plugs act as “catchment areas” for minor debris, reducing the risk of the sliding surface being scratched.

Q8: Why use Tin Bronze instead of High-Strength Brass?
Tin bronze (C90700) is preferred for applications requiring higher speeds and lower friction where the load is moderate.

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