Grooved Graphite Thrust Washers for Rotary Indexing Fixtures

A rotary fixture may need an axial sliding support between a stationary base and a rotating member. A bolt-on graphite thrust washer with grooves can be reviewed where the fixture drawing specifies this construction. It is not a complete indexing table, precision positioning bearing or a rated replacement for a rolling thrust bearing.

Round graphite-plugged copper-alloy thrust plate with cross grooves and mounting holes — Existing BONIU product image reused as a construction example. It is not a photograph of this application or proof of an alloy grade. The approved drawing defines the supplied part.

Define the axial sliding support below the indexing member

The contact annulus, eccentric payload and external machining forces determine the pressure distribution. Dwell and intermittent indexing have different sliding conditions from continuous rotation. Oil grooves remove part of the supporting area, and their connection to any lubricant supply must be identified.

Start with the matching BONIU product construction. Send the assembly section as well as the individual bearing drawing so that the working contact, locating surfaces and installation access can be reviewed together.

Dimensions and operating data for quotation

Review item	Required information
Axial contact	Inside/outside diameters, thickness, usable annulus, flatness and counterface finish.
Mounting and grooves	Hole coordinates, screw-head clearance, groove width/depth, supply location and groove orientation.
Fixture duty	Axial load, eccentric moment, indexing angle/speed, dwell, accuracy target and thermal conditions.
Purchase specification	Drawing revision, quantity, units, exact material or composite specification, finish, inspection-document requirements and delivery destination.

Selection boundaries and installation

Support the plate on the specified backing face and verify screw clearance across the rotating track. Check counterface flatness, axial clearance and the separate radial guide. Assess any groove feed with the intended lubricant; the presence of grooves does not prove that an active lubrication system exists.

Material and replacement approval

For copper-alloy parts, state the exact standard and grade required by the design. JDB/500# and geometry codes do not establish chemical composition. Do not treat different national alloy designations as interchangeable without checking their specifications. Product colour and a reused image cannot confirm material. Required documentation, dimensions and manufacturing scope are reviewed with the quotation.

The application description is a design-review starting point. No stock availability, service-life guarantee, machine approval, universal load limit or test result is claimed. Contact pressure, motion, temperature, counterface condition and the assembled load path must be checked for the chosen specification.

Purchasing questions

Does the washer provide accurate angular indexing?

No. The index drive and locking mechanism define angular position. Review the washer for its specified support duty.

Can the whole outside-diameter area carry load?

Use the actual contact annulus and account for grooves, holes and interruptions.

Can it replace a thrust ball bearing from a matching diameter?

No. Friction, stiffness, accuracy, lubrication and the complete load path must be reassessed.

Can the original product image be used to approve this application?

No. It illustrates the bearing structure. Use the approved part and assembly drawings to confirm dimensions, material, clearance and duty.

Request an application-specific quotation

Send your drawing and the checklist above through the BONIU enquiry page. Identify any proposed substitution explicitly so it can be reviewed before order confirmation.