Compression bushing - cylindrical spacer

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Protect your component assemblies with a compression sleeve

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SpacersSpacers, commonly known as "bushes", play an essential role in mechanical engineering and industrial assembly. They ensure the precise positioning of components, reducing the risk of distortion or unwanted movement. These small, often overlooked parts can have a significant impact on the overall performance of a mechanism.

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The compression bushing, often underestimated, offers remarkable robustness.

Its cylindrical structure not only provides structural stability, but also resists mechanical stress. 

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The compression bushing is specially designed to absorb heavy loads and maintain the integrity of assembly parts. Its robust design makes it an essential choice for projects requiring increased resistance to compressive forces.

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What is a compression sleeve?

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Compression bushes are cylindrical fastening solutions designed to protect plastic part assemblies against compressive forces.

They are specially designed for use after parts have been molded or overmolded, to prevent deformation.

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Thanks to their solid, durable structure, these bushes can compensate for dimensional variations caused by thermal shock.

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In short, they offer a reliable and efficient solution for guaranteeing the stability and durability of plastic part assemblies, while preserving their integrity.

These bushes are found in many industrial sectors, including the automotive industry, and particularly in intake manifolds and air-conditioning fittings.

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How are LGC compression sleeves made?

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There are two different methods for creating a socket

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From pin to compression sleeve

It is possible to start with a solid material that has been machined into a pin. In this case, it is necessary to drill a pin to make it hollow, a process known as reaming, which complicates the process both financially and technically, as well as environmentally.

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From tube to compression sleeve

In a second case, a compression sleeve can be made from a tube.

The use of a tube is highly recommended, as it perfectly meets all the criteria (price, quality and also carbon footprint).

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This is the technique we use at LGC.

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The first step in manufacturing a bushing is to cut the raw material. 

The raw material comes in the form of long hollow tubes. Material and diameter depend on the final part required. 

The tube enters a machine which cuts it to the desired length.

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The part can be further machined on specialized machines.

For example, chamfers may be required or finishes applied to the material. 

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The part then goes through a grinding stage.

A roller presses the workpieces against a high-speed grinding wheel. It is the grinding wheel which, through abrasion, modifies the diameter of the part to achieve tolerances of a few microns (~5-6 μm).

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What are the advantages of a compression sleeve?

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• Load absorption: the compression sleeve is designed to efficiently absorb and distribute loads, reducing pressure on adjacent components. This ensures uniform stress distribution, preventing deformation and preserving the integrity of the assembly.
• Stability: by maintaining structural stability, the compression sleeve helps prevent deformation and potential failure. It reinforces the overall strength of the assembly, ensuring reliable performance over time.
• Vibration reduction: thanks to its ability to absorb vibrations, the compression bushing improves assembly operating comfort. This is particularly beneficial in applications where excessive vibration can lead to premature component wear.
• Shock absorption: Compression bushes act as shock absorbers, minimizing shocks and impacts. This protects fragile components from potential damage, prolonging the useful life of the assembly.
• Ease of installation: With their practical design, compression bushes are easy to install. This ease of installation enables fast, efficient assembly, reducing downtime during production or maintenance.
• Material compatibility: Compression bushes are versatile and compatible with a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic or composites. This adaptability makes them ideal for a variety of industrial applications.
• Dimensional accuracy: By maintaining precise alignment between components, compression bushes help preserve the dimensional accuracy of the assembly. This is crucial in areas where strict tolerances are required.

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Would you like to find out more about our sockets?

Visit our dedicated article: All you need to know about LGC sockets

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