SAE 863 is a high-strength iron–copper based, oil-impregnated bearing alloy designed for applications requiring higher load-carrying capacity than standard bronze bearing materials. The alloy’s porous structure is fully impregnated with lubricating oil, enabling self-lubricating performance under demanding service conditions where frequent re-lubrication is impractical.
| Element | Nominal range (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Copper (Cu) | 18 – 22 |
| Carbon (C) | ≈ 0.6 – 1.0 (typ.) |
| Graphite / Lubricants | Small additions (if specified) |
| Impregnated oil | ≈ 18 – 22% by volume |
Ranges are typical for SAE 863 iron–copper bearing grades. Exact limits depend on producer specification.
| Property | Typical value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 6.7 – 7.1 | g/cm³ |
| Oil content | ≈ 18 – 22 | % vol |
| Ultimate tensile strength | ≈ 50,000 – 65,000 | psi |
| Yield strength | ≈ 45,000 – 55,000 | psi |
| Hardness | ≈ 25 – 35 | HRC (typ.) |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +250 | °F |
| Typical PV limit | Higher than SAE 841 (application dependent) | psi·ft/min |
Values are typical and not guaranteed. Final design must be validated in the intended service conditions.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| SAE | SAE 863 |
| MPIF | Iron–copper high-strength bearing grades |
| Typical form | Bushings, sleeves, thrust washers, custom shapes |
| Oil type | Application-specific lubricating oil impregnation |
Equivalents must be checked against specific mechanical and tribological requirements for each application.