Bowman Oilless® Bearings

Bowman Oilless graphite plug bronze self lubricating bearings

An Overview of Bowman Oilless® Bearings

Bowman Oilless bearings are precision-engineered, maintenance-free plain bearings designed for demanding high load low speed bearing applications where conventional lubrication is difficult, impractical, or impossible. Manufactured from premium bronze alloys and embedded with solid lubricant plugs, these graphite plug bronze bearings provide continuous self-lubrication throughout their service life, eliminating the need for external grease or oil while reducing maintenance costs and equipment downtime.

As high-performance self lubricating bronze bushings, Bowman Oilless® bearings are designed to operate reliably in dry-running conditions, extreme temperatures, and harsh industrial environments. Depending on the material selected, they can withstand temperatures ranging from cryogenic conditions of -200°C to elevated temperatures of 400°C, making them suitable for applications across mining, steel processing, construction, marine, power generation, and heavy industrial machinery.

Whether you are looking for an oilless bushing manufacturer in the USA, a trusted WMO bearing distributor, or a reliable dry running bronze bearing supplier, Bowman delivers precision-engineered bearing solutions backed by decades of engineering expertise and global technical support.

Oilless Specifications

StructureCuZn25Al6Mn4 Bronze with solid graphite lubricant inserts (alternative specifications are available on request)
 PV (N/mm² x m/s)3.3 max
Static load (N/mm²)100 max
Sliding speed (m/s)0.3 max
Operating temperature (°C)Up to 300
(alternative specs up to 400)
Coefficient of thermal expansion19 x 10-5/°C
Coefficient of friction0.16
Hardness (HB)210 min
Tensile strength (N/mm²)750 min
Elongation (%)12 min
Density (g/cm³)8

The Key Strengths of the Bowman Oilless® Bearings

Bowman Oilless bearings are engineered to provide dependable, maintenance-free plain bearing performance in demanding applications where conventional lubrication is impractical or impossible. Manufactured from premium bronze alloys with embedded solid lubricant plugs, these graphite plug bronze bearings deliver continuous self-lubrication throughout their service life, reducing wear, minimizing downtime, and eliminating the need for routine greasing. Designed for high load low speed bearing applications, they perform reliably in dry-running environments, corrosive conditions, and extreme temperatures ranging from cryogenic levels to as high as 400°C, depending on the material selected. As high-performance self lubricating bronze bushings, Bowman Oilless® bearings are widely used across mining, steel production, power generation, marine, construction, and heavy industrial machinery where durability, reliability, and low maintenance are essential.

Stable Molecular Structure

Engineered with a robust molecular design, ensuring strength, stability, and resistance to deformation.

High Load Capacity

Designed to support substantial loads, providing reliable performance under heavy pressure.

Long-Lasting Lubrication

Incorporates solid lubricants for continuous, self-lubricating performance over extended periods.

Minimal Maintenance

Requires infrequent servicing, reducing downtime and operational costs.

Low Friction Operation

Delivers smooth, efficient motion with reduced energy loss and wear.

Suitable for Low-Speed Uses

Ideal for slow-moving applications requiring consistent, reliable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the answer to your question is not listed below, please feel free to give us a call directly on +1 (0) 419 830 2230 or email us on sales@bowmanbearingtech.com.

What are Bowman Oilless® Bearings?

Bowman Oilless® Bearings are premium maintenance free plain bearings designed for demanding applications where conventional lubrication is impractical or impossible. Manufactured from high-quality bronze alloys with embedded solid lubricant plugs, these graphite plug bronze bearings provide continuous self-lubrication, reducing friction, minimizing wear, and eliminating the need for routine greasing. They are ideal for high load low speed bearing applications operating in dry, dusty, corrosive, or extreme temperature environments.

Which industries use Bowman Oilless® Bearings?

Bowman Oilless® Bearings are widely used across mining, steel processing, construction, marine, power generation, material handling, automotive, and heavy industrial machinery. Their robust design and self-lubricating properties make them ideal self lubricating bronze bushings for equipment operating under heavy loads, slow speeds, and challenging environmental conditions. They are also widely specified for applications where maintenance access is limited.

Can I get Bowman Oilless® Bearings customized to my specification?

Yes. Bowman offers bespoke Oilless® bearing solutions tailored to your specific operating requirements. As a trusted oilless bushing manufacturer in the USA, we manufacture custom dimensions, lubrication plug layouts, materials, tolerances, and bearing configurations to optimize performance for OEM and specialist industrial applications.

Which materials and sizes are available for Bowman Oilless® Bearings?

Bowman Oilless® Bearings are available in a range of premium bronze alloys with graphite or other solid lubricant inserts, depending on the application's operating conditions. Standard metric and imperial sizes are available, alongside fully customized bearing solutions for specialized equipment. Our engineering team can recommend the most suitable material and bearing configuration based on load, speed, temperature, and environmental requirements.

How do I request a quote for Bowman Oilless® Bearings?

To request a quotation, simply contact Bowman with your bearing dimensions, operating conditions, load requirements, speed, and application details. Whether you are looking for a trusted WMO bearing distributor, a reliable dry running bronze bearing supplier, or a fully customized Oilless® bearing solution, our engineering team will recommend the optimum bearing for your application.

Looking for a custom size or special specifications?

Whether you need standard or custom options, we’re here to help. Reach out now and let’s find the perfect match!

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