Sintered Iron Bushings

When Are Sintered Iron Bushings a Suitable Choice?

Sintered iron bushings are made from porous iron-based material produced through powder metallurgy. The pores can retain lubricating oil, allowing oil to reach the sliding surface during operation.

This structure makes oil impregnated iron bushings an option for mechanical assemblies where a compact bearing, an oil-retaining structure and reduced routine lubrication are required.

Oil impregnated sintered iron bushings in plain and flanged form

They may be worth considering when:

A shaft rotates continuously or intermittently inside a fixed housing.
The design calls for a self-lubricating or oil-impregnated bearing.
Space is limited and a compact sleeve bearing is preferred.
The equipment needs a repeatable bearing size for series production.
The existing design uses an iron-based sintered bushing and requires a replacement.

However, an oil-impregnated structure does not mean that every application can run without further maintenance. Bearing suitability depends on the load, speed, temperature, shaft surface, clearance and operating environment. These conditions should be reviewed before selecting a material.

How Oil-Impregnated Sintered Iron Bushings Work

Unlike a solid metal sleeve, powder metallurgy iron bushes contain a network of pores formed during manufacturing. After impregnation, these pores hold lubricating oil within the material.

As the shaft moves against the bushing, operating conditions can help oil reach the sliding interface. The oil supports lubrication between the shaft and the bearing surface and can help reduce direct metal-to-metal contact.

The result depends on the design and operating conditions. Oil retention alone does not establish a sintered iron bearing's load capacity, friction level or service life.

When reviewing an application, it is useful to check:

Movement: Is the shaft rotating continuously, starting and stopping frequently, or oscillating through a limited angle?
Load: Is the load steady, variable or subject to repeated impact?
Speed: What is the normal shaft speed, and are there frequent starts or stops?
Temperature: What are the normal operating temperature and any temperature peaks?
Lubrication: Will the bushing rely on its impregnated oil, or will the assembly receive additional lubrication?

These details help determine whether oil-impregnated sintered iron bushes are appropriate for the application.

Sintered Iron vs. Sintered Bronze Bushings

Iron-based and bronze-based sintered bushings both use powder metallurgy and can be supplied in oil-impregnated designs. The material choice should be based on the actual operating requirements rather than the material name alone.

Selection factor	Sintered iron bushings	Sintered bronze bushings
Base material	Iron-based powder metal	Bronze-based powder metal
Lubrication structure	Can retain oil in its pores	Can retain oil in its pores
Main selection consideration	Confirm the iron material grade and suitability for the load, speed and environment	Confirm the bronze composition and suitability for the load, speed and environment
Corrosion considerations	Check the operating environment and material protection requirements	Check the bronze grade and the specific environment
Best way to choose	Compare the actual material specification and operating requirements	Compare the actual material specification and operating requirements

Neither material is automatically the better choice for every application. Load, speed, temperature, lubrication, corrosion exposure and required service life can change the decision.

If you are replacing an existing bearing, the original material specification is a useful starting point. If you are developing a new assembly, share the operating conditions and housing design so the material can be evaluated against the actual requirements.

For other porous metal bearing options, see our Sintered Bushings product range.

Sintered Iron Bushing Manufacturing Process

Hydraulic press and die tooling used for sintered iron bushing production — 1Powder Preparation

Iron-based metal powders are blended and prepared according to the required material composition.

Sintered iron bushing positioned on a press die — 2Powder Compaction

The prepared powder is compressed in precision dies to form components with the required shape and approximate dimensions.

Sintered iron bushings on the conveyor of a sintering furnace — 3Sintering

The compacted components are heated in a controlled-atmosphere furnace below the melting point of the base metal, bonding the powder particles to form a porous metal structure.

Sintered iron bushings in wire mesh baskets after sintering — 4Sizing

The sintered components are pressed through sizing dies to improve dimensional accuracy and achieve the specified dimensions.

Sintered iron bushings immersed in an oil impregnation tank — 5Oil Impregnation

Lubricating oil is introduced into the interconnected pores of the sintered iron structure, providing an internal oil reservoir for self-lubricating operation.

Finished oil-impregnated sintered iron bushings in a wire basket — 6Final Inspection

Finished bushings are inspected for dimensional accuracy, appearance and compliance with specified product requirements before delivery.

Where Are Sintered Iron Bushings Used?

Oil-impregnated sintered iron bushings are used in several types of mechanical assemblies. Published product information from sintered bearing suppliers identifies textile machinery, power tools, automotive and motorcycle shock absorbers, and static guide or retaining positions as established application areas.

