BUSHING

Bushings used in ski lifts.

Mechanical bushings are cylindrical linings to reduce friction and wear, or constrict and restrain motion of mechanical parts. Plain bearings are similar.

In mechanical engineering, bushings cushion the truck of an axle. In a skateboard, the bushing can be stiffer or softer. A stiffer bushing provides a more stable ride and prevents wobbling at higher speeds where a softer bushing allows for a softer ride with the ability to carve turns more easily. See also Bush (mechanical).

Bushings are also used to transfer loads from a fastening to a much larger area in the underlying structure, the object being to reduce the strain on individual fibers within the underlying structure. The following site gives some more information about what could be called in-situ bushings. (See the paragraph called 'Axle and hub').

See also

In electrical engineering, a bushing is a component that allows a high voltage conductor to pass safely through an earthed metal wall or casing.

In stone carving, bushing is texturing or shaping a surface using a wide tool that generally contains many points in a grid.