Cleaning and lubrication

When copper bushing hold-up is caused by impurities entering the mating gap, cleaning can be attempted first. Use a suitable organic solvent (e.g. kerosene, special metal cleaner, etc.) to thoroughly clean the copper bushing and its mating parts to remove dust, metal shavings and other impurities.

After cleaning, re-inject high quality lubricant. For some heavy-duty low-speed equipment, you can use extreme pressure lithium grease and other lubricants with good anti-wear properties; for high-speed equipment, the use of viscosity appropriate lubricants, such as turbine oil, etc., to improve lubrication conditions, so that the copper sleeve can return to normal operation.

Scraping repair

Scraping is a traditional but effective repair method. For the uneven surface wear of the copper sleeve, you can scrape to restore its surface accuracy. Technicians use tools such as scrapers to scrape the surface of the copper bushing in small amounts according to the shape and accuracy requirements of the mating parts.

During the scraping process, it is necessary to constantly check the fit with the mating parts to ensure that the contact area and contact accuracy between the copper sleeve and the mating parts meet the requirements. For example, in the repair of the copper sleeve of the machine tool guideway, scraping can make the copper sleeve and the guideway to form a good oil wedge between the copper sleeve and the guideway to improve the lubrication and movement accuracy.

Metal Patch Repair

For copper bushings with localized wear or small pits, metal patching agents can be used for repair. First of all, the wear parts should be cleaned and roughened, and then the blended metal repair agent (such as containing copper powder and other components of the repair agent) coated in the wear parts.

After the patching agent is cured, it is mechanically processed (such as turning, grinding, etc.) to meet the design size and accuracy requirements. This method can effectively restore the size and surface quality of copper bushings, and the patching agent generally has a certain degree of wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

Hot mounting method repair (if the size change allows)

If the inner diameter of the copper bushing becomes small and leads to holding, you can try the hot loading method. Heat the copper bushing to an appropriate temperature (generally about 100 - 200°C depending on the coefficient of thermal expansion of copper) to expand its inside diameter.

It is then quickly fitted to a mating component such as a shaft. When cooled, the copper sleeve shrinks and forms a tight fit with the component. However, this method requires precise control of temperature and installation time to avoid damage or poor fit due to excessive expansion or contraction.