Application	Typical position or function	What to check
Textile machinery	Shaft support in moving mechanical assemblies	Operating speed, duty cycle and lubrication
Power tools	Bearing positions supporting rotating shafts	Shaft speed, vibration and operating temperature
Automotive and motorcycle shock absorbers	Selected bearing or guide positions within the assembly	Movement, load variation, fit and service requirements
Static guide and retaining positions	Guide sleeves or locating components that remain stationary	Dimensional fit, alignment and the function of the assembly

The exact bearing design depends on the machine and operating conditions. These examples identify potential application areas; they do not mean that one sintered iron bushing specification is suitable for every position.

When requesting a quotation, provide the bushing dimensions and, where possible, the shaft speed, load, temperature and operating cycle. This information helps establish whether sintered iron bearings are appropriate for your application.

Standard Sizes and Custom Sintered Iron Bushings

GLARY offers sintered iron bushings in standard sizes and can also manufacture bushings to customer drawings.

If you are replacing an existing part, provide the inner diameter, outer diameter, length and any available part drawing. For a new design, include the shaft and housing dimensions along with the operating conditions.

Choose a bushing type to open its standard size chart.

Standard sizes

Cylindrical Bushings

Bore d 3-40 mm · 190 sizes · Dimensions in mm · Tolerances to ISO 286

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Bore d:

d (F7)	D (s7)	H (js13)
3	5	5.5
3	6	2.3
3	6	6
3	6	12
3	7	3
3	7	7.4
3	7	10.5
3	7	11
3	7	16
3	7.1	20
4	8	8
4	8	12
4	8	15
4	9	16
4	10	5
5	8	3
5	8	5
5	9	16
5	10	8.5
6	9	10
6	9	11
6	10	7.5
6	10	8.8
6	10	10.5
6	10	15.5
6	10	16
6	11.2	25.4
6	12	10
6	12	16
6	12	22
6	13	10
6	13	13
6	15	14
7	10	6
7	10	10
7	11	6
7	11	7
7	11	8
7	11	10
7	11	12
7	13	6
7.5	10	9.5
8	10	7
8	11	5.5
8	11	7
8	11	8
8	11	11.8
8	11	12
8	11	31
8	12	5.5
8	12	6
8	12	7.5
8	12	8
8	12	8.5
8	12	10
8	12	11
8	12	12
8	12	25.5
8	13	8
8	13	10
8	13	12
8	14	10
8	14	15.5
8	14	16
8	15	15.5
8	15	19
8	15	20
8	18	6
8	22	7
9	12	6
9	12	7
9	12	8
9	13	6
9	13	7
9	13	8
9	13	8.9
9	13	10
9	14	6
9	14	7.5
9	14	10
9	14	12
9	15	10.2
9.5	13.3	7.8
10	13	16
10	13	17.5
10	14	9
10	14	10
10	14	11
10	14	12
10	14	16
10	14	17.5
10	14	25
10	14	25.5
10	14	26
10	14	31
10	14	33
10	14	36
10	15	12
10	15	16
10	15	22
10	15	25.5
10	16	9
10	16	10
10	16	15
10	19	27.5
10	20	24
10	20	27
11	16	5
11	16	8
12	15	14
12	15	20
12	16	11
12	16	12
12	16	12.5
12	16	15
12	16	16
12	16	18
12	16	22
12	16	29
12	16	43
12	17	7
12	17	9
12	18	12
12	18	18.5
12	19	15.5
12.2	17	17.8
12.7	19.1	28.5
12.8	17	19
12.8	17.7	22.2
14	16	9
14	18	12
14	18	14
14	18	14.5
14	18	17
14	18	36
14	20	14
14	20	15
14	20	20
14	22	6
15	19	9.8
15	19	10
15	19	15
15	19	16
15	20	15
15.9	19.1	19.1
15.9	25.4	3.2
16	20	20
16	20	25
16	20	35
16	22	15
16	22	16
16	22	20
16	22	32
16	28	63
16.2	22	20
17	22	20
17	23	18
18	22	16
18	22	18
18	24	20
18	25	15
19	25	30
19.1	23.8	21.3
20	24	15
20	25	13.8
20	25	20
20	25	25
20	26	19
20	28	20
22	27	28
22	28	32
22	29	22
22	30	32
23	28	20
25	28	25
25	30	20
25	30	25
25	30	32
25	32	20
25	35	13.8
25	35	41.5
30	35	12.8
30	35	13.2
30	35	13.8
30	38	24
32	40	40
32.4	40	50
35	45	25
40	50	25
40	50	40

No standard size matches that filter. Send your drawing and we will quote the size you need.

