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BRONZE BRIDGE PLATES & EXPANSION BEARINGS

Anchor Bronze maintenance-free expansion bearing plates are designed to minimize stresses from thermal expansion and seismic activity. We offer several alloys which are approved for structural, industrial and bridge applications. Our bearing plates are lubricated with Teflon PTFE fiber plugs that are pressed into the geometrically-grooved surface of the bronze. This creates a firm mechanical lock between the teflon fabric and the substrate, providing very high shear resistance at the fabric/substrate interface. Our bronze expansion plates meet specification ASTM B22 for use in bridges, turntables and other structures for fixed and expansion bearings.

bronze radial expansion bearing
bronze bridge plates
bronze expansion bearing slide plates

Teflon fiber is unaffected by weathering, moisture and severe chemical reagents. There are significant benefits in the bearing properties of teflon fibers compared to teflon resin. Teflon fiber has demonstrated exceptional stability in intermittent application at temperature extremes of 425 degrees F and -100 Degrees F. The performance of bearing plate actually improves as the loads and temperatures increase, providing a built-in safeguard against overloading. Technical data sheets are available upon request.

Flat bearing plates are used for longitudinal and transverse movement under compressive loads. Bearing plates can be fastened with machine screws or fixed in place with welded steel nesting bars. Radial bearing plates have both a curved radial surface and a flat surface. Either surface or both surfaces can be lubricated. Radial surfaces can be either concave or convex. The radial surface, installed with a matching curved mating plate, is designed to permit deflection and rotation. The flat surface will accommodate linear expansion and contraction.

bronze astm b22

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What's Driving
Metal Prices

Factors creating the on-going surge in copper prices and base metal prices.

The U.S. imposed a 50% Section 232 tariff on the copper content of semi-finished and derivative copper products, effective August 1, 2025. These tariffs aim to bolster domestic production but create complexities for businesses in pricing, sourcing, and compliance, affecting global copper markets. 

In addition copper costs are soaring due to massive demand from the energy transition (EVs, renewables, grid) and AI data centers colliding with slow mine supply growth, production disruptions (labor, technical issues), aging mines, and government policies like tariffs, creating a structural supply deficit. 

Tin prices jumped to a record level due to a severe, ongoing global supply squeeze from mine disruptions (DRC, Myanmar, Indonesia) and increasing demand driven by its critical role in electronics (solder), green energy tech, and packaging, creating a significant market deficit and attracting speculative investment. Supply chain issues, including export permit delays and political instability in key producing regions, combined with growing recognition of tin's necessity for the energy transition, fueled a rally to multi-year highs in late 2025 and early 2026. 

Nickel prices are rising due to anticipated supply cuts from major producer Indonesia, tighter quotas, increased demand from stainless steel and EV battery sectors (despite some LFP shifts), speculative buying, and broader market strength in metals, with investors reacting to policy signals and potential disruptions.

metals@anchorbronze.com

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