Industries · Aerospace
Copper Alloys for Aerospace: Landing Gear, Wheel and Brake Bushings
Landing gear, wheel and brake bushings take heavy, oscillating loads and must keep working if lubrication fails. VAN INTERTRADE supplies Materion ToughMet and beryllium copper for aerospace bushings, bearings and components.
What aircraft bushings have to do
Aircraft bushings and bearings carry high loads at low sliding speeds, see wide temperature swings and are replaced on maintenance schedules, so a material that galls or wears quickly adds directly to maintenance cost. The part must also keep running safely if its grease is lost.
How the alloys answer it
Materion states that ToughMet 3 is used on all models of mainline commercial aircraft today, and that in aircraft ToughMet can run safely for extended periods if lubrication fails. C17200 (Alloy 25), which Materion describes as the highest-strength copper beryllium it makes, is used for aerospace bushings and bearings.
Materials for aerospace
- ToughMet
Aircraft landing gear, wheel and brake bushings and bearings.
- Beryllium Copper
Aerospace bushings, bearings and components that need the highest-strength beryllium copper grade.
Sources: materion.com (toughmet-alloys) · materion.com (high-strength-copper-beryllium)
Frequently asked questions
- Which copper alloy is used for landing gear bushings?
- ToughMet 3 is used for aircraft landing gear, wheel and brake bushings and bearings, and Materion states that it is used on all models of mainline commercial aircraft today.
- What happens to a ToughMet bushing if lubrication fails?
- Materion states that in aircraft ToughMet can run safely for extended periods if lubrication fails, thanks to its natural lubricity.
Choosing a material for aerospace?
Tell us the part, the grade or form you have in mind, the size and the quantity, and we will send a quotation.