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Ningbo NBVO Seiko Bearing Co., Ltd. Home / News / Industry News / What is the difference between brass bearings and stainless steel bearings?

What is the difference between brass bearings and stainless steel bearings?

Ningbo NBVO Seiko Bearing Co., Ltd. 2025.08.18
Ningbo NBVO Seiko Bearing Co., Ltd. Industry News

Here's a detailed comparison between brass bearings and stainless steel bearings:

Key Differences: Brass Bearings vs. Stainless Steel Bearings

Comparison Point Brass Bearings Stainless Steel Bearings
Material Composition Copper-zinc alloy (often with lead/tin additives) Iron-chromium-nickel alloy (e.g., 304, 316, 440C)
Corrosion Resistance Resists water, fuels, some chemicals; tarnishes but won’t rust. Weak against ammonia/strong acids. Superior general corrosion resistance. Handles moisture, weak acids, salt spray. Vulnerable to chlorides/strong acids.
Strength & Hardness Soft material, low load capacity. Prone to deformation under heavy loads. Harder and stronger. Handles higher radial/axial loads without deforming.
Wear Behavior Sacrificial wear: Wears itself down instead of damaging the shaft. Low friction when lubricated. Wear-resistant but may gall (adhere to shaft) if under-lubricated. Requires consistent lubrication.
Electrical Conductivity Excellent electrical conductor. Non-conductive (electrically insulating).
Heat Tolerance Low melting point. Weakens significantly above ≈200°C. Thermal expansion high. Maintains strength at higher temps (300°C+). Lower thermal expansion.
Dry Running Suitability Can run temporarily without lubricant (quiet but wears rapidly). Poor dry running performance. High friction/galling risk without oil/grease.
Noise & Vibration Naturally dampens vibration. Runs quietly. Requires precision machining for quiet operation. More prone to ringing noise.
Maintenance Frequent relubrication needed due to rapid wear. Longer service life with proper lubrication.
Cost Generally cheaper (material + machining). More expensive (material cost + precision grinding).
Specialized Uses • Low-speed bushings• Electrical motor brushes• Marine shafts• Non-critical machinery • Food/medical equipment• Chemical pumps• Marine hardware• High-hygiene applications

When to Choose Which:

  • Pick Brass Bearings If:
    • Cost is critical & loads are light.
    • Electrical conductivity is mandatory.
    • Occasional dry running occurs.
    • Vibration damping is prioritized.
  • Pick Stainless Bearings If:
    • Corrosion resistance is paramount.
    • Higher loads or precision are required.
    • Hygiene or chemical exposure matters.
    • Long-term reliability outweighs cost.

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