Aluminum Bushing

What Is an Aluminum Threaded Bushing?

An aluminum threaded reducing bushing is a male-to-female threaded pipe fitting used to reduce a larger threaded connection to a smaller one. The larger male thread screws into a female threaded port, while the smaller female thread accepts a smaller male-threaded pipe or fitting.

Unlike an aluminum coupling, which normally connects two pipes or fittings with matching connection sizes, a reducing bushing changes the threaded connection size in a single compact fitting. Common configurations include 2″ NPT male × 1″ NPT female, 1½″ NPT male × 1″ NPT female, and 1″ NPT male × ½″ NPT female.

GNEE supplies aluminum threaded reducing bushings in 6061, 6063 and other suitable aluminum alloys, with NPT, BSPT, BSPP or metric threads available according to the application. Custom thread combinations, dimensions and surface finishes can also be manufactured to customer drawings or specifications.

Specifications of Aluminum Bushing

Aluminum reducing bushing

Aluminum hex bushing

Standard Size Combinations

The large end is the male thread; the small end is the female thread.

These are common nominal combinations, not a claim that every one is standardized by ASME B16.52. BSP and metric male × female combinations are available too - tell us both ends.

Aluminum Threaded Bushing Alloys

5xxx alloys (5083) are not heat treatable, so T-tempers do not apply. Most threaded aluminum bushings are machined from 6061-T6 bar. Tell us the application and we recommend the alloy and temper.

Aluminum Bushing Threads

NPT, BSPT and BSPP are different systems. They are not interchangeable even when the size numbers look the same. Always state the thread standard for both ends, e.g. 2″ NPT Male × 1″ NPT Female, or 2″ BSPT Male × 1″ BSPP Female.

Bushing vs. Reducer

Rule: use a bushing to reduce a threaded port; use a reducer to join different pipe sizes in the run.

Applications of Aluminum Bushing

Equipment ports – reduce a large threaded port on a pump, valve, manifold or gauge to a smaller pipe

Compressed air – 6061-T6 bushings in compatible low and medium pressure air lines (confirm the pressure rating)

Instrumentation – small bushings to step down gauge and instrument ports

Marine – 5083 bushings where corrosion resistance matters (confirm the alloy suits your water and the surrounding metals)

General industrial piping and maintenance

If your line carries strong chemicals or hot media, tell us the medium and temperature first. We do not recommend aluminum where the alloy, pressure or medium has not been checked.

Equipment ports

Compressed air

Instrumentation

Marine

General Industrial Piping & Maintenance

Pressure and Temperature

There is no single pressure rating for "an aluminum bushing". The safe rating depends on size, wall thickness, alloy and temper, thread type and temperature. Aluminum loses strength at high temperature, so a rating is only valid for the design and service conditions we agree on.

Send us your working pressure and temperature and we confirm a design for it before production. We do not apply one blanket rating to every bushing.

Contact Our Engineers Today

Quality Inspection

Material – mill certificate and PMI on request

Dimensions – checked against the approved drawing

Threads – checked with the correct gauge for NPT, BSPT, BSPP or metric

Visual – no burrs, scratches or thread damage

Hardness – when required by the material spec

Pressure / leak test – on request, per your spec

Material certificate (MTC) – per order requirements

Surface Finishes

Coating thickness must not interfere with thread engagement or gauge acceptance. We check threads after coating when required.

Custom Bushings (OEM)

Send a drawing, sample or CAD file and we make:

Any male × female thread combination (NPT / BSPT / BSPP / metric)

Non-standard sizes and lengths

Custom hex or round body dimensions

Special counterbores

Custom alloy and temper

Special surface finish and inspection

Trade Terms

Packaging

Thread protectors on exposed threads

Individual plastic protection where required

Cartons for small fittings; wooden cases or pallets for bulk

Waterproof outer packaging for export

Labels per your instructions

FAQ

 

Q: What is an aluminum bushing?

A: A threaded reducing fitting with a larger male thread and a smaller female thread. It reduces a threaded connection from one size to another in one piece.

Q: Bushing vs reducer - what's the difference?

A: A bushing is male × female threaded and reduces a threaded port. A reducer joins two pipe sizes in the line and is usually welded.

Q: Is a bushing male or female?

A: A standard reducing bushing has a larger male end and a smaller female end. State both when ordering.

Q: Can you make 6061 aluminum bushings?

A: Yes. 6061-T6 is the standard choice for machined threaded bushings.

Q: Do you make NPT and BSP aluminum bushings?

A: Yes - NPT, BSPT, BSPP and metric. State the thread standard; they are not interchangeable.

Q: What is a hex bushing?

A: A reducing bushing with a hexagonal body, so a wrench can tighten or remove it.

Q: Does ASME B16.52 apply to aluminum bushings?

A: B16.52 covers forged aluminum fittings. A bar-machined bushing is not automatically B16.52 compliant. We confirm the applicable standard per your order.

Q: Can you make custom bushings?

A: Yes - custom male × female combinations, sizes, body dimensions, alloys and finishes, from your drawing or sample.

Q: What do I send for a quote?

A: Male thread size, female thread size, thread standard, alloy and temper, quantity, and any drawing or special inspection requirement.

Hot Tags: aluminum bushing, China aluminum bushing manufacturers