---
title: "TIMOL Polyurethane Threaded Bushings: 3 Types, Characteristics, Comparison"
description: "Detailed review of TIMOL polyurethane threaded bushings: 3 types, comparison with rubber and steel, hardness selection, custom orders. Engineer consultations."
lang: "en"
date: "2026-08-28"
canonical_url: "https://timol.com.ua/en/statti/rizbovi-vtulki-novi-visokoyakisni-vtulki-3-tipi"
---
# TIMOL Polyurethane Threaded Bushings: 3 Types, Characteristics, Comparison

Scheduled replacement of bushings in an industrial assembly often results in downtime: rubber or steel parts have worn out or deformed under load once again. Switching to polyurethane threaded bushings not only reduces maintenance frequency but also stabilizes the assembly's operation even in challenging conditions. This article examines the three main types of bushings, nuances of hardness selection, design, and compares them with traditional materials.

## Types of Polyurethane Threaded Bushings: Three Main Types

TIMOL manufactures three main types of polyurethane threaded bushings: with internal threads, external threads, and combined (e.g., thread plus a smooth collar or flange for additional fixation). Internally threaded bushings are used as guides or damping elements when installation is required in an existing assembly with a mounting hole. Externally threaded bushings are attached to the body or frame, providing quick replacement and easy installation.

Combined bushings combine sealing, fixation functions, and the ability to work under mixed loads. For example, in mining or metallurgical equipment, such bushings are installed in assemblies where reliable fixation and protection against abrasives are needed. All types of bushings are manufactured by free casting to size, allowing consideration of not only geometry but also load specifics, contact with abrasives, chemically active liquids, or lubricants.

Each bushing is designed individually: the design, thread type, presence of collars or flanges are determined at the stage of technical task agreement. This approach ensures that the part is maximally adapted to the customer's assembly, from a bearing bracket to a guide in a pipe rolling line or a seal in a transport unit.

## Advantages of Polyurethane Bushings Compared to Rubber, Steel, and Caprolon

A polyurethane bushing is 10 times more wear-resistant than a rubber one, as confirmed by DIN 53516 tests: abrasion for PU is 20-45 mm3, for SBR rubber 100-200 mm3, for NBR 80-150 mm3. Steel bushings withstand high loads but do not dampen vibrations, transmit impacts to the structure, and are significantly heavier (steel density 7.7-7.9 g/cm3 versus 1.05-1.25 g/cm3 for polyurethane). Caprolon shows abrasion in the range of 30-90 mm3 but falls short of PU in impact resilience: polyurethane better absorbs dynamic loads and does not crumble upon impact.

The table below compares the key properties of TIMOL polyurethane and competing materials according to engineering handbooks:

| Material | Abrasion DIN 53516, mm3 | Working Temperature, °C | Density, g/cm3 | Tensile Strength, MPa |
|--------------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------|----------------------|------------------------|
| Cast Polyurethane (PU) | 20-45 | -60...+100 | 1.05-1.25 | 25-60 |
| SBR Rubber | 100-200 | -40...80 | 0.94-1.1 | 8-20 |
| NBR Rubber | 80-150 | -30...100 | 1-1.3 | 10-25 |
| Caprolon (PA6/PA66) | 30-90 | -40...100 | 1.13-1.15 | 60-85 |
| Carbon Steel |, | -40...500 | 7.7-7.9 | 370-700 |

Polyurethane bushings do not crack at low temperatures and are not subject to corrosion, which is especially important in mining, metallurgy, machinery, and transport industries. High rebound elasticity (35-65%) allows PU parts to absorb shocks and vibrations, extending the service life of the assembly. Steel bushings do not provide cushioning, leading to increased wear of adjacent parts and noise. While Caprolon has comparable wear resistance, it is less resistant to impact and moisture, becoming brittle over time.

## How to Choose the Type and Hardness of a Polyurethane Bushing for the Task

Choosing the type of bushing begins with analyzing the assembly: consider the installation method (pressing, threading, combination), type of load (radial, axial, combined), and contact environment (abrasive, lubricant, acids, etc.). For assemblies where abrasive wear is the main threat (guides, supports, seals in mining and metallurgical equipment), it is optimal to choose a hardness of 80-95 Shore A. This is a hard yet resilient grade that absorbs impacts and does not chip even under the action of large particle fractions.

