The service life of self-lubricating copper sleeve and graphite copper sleeve is affected by a variety of factors, so it is difficult to give an exact time. The following are some of the influencing factors and the approximate service life range:

First, self-lubricating copper sleeve

Influencing factors:

Working conditions:

Load size: in the case of light load, the service life of self-lubricating copper sleeve is relatively long. If a long period of time under heavy load, will accelerate the wear and tear of the copper sleeve, shorten the service life. For example, in some small machinery, light load operation of self-lubricating copper sleeve may be used for several years; while in the heavy load of large equipment, the service life may be shortened to a few months or even shorter.

Speed: At low speeds, friction generates relatively little heat and wear, resulting in a longer service life. Higher speeds increase frictional heat and wear, reducing service life. Generally speaking, the service life of self-lubricating copper sleeve at low speeds may be around a few years, while at high speeds it may only be a few months.

Working temperature: If the working temperature is within the suitable range of the copper sleeve, its performance is relatively stable and its service life is long. However, if the temperature is too high, it will make the copper sleeve material soften, lubricant failure, etc., resulting in shorter life. For example, under normal temperature, self-lubricating copper sleeve may be used for 2-3 years, while in high temperature environment, it may only be about 1 year.

Installation and Maintenance:

Installation Accuracy: Proper installation ensures a good fit between the bronze bushing and the shaft, reducing bias wear and excessive friction. Improper installation, such as too much or too little clearance, misalignment, etc., will accelerate the wear of the copper sleeve and reduce its service life. Professionally installed and regularly inspected and maintained self-lubricating bronze bushings may extend service life by 30% – 50%.

Maintenance: Regularly checking the wear of copper bushings, replenishing lubricant and other maintenance measures can extend their service life. Lack of maintenance may result in premature failure of the self-lubricating bushing due to lubricant depletion and increased wear.

Service life range: In general, the service life of self-lubricating copper bushings ranges from a few months to several years.

Second, graphite copper sleeve

Influencing factors:

Graphite content and quality: graphite content moderate and good quality copper sleeve, its self-lubricating performance and wear resistance is better, longer service life. If the graphite content is too low, the lubrication effect is not obvious; content is too high may affect the strength of copper sleeve. Under reasonable working conditions, the service life of high-quality graphite copper sleeve may be 2-3 times longer than that of ordinary copper sleeve.

Working environment:

Corrosive media: in the environment of corrosive media, such as the chemical industry, copper sleeve is easy to be corroded, thus reducing the service life. If you take effective anti-corrosion measures, such as the use of corrosion-resistant coatings or materials, you can extend the service life of graphite copper sleeves.

Cleanliness: Dust and impurities in the working environment will enter the gap between the copper sleeve and the shaft, increasing friction and wear. Keeping the working environment clean can prolong the service life of graphite copper sleeve.

Design and manufacturing process: Reasonable design and advanced manufacturing process can improve the quality and performance of the copper sleeve, to extend the service life. For example, using precision casting, powder metallurgy and other processes to manufacture graphite copper sleeve, its organization is uniform, stable performance, relatively long service life.

Service life range: usually, the service life of graphite copper sleeve is about 1 – 5 years, under some special good working conditions, it may even be longer.