Showing 190 of 190 sizes d = bore · D = outside diameter · H = length

Standard sizes

Flanged Bushings

Bore d 3-40 mm · 103 sizes · Dimensions in mm · Tolerances to ISO 286

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Bore d:

d (F8)	D (s8)	H (js13)	h (js13)	D1 (js13)
3	7	4	1.4	10
3	8	3	1.5	10
4	7	3.5	1.5	9
4	7	5.7	4	9
4	8	4	4	12
4	8	6	1.5	10
4.5	8	12	2	12
5	8	7	3.6	10
5	8	7	4	12
5	8	9.5	1.6	9.5
5	11	15	2	16
6	10	10	2	14
6	10	16	2	14
6	10	21	2.7	14.5
6	10	27	2	15
6	11	21.5	5	8.5
6	12	6.2	2.3	8
6	12	7	3	16
6	12	20	2	16
6	12	20	18	14.5
6	12	23	3	16
6	15	6	3	17
7	10	3.7	2.4	12
7	10	5.3	3.8	12
7	11	12.5	1.5	14.4
7	11	12.5	1.8	14.4
7	11	18	5.2	14
7	12	8	5	14
7	13	18	2	16
7	17	8	2	20
7	20	7	3	22
8	11	9	1.5	15
8	12	4.2	1.7	10
8	12	8	2	14
8	12	10	2	16
8	12	12	2	16
8	12	14	2	16
8	13	9	2	14
8	13	10	2	18
8	13	11	2	16.3
8	13	11	2.1	16
8	13	14	3	14
8	13	16	2	16.2
8	14	17	2.5	18
8	14.9	5.7	1.7	10
8	15	15.5	2	17.5
8	16	40	12.5	18
8	16	42	2	20
9	15	8	2	19
10	14	10	1.5	16
10	14	14	2	17
10	14	14	2	20
10	14	14	2.5	19
10	14	16	2	15.2
10	15	12	1.5	19
10	15	13	2	22
10	16	8	3	22
10	16	9.5	2	22
10	16	12.8	2.8	22
10	16	14	1.5	19
10	17	12	3	19
10	17	13	4	19
10	18	14	3	19
12	16	8	3	22
12	16	14	2	20
12	17	8	2	19
12	17	10	2	22
12	17	12	2.5	22
12	17	13	2	20
12	17	14	2	20
12	17	16	2.5	22
12	17	18	2	19
12	17	20	2.5	22
12	18	8	3	22
12	18	15	2	21.5
12	18	18	4.5	22
12	20	17	4	21
12.1	16	12	3	24
14	20	8	3	26
14	20	14	3	26
14	20	22	3	26
15	19	16	2	23
15	20	17	2.5	24
15	22	12	3	30
16	20	12	2.5	25
16	20	20	2	24
16	22	16	3	28
16	22	18	2	25
16	24	12	3	30
16.2	22	16	3	28
16.2	22	25	3	28
17	20	14	1.8	25.4
18	22	18	2	26
19	25	30	3	29
20	26	20	3	32
22	27	22	2.5	32
25	30	20	2.5	35
25	30	37	2.5	35
25	32	32	3.5	39
28	35	20	2.5	38
28	36	36	4	44
32	40	32	4	48
40	50	40	5	60

No standard size matches that filter. Send your drawing and we will quote the size you need.

Showing 103 of 103 sizes d = bore · D = outside diameter · H = length · h = flange thickness · D1 = flange outside diameter

Standard sizes

Spherical Bushings

Bore d 1-12 mm · 51 sizes · Dimensions in mm · Tolerances to ISO 286

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Bore d:

d (F7)	D (s7)	H (js13)
1	4	3
2	4	2
2	5	2.5
2	6	4
3	8	6
3	12	9.5
4	8	5.5
4	8	5.8
4	9	5
4	9	6
4	10	7
4	11	7
4	12	7
5	10	7
5	10	8
5	11	7
5	12	7
5	12	8
6	10	6.2
6	11	7
6	12	7
6	12	8
6	12	9
6	13	8
6	14	10
6	15	11.5
7	12	9
7	14	10
7	16	9
7	16	10
7	16	11
8	13	7
8	13	8
8	15	7.2
8	15	9
8	16	11
8	17	11
8	18	11
8	18	13
9	16	10
9	16	11
9	17	11.4
9	20	15
9	21	12
10	16	11
10	18	12
10	18	13
10	20	14
10	21	12
12	22	14
12	22	15

No standard size matches that filter. Send your drawing and we will quote the size you need.

Showing 51 of 51 sizes d = bore · D = outside diameter · H = length

Made to order

Thrust Washers

Bore 5-50 mm · Thickness 1-5 mm · Outside diameter to drawing

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Bore (ID)5 - 50 mm

Thickness1 - 5 mm

Outside diameterTo drawing

Thrust washers are supplied to your drawing or sample, so the bore, the outside diameter and the thickness follow the application.
Send the bore, the outside diameter, the thickness, the axial load and the available installation space, and we will quote against them.

