What material is commonly used for general-purpose friction bearing housings with light to medium loads?

Cast iron is a widely used material for general-purpose friction bearing housings, particularly under light to medium load applications. The main advantages of cast iron include its excellent machining properties, good wear resistance, and the ability to absorb vibrations, which helps in reducing noise during operation. The structure of cast iron allows it to maintain strength without adding excessive weight, making it suitable for various industrial settings.

Additionally, cast iron has good thermal conductivity, which can help dissipate heat generated during operation, contributing to the longevity and reliability of the bearings it houses. While other materials like cast aluminum, plastic composites, and stainless steel have their specific use cases, they don't provide the same level of strength and durability for friction bearing housings under these loading conditions as effectively as cast iron does.