Rubber Flex Bushings

Based on our experience, and the accumulation of tooling from prior years – there are many sizes we can offer which require only assembly – eliminating the expense of tooling. We can also help you determine the least expensive approach to match your specific needs.

Bushing inserts can be supplied in virtually any metal – brass, steel (often case hardened for use on torsional bushings with end serrations for gripping), stainless steel, bronze (including porous bronze powdered metal bearings for lubrication), copper or plated metal – and plastics. The outside diameter of the outer can of the bushing is often centerless ground to size to “press fit” into a receiving bore hole.

Elastomer selection is most often driven by the environment of the application. Ozone exposure, severe cold or heat, exposure to oil, gas, diesel, or solvents must be considered.

We offer free design assistance, and can help if you are designing a new product. If you are looking towards systems integration to reduce the number of parts, attempting to solve specific application problems, or simply trying to reduce noise and vibration in an existing mechanism, we can assist to ensure your bushing design will meet all of the physical and mechanical requirements of the application.

The proper design takes into consideration radial, (both static and dynamic), axial, torsional and conical loads and their combined effects. Plus cycle speeds and frequency of application, size and space limitations (shaft size/maximum O.D. / I.D., or length) and any abnormal environmental influences such as exposure to heat, cold, oil, and solvents.

Beyond the choice between transfer, injection, or compression molding – it’s important to understand the physical and mechanical requirements of your application. If you are considering a center bonded over mold, can your parts accept axial loading thru the bore? What radial loads are expected, and will a silent-bloc bushing handle the expected radial load of your application? Will a fully mold bonded design hold up in a rigorous application – or should the part be pre-stressed to add durability and longevity in my application? What is the best method of manufacture for reciprocating torsional force?