Plain Leader Bushings
Standard cylindrical bushings in bronze alloy or hardened steel — the most economical option for general-purpose molds with regular lubrication.
Plain Leader Bushings Products
Plain Bushing — CAC301 Bronze
CAC301 Bronze or S45C Steel | H7 bore
Plain Bushing — S45C Steel
CAC301 Bronze or S45C Steel | H7 bore
Plain Bushing — SUJ2 Hardened
CAC301 Bronze or S45C Steel | H7 bore
Plain Bushing — Flanged
CAC301 Bronze or S45C Steel | H7 bore
Plain Bushing — Press-Fit
CAC301 Bronze or S45C Steel | H7 bore
Plain Bushing — Inch Size
CAC301 Bronze or S45C Steel | H7 bore
Bronze vs Steel Plain Bushings
| Property | CAC301 Bronze | S45C Steel (Carburized) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | HB 80-100 | HRC 45-50 (surface) |
| Friction vs SUJ2 Pin | Low (dissimilar metals) | Higher (steel-on-steel) |
| Wear Pattern | Bushing wears (softer) — protects pin | Both surfaces wear |
| Lubrication Need | Every 5K-10K cycles | Every 2K-5K cycles |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (naturally resistant) | Poor (requires anti-rust treatment) |
| Cost | $$ | $ |
| Best For | Production molds, standard choice | Budget molds, low-cycle prototyping |
Deep dive: For a detailed comparison, read Bronze vs Steel Leader Bushings — Which Material Lasts Longer?.
About Plain Leader Bushings
Plain leader bushings are solid cylindrical bore components that receive leader pins for mold-half alignment. Bronze alloy (CAC301) is the industry standard, providing low friction against SUJ2 steel leader pins with predictable wear patterns — the softer bushing wears first, protecting the more expensive pin. Steel (S45C carburized) bushings offer lower upfront cost for prototype and low-cycle molds.
Application Scenarios
General-Purpose Injection Molds
Standard production molds need reliable, cost-effective alignment bushings that pair well with SUJ2 leader pins.
Why it fits: CAC301 bronze provides the ideal combination of low friction, predictable wear, and corrosion resistance for standard mold environments.
Prototype and Short-Run Molds
Prototype molds running < 50K cycles need functional alignment at minimum cost.
Why it fits: S45C steel bushings cost 40% less than bronze and provide adequate performance for short production runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bronze and steel plain leader bushings?+
What press-fit tolerance do plain bushings require?+
How often should plain leader bushings be replaced?+
Engineering Resources
Need Custom Plain Leader Bushings?
Precision plain leader bushings manufactured to JIS and DIN standards. Custom dimensions available. MOQ 1 piece.