Sleeves
Machined sleeves are tubular parts that line, protect or repair a bore or shaft, such as wear sleeves, shaft sleeves, liners and adaptor sleeves. They are made to precise inner and outer diameters so they press, slide or clamp into place.
What it is
A sleeve is turned and bored from bar, tube or castings. Shaft sleeves protect a shaft from wear under seals and packing; bore liners restore worn housings; adaptor sleeves let a bearing or part fit a different shaft size.
Material and hardness are chosen for the wear mechanism, for example hardened or chrome-plated steel under seals, bronze for bearing duty, and stainless steel in pumps handling water or chemicals.
Typical applications
- Pump shaft sleeves under packing and seals
- Wear liners for bores and housings
- Cylinder liners
- Adaptor and reducer sleeves
- Protective and guide sleeves
Suitable materials
- Stainless steel (304, 316, 410)
- Hardened and chrome-plated steel
- Bronze and gunmetal
- Cast iron
- Engineering plastics
Points to consider
- Thin-walled sleeves distort easily; allow finish machining after press fitting if the bore is critical.
- Seal running surfaces need a fine finish (typically Ra 0.2–0.8 µm) and adequate hardness.
- Specify whether the sleeve is bonded, pinned or press fitted to prevent rotation.
- Match material to the fluid in pump applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shaft sleeve used for?
It protects a shaft from wear where seals or packing run, so only the cheap sleeve is replaced instead of the whole shaft.
Can a sleeve repair a worn bore?
Yes. The bore is machined oversize and a liner sleeve is pressed in and finished to the original size.
What finish is needed under an oil seal?
Typically Ra 0.2–0.8 µm with no spiral lead, often ground or plunge-ground, on a hardened or plated surface.