Powder Metal Component Applications
Engineered Components for Real-World Applications
Proform manufactures precision powder metal components used in a wide range of mechanical, structural, and industrial applications. While our products are commonly identified as bronze bearings, bushings, spacers, and thrust washers, these same components can serve specialized functions within an assembly, including compression limiting, reinforcement, alignment, spacing, and rotational support.
From self-lubricating bearings in electric motors to metal inserts that reinforce plastic assemblies, Proform works with OEMs, engineers, and manufacturers to develop standard and custom powder metal solutions tailored to specific application requirements.
Proform Part Portfolio
CLICK HERE to check out a gallery of standard and made-to-order bronze and iron components.
Compression Limiters
Compression limiters are metal components designed to protect plastic or other compressible materials from excessive clamping forces when bolts or fasteners are tightened. By providing a rigid load path, compression limiters help maintain assembly integrity and reduce the risk of deformation, cracking, or long-term material creep.
Proform can manufacture powder metal compression limiters in bronze, iron-based materials, and custom alloys, with dimensions and configurations tailored to the fastening requirements of the assembly.
Applications include: Injection-molded plastic assemblies, automotive components, outdoor power equipment, industrial housings, and other bolted assemblies.
PROFORM PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Proform manufactures a wide range of standard and custom powder metal components for OEMs, distributors, and industrial applications. From bronze bearings, bushings, thrust washers, and spacers to iron-based components and custom-engineered parts, our product solutions combine proven powder metallurgy expertise with high-volume manufacturing capabilities. Explore our product lines to find the right solution for your application.
Metal Inserts for Plastic Components
Metal inserts are incorporated into plastic components to provide reinforcement, dimensional stability, or mechanical functionality that the surrounding plastic alone may not offer.
Depending on the application, powder metal inserts can serve as compression limiters, spacers, bearing surfaces, or structural reinforcement elements. These components may be installed during molding or through a secondary assembly process, depending on the part design and manufacturing requirements.
Proform works with manufacturers to develop metal inserts with appropriate materials, geometries, and dimensional characteristics for integration into plastic assemblies.
Applications include: Injection molding, overmolding, plastic housings, equipment enclosures, automotive assemblies, and molded industrial components.
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Rotational & Shaft Support
Bronze sleeve bearings, flange bearings, and bushings provide low-friction support for rotating or sliding shafts in mechanical assemblies.
Proform specializes in sintered, oil-impregnated bronze components that utilize controlled porosity to store lubricating oil within the bearing. These self-lubricating characteristics can reduce maintenance requirements and support reliable operation in properly designed applications.
Applications include: Electric motors, fans, pumps, gearboxes, power tools, household appliances, and industrial machinery.
Spacing, Positioning & Alignment
Powder metal spacers maintain controlled distances between components and help establish proper positioning within mechanical assemblies.
Although spacers can resemble sleeve bearings or bushings, their primary function is generally dimensional rather than rotational. Proform manufactures cylindrical, flanged, stepped, and custom spacer configurations using bronze, iron, blended materials, and application-specific alloys.
Applications include: Mechanical assemblies, mounting systems, motor assemblies, industrial equipment, and structural fastening systems.
Axial Load & Thrust Support
Bronze thrust washers provide a bearing surface for components subjected to axial loads. Unlike sleeve bearings, which primarily support radial loads, thrust washers help manage forces acting along the axis of a rotating shaft.
Proform manufactures sintered bronze thrust washers, including oil-impregnated configurations, for applications requiring compact bearing surfaces and reliable wear performance.
Applications include: Gear assemblies, electric motors, actuators, pumps, transmissions, and industrial equipment.
Structural & Mechanical Components
Not every powder metal part functions as a bearing, bushing, or spacer. Proform also manufactures custom iron-based and blended-material components designed to meet specific mechanical and structural requirements.
Using powder metallurgy, complex geometries can often be formed near net shape, reducing material waste and the need for extensive machining. Proform works with customers to evaluate material composition, part design, secondary operations, and production volume when developing custom components.
Applications include: Equipment mechanisms, structural supports, industrial assemblies, and application-specific OEM components.
Custom Solutions for Specialized Applications
A component’s function doesn’t always match its traditional product name. A bronze sleeve may serve as a bearing in one application, a compression limiter in another, and a precision spacer in a third.
Proform’s engineering team can help evaluate the intended function, operating environment, material requirements, and production volume to determine an appropriate powder metal solution.
Whether you’re modifying an existing component, converting a machined part to powder metal, or developing an entirely new design, Proform offers the material expertise and high-volume manufacturing capabilities to support your application.