To help us review your requirements, please provide:

Information	What to provide
Dimensions	Inner diameter, outer diameter and length
Operating load	Radial load and any changes during operation
Speed	Rotational speed or oscillation frequency
Temperature	Normal operating temperature and temperature peaks
Lubrication	Required oil impregnation and any additional lubrication
Quantity	Sample quantity and estimated production volume
Drawing	Technical drawing with dimensions and tolerances, if available

Standard sizes, dimensional tolerances and material specifications can be confirmed against the applicable product data.

Send an Inquiry

Custom Iron Powder Metallurgy Parts

In addition to sintered iron bushings and thrust washers, GLARY can supply other iron-based powder metallurgy components to customer drawings.

If your project requires a custom iron sintered part for a mechanical assembly, send us the technical drawing, material requirements, dimensions and estimated order quantity. We can review your specifications and discuss manufacturing options.

Standard components and drawing-based custom parts can be evaluated according to the required geometry and application.

Send an Inquiry

What to Check Before Ordering

A sintered iron bushing may have the correct nominal dimensions and still be unsuitable for the application. The following checks help reduce the risk of selecting a replacement that does not perform as required.

1

Confirm the shaft and housing fit

Check the shaft diameter, housing bore, bushing length and required fit. If the assembly uses a press fit, the installation method and dimensional tolerances also matter.

2

Identify the actual movement

Continuous rotation, intermittent rotation and oscillating movement place different demands on a bearing. Describe how the shaft moves instead of providing speed alone.

3

Review the load and operating cycle

A steady radial load is different from a load that changes direction or includes repeated shocks. Include the normal load and any unusual operating events when sharing application details.

4

Confirm the lubrication arrangement

An oil-impregnated bushing retains oil within its porous structure, but the application still needs to be checked for temperature, operating cycle and any requirement for additional lubrication.

5

Check the surrounding environment

Dust, moisture, chemicals and temperature changes can affect material selection and service life. Mention any unusual exposure before confirming the specification.

6

Compare the replacement specification

For an existing assembly, compare the original material, dimensions, tolerances and lubrication arrangement. A similar-looking bushing is not necessarily a direct replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order sintered iron bushings to my own drawing?

Yes. GLARY offers standard sizes and can manufacture custom bushings to customer drawings. Provide the dimensions, tolerances and available operating information so the requirements can be reviewed.

What is the difference between a sintered iron bushing and a solid iron sleeve?

A sintered iron bushing is made from porous powder metal. In an oil-impregnated version, the pores retain lubricating oil. A conventional solid sleeve does not have the same porous oil-retaining structure. The appropriate design depends on the application and material specification.

Can I replace a sintered bronze bushing with an iron bushing?

Not automatically. The two materials may differ in mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and suitability for particular operating conditions. Before changing materials, check the original specification, load, speed, lubrication and environment.

What information is needed for a quotation?

For a standard part, provide the required size and quantity. For a custom part, a technical drawing with dimensions and tolerances is helpful. If available, also include the load, speed, temperature and lubrication requirements.

How can I check whether the bushing is suitable for my operating conditions?

Share the shaft and housing dimensions, movement type, load, speed, temperature and operating environment. These details provide a starting point for reviewing the bushing specification. Suitability should be confirmed against the applicable product data rather than inferred from the material name alone.

Request a Quote for Sintered Iron Bushings

Whether you need a standard-size oil-impregnated sintered iron bushing or a custom part made to drawing, GLARY can review your dimensional and application requirements.

Send us your drawing, specifications and estimated quantity to discuss the appropriate product and request a quotation.

Send an Inquiry

When Are Sintered Iron Bushings a Suitable Choice?

How Oil-Impregnated Sintered Iron Bushings Work

Sintered Iron vs. Sintered Bronze Bushings

Sintered Iron Bushing Manufacturing Process

Where Are Sintered Iron Bushings Used?

Standard Sizes and Custom Sintered Iron Bushings

Cylindrical Bushings

Flanged Bushings

Spherical Bushings

Thrust Washers

Custom Iron Powder Metallurgy Parts

What to Check Before Ordering

Confirm the shaft and housing fit

Identify the actual movement

Review the load and operating cycle

Confirm the lubrication arrangement

Check the surrounding environment

Compare the replacement specification

Frequently Asked Questions

Request a Quote for Sintered Iron Bushings

Send an Inquiry

Need Self-Lubricating Bearings?

Need Self-Lubricating Bearings?