For structural and load-bearing assemblies, where maintaining shape under static load is crucial, PU with hardness in the Shore D range is used. In such assemblies as support rings, mechanical seals, bearing guides, it is important to avoid deformations, polyurethane with Shore D ensures stable geometry and long-term operation.

TIMOL uses free casting technology, allowing the production of bushings with complex internal or external threads, flanges, collars, or anchor elements, all without additional machining. Each order is accompanied by a drawing analysis and selection of the optimal polyurethane grade based on operating conditions.

> **Engineer Tip:** To prevent bushing rotation or displacement, design the mounting surface with knurling or anchor recesses. This increases polyurethane adhesion to metal and ensures stable operation in the assembly. Always thoroughly clean and degrease the base surface before casting.

## Manufacturing Technology: Precision, Repeatability, and Adaptation to the Assembly

The production of polyurethane threaded bushings at TIMOL follows an individual project: each part is cast in a mold developed according to the customer's drawing. Free casting allows reproducing complex geometry, thread profiles, internal cavities, flanges, collars, and mounting elements without additional turning or milling, reducing manufacturing time and minimizing errors.

Production batches undergo control for compliance with geometry, hardness, and physical-mechanical properties. If necessary, a metal or plastic insert can be integrated into the bushing to increase rigidity or create a hybrid design. Thanks to the flexibility of casting technology, it is easy to produce bushings for upgrading old assemblies without changing the housing and to select the optimal thread profile for specific applications.

## Installation, Maintenance, and Operation of Polyurethane Threaded Bushings

Installation of polyurethane bushings is usually done by screwing into the housing or inserting into a mounting hole with subsequent fixation. To increase resistance to displacement, it is recommended to use structural anchor elements or rough surfaces at the mounting site. During installation, it is important to avoid misalignments, ensuring even load distribution and maximum longevity.

Maintenance of such bushings involves periodic checks for mechanical damage or signs of abnormal wear. Due to polyurethane's high wear resistance (10 times higher than rubber), the interval between repairs is significantly longer, and the risk of emergency assembly stoppage is minimal. If replacement is necessary, a new bushing is manufactured according to the customer's drawing, ensuring precise size matching and ease of integration into an existing structure.

## Where Polyurethane Threaded Bushings Are Used: Industries and Assemblies

TIMOL polyurethane bushings are used in 12 industries: mining, metallurgy, machinery and automotive, oil and gas, railway transport, pipe rolling, pulp and paper, printing, food industry, ports, agriculture, and light industry. Examples of assemblies include bucket guides, conveyor supports, damping and sealing elements in transport, moving parts in pipe rolling lines, guides and seals in agricultural machinery.

Products are cast precisely to the size and shape of the assembly, allowing equipment upgrades without changing the housing or bracket. Due to high resistance to oils and lubricants, polyurethane bushings are ideal for the oil and gas industry, transport, and machinery. More details about the material properties can be found in the [reference information](/informatsiya) section.

## How to Order a Polyurethane Bushing to Drawing or Size

Manufacturing threaded bushings at TIMOL always begins with an analysis of the assembly and agreement on requirements with the customer. Factory engineers will help determine the type (internal, external, combined thread), optimal hardness, and develop or adapt drawings for specific operating conditions. You can order a single bushing or a batch for serial production: all products are cast to size and undergo final inspection.

Place an order, get a consultation, or explore the range in the [catalog](/katalog) or contact us through [contacts](/contacts). Drawings are accepted in any format, engineers perform resource calculations and select materials for specific operating conditions. If necessary, a specialist can visit the site to take measurements or analyze the assembly.

## Practical Conclusion

Choosing TIMOL polyurethane threaded bushings is the optimal solution for assemblies with increased wear, vibration, and challenging installation conditions. Thanks to the flexibility of casting technology and a wide range of hardness, you get a product that precisely fits your assembly and lasts 10 times longer than standard rubber or steel counterparts. For consultation, resource calculation, and manufacturing bushings to a specific drawing, contact TIMOL specialists: [contacts](/contacts) are always open for customers.