Centering sleeve - cylindrical spacer

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Optimize your assemblies with a centering 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 centring sleeve is the jewel in the crown of assembly. It ensures perfect alignment of parts, eliminating unwanted gaps. Frequently used in complex mechanical systems, this small cylindrical part will become the keystone of your assembly precision.

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What is a centring sleeve?

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Ground centering bushes are cylindrical fastening devices specifically designed to ensure precise centering and alignment of components in an assembly.

Their innovative design avoids any risk of tangling, which is essential for automated assemblies. Thanks to our specialized production facilities, we can guarantee a quality level close to zero defects, 0 PPM.

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Unlike a centring pin or stud, the centring sleeve can accommodate a through-bolt, offering greater application flexibility.

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How are LGC ground centring sleeves manufactured?

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There are two different methods for creating a socket

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From pin to centring 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 centering sleeve

In a second case, a centering 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.

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 centring sleeve?

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• Dimensional accuracy: centring sleeves guarantee impeccable dimensional accuracy. By creating a uniform gap between components, they eliminate potential errors linked to dimensional discrepancies.
• Structural stability: the cylindrical bushingcylindrical bushing, with its robust shape, provides exceptional structural stability. It resists vibration and mechanical loads, ensuring optimum performance in demanding conditions.
• Reduced friction: thanks to their intelligent design, bushes minimize friction between moving parts. The result is reduced wear and extended component life.

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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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