FAQs about QD Bushings
Many times, the most important questions are the ones that are so obvious that you’re a little embarrassed to ask them, because you just assume everyone already knows the answers. This is especially true in intense, high-risk environments, like industrial settings, where the “obvious” question could kick off a necessary reminder, reset or training moment.
So, let’s start off with the two obvious, but maybe not so frequently asked, questions about QD bushings.
What does “QD” stand for?
“QD” is quick detachable, because these bushings are designed to be installed, removed and replaced quickly and easily. Just a few screws to install, and a few to remove. Taper lock bushings, by contrast, are for long term or permanent installation.
What’s the difference between a bushing and a bearing?
It’s a difference in kind, not function. That’s why you’ll sometimes see the term “sleeve bearing” instead of bushing.
Bushings and bearings do the same job, but bushings are at the simple end of the spectrum in terms of how they support load and how they are made. A bushing is basically a simple cylinder or tube that supports the load of a shaft that passes through its bore. Bearings are more complex, typically with several components, including balls or rollers between two rings, and a larger or sturdier mounting apparatus.
Now for the questions that people aren’t afraid to ask, so they get asked more frequently.
What are the benefits of a QD bushing?
Compared to the rest of the bearing family, bushings are lighter, less expensive and easier to replace. Bushings distribute the loads they absorb over a larger area than bearings because of how they each attach to their respective mounting surfaces. Bushings can also handle shaft displacement better than a bearing can. If you can tolerate it, the busings can tolerate it.
Obviously, price, weight and convenience are minor factors in your bearing vs. bushing decision, but if both can get the job done, who’s going to pay more to do more work?
Compared to other bushings, like a taper lock bushing, the main advantage of a QD bushing is the ease of installation and removal. QD bushings are built for applications that have regular, if not frequent, turnover of components. They can be installed and adjusted to the shaft more easily than other types of bushings, and far more so than bearings. That means they are a better option in situations where you may have to replace the bushing regularly, and where you may have to replace the shaft itself frequently.
What are some of the materials that QD bushings are made of?
QD bushings can be made of iron, steel, plastics or composites. Given two bushings that can handle the same load, the temperature of your system, the desired or maximum weight of your system or product, and price will play a part in QD bushing selection.
Where can I see some QD bushings in the wild?
Pretty much anywhere. The versatility and simplicity of QD bushings mean they show up in transportation ranging from skateboards up through freight trains; the full food processing lifecycle from farm equipment to the car you drive home from the supermarket; marine environments and aerospace applications… seriously, pretty much anywhere.
Where can I buy QD bushings, with some expert help to make sure I buy the right ones?
MDS should be the start and will be the finish of your search. Check out our user guides for selecting the right QD bearing and installing QD bearings, and then head to our product pages to place your order. And if you need a second set of eyes, drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help.
