Do you CNC-machine custom parts?

Yes. We machine graphite and carbon-graphite parts from drawings or samples, with typical tolerances down to ±0.02 in depending on geometry and grade.

Why use graphite bushings instead of lubricated metal?

Graphite is self-lubricating dry, thermally stable, and compatible with vacuum or atmospheres where oils and greases fail or contaminate. Ideal for bushings, spacers, and rotary inserts.

What data do you need to quote a graphite bushing?

OD × ID × length (or drawing), quantity, temperature, atmosphere, load/speed, and current or preferred grade. With that we recommend isostatic, extruded, or carbon-graphite.

When should I use a resin- or metal-impregnated blank?

Impregnation reduces open porosity, improves sealing, and can increase wear resistance. Resin is common for seals and EDM; metal impregnation adds conductivity and hardness for demanding mechanical uses.

What is extruded graphite used for?

Bars, tubes, and profiles for electrodes, resistors, bushings, and parts where extrusion-process anisotropy is acceptable or beneficial. Strong cost/performance for long lengths.

Do you manufacture build-to-print?

Yes. From drawing or sample we make graphite/carbon parts: bushings, electrodes, crucibles, seals, molds, and special components, with dimensional control and traceability.

What type of graphite is used to make bushings and sleeves?

Selection depends on load, speed, temperature, atmosphere, and part geometry. Depending on the case we use carbon-graphite grades (with or without resin or metal impregnation), isostatic graphite when uniformity and precision geometry are needed, or extruded graphite when the part starts from rod or tube. ESGRAF recommends and justifies the grade from those inputs.

Does a graphite bushing need external lubrication?

It does not need oil or grease to slide: the graphite itself transfers a film onto the counterface. That behaviour depends on the counterface material and finish, on load, on speed, and on atmosphere, so performance is validated in the application rather than assumed from the material.

Up to what temperature can a graphite bushing work?

There is no single limit: it depends on the grade and, above all, on the atmosphere. In air the limiting factor is oxidation of the graphite, while in vacuum or inert atmosphere the useful range is considerably higher. The applicable limit is confirmed against the datasheet of the selected grade.

What clearance should be left between the bushing and the shaft?

It is calculated case by case. Graphite and the metal of the housing and shaft have different thermal expansion coefficients, so the cold clearance must be chosen so the fit stays correct at working temperature. Sizing it requires the operating temperature, the materials in the assembly, and the intended type of fit.

Can graphite bushings be manufactured to drawing?

Yes. ESGRAF machines bushings, sleeves, and spacers to drawing or dimensions, including tolerances, lubrication grooves, flanges, and bores. Starting from an available standard part is also possible when the geometry allows it.

Machined graphite bushings and sleeves of various diameters on a light background — Machined graphite bushings and sleeves in several diameters, ready for assembly.

Mechanical applications

Machine bushings and spacers

They reduce friction and wear on moving components in high-temperature and demanding atmospheres.

Request a quote

Mechanical sliding component

Also known as: Graphite bushings · Graphite sleeves · Graphite bearings · Graphite journal bearings · Carbon-graphite bushings · Graphite spacers

[ Technical summary ]

Graphite bushings, sleeves, and journal bearings are sliding elements that carry a shaft or guide relative motion without external lubrication. Graphite provides a low dry coefficient of friction, dimensional stability against temperature, and compatibility with atmospheres where oil degrades or contaminates the process. They appear in industrial machinery, furnaces, pumps, and equipment working in vacuum or controlled atmosphere.

[ Problem it solves ]

Allow relative motion between components without depending on oil or grease lubrication, when the conventional lubricant degrades with temperature, outgasses under vacuum, cannot be replenished often enough, or contaminates the product or the process atmosphere.

Processes

Dry sliding
Self-lubrication
Shaft guiding and support

Operating conditions

Dry operation, without oil or grease
High temperature
Vacuum
Controlled or inert atmosphere
Environments where lubricant contamination is not acceptable

When it is suitable

Oil or grease lubrication cannot be used
There is sustained or cyclic high-temperature exposure
The equipment operates in vacuum or in a controlled atmosphere
Product or process contamination must be minimized
Loads are steady and free of impact
Relubrication or maintenance is hard to schedule

When it may not be suitable

There are impact or repeated shock loads
The design requires ductility or plastic deformation of the element
There is severe oxidation in air at high temperature without protection or impregnation
The counterface is abrasive or significantly misaligned
Mechanical strength equivalent to a structural metal is required

Process challenges

Wear from metal-to-metal friction
Oil contamination
Thermal deformation
Seizing on dry start

Advantages

Low dry coefficient of friction
Dimensional stability at temperature
Does not require external lubrication
Machinable to tight tolerances

Limitations

Oxidation in air at high temperature without protection
Lower mechanical strength than structural metals
Requires grade selection by load and environment

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Operating temperatureDecisive
Atmosphere (air, inert, vacuum)Decisive
Load and its distributionDecisive
Sliding speedDecisive
Clearance and type of fitDecisive
Counterface material and finishRelevant
Geometry and tolerances (OD, ID, length)Relevant
Alignment and mounting stiffnessRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Friction coefficient
Wear resistance
Compressive strength
Flexural strength

Secondary properties

Thermal expansion
Self-lubrication
Oxidation resistance
Dimensional stability

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

View all FAQs

Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: September 8, 2026

[ Quote ]

Need the right specification—not just material?

Tell us your application. Engineering response in under 24 hours.

Request a quote Talk to an advisor