Sleeve bearings, often called bushings, journal bearings, or plain bearings, facilitate linear movement between two parts. Typically, they consist of a metal, plastic, or fiber-reinforced composite sleeve that has the capacity to reduce vibrations and noise through a sliding motion that allows them to absorb friction between the two moving parts. More than that, they are available at low price points, are easy to install, and require less maintenance than other bearings.

Bearings are a critical fastener used throughout the aerospace, defense, and other industries. They have a wide range of uses and therefore come in many types. The primary types of bearings are ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and needle bearings. Ball bearings are the most commonly used, but each type offers its own benefits and drawbacks. This blog will cover each of the four main types of bearings as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Although bearings are mechanically simple parts, they play a very important role in the aerospace industry. They are found throughout aircraft in components such as wings, flight controls, cockpit controls, auxiliary power units, landing gear, door systems, and aircraft interiors. Besides acting as a fastener, when bearings are applied properly they can increase fuel efficiency, extend maintenance intervals, and lower carbon emissions.