Specialist Bearings - The Characteristics and Applications

As well as the large range of standard bearings, you can also purchase specialist bearings. Owing to the ever increasing demands of industry and harsher operating environments, the need for specialist bearings is growing. If you require something slightly different check out some of the many specialist bearings available and their uses...

Thin section bearings

Thin section bearings are used when space is at a premium. These bearing are lightweight, have multi-load capabilities and are available in a variety of cross sections and sizes. Thin section bearings have high precision, are very quiet and have high load carrying capacity. These ball bearings are available in three different designs. The 3 main types are based on Deep Groove Ball Bearings, 4-point contact and Angular Contact Ball Bearings. These types of bearing are commonly used for medical equipment, textile machinery and machine tools. The leading manufacturers are of Thin Section Bearings are RBC, SKF, Kaydon, Timken and Schaeffler.

Precision bearings

As the name suggests, precision bearings are used when a high degree of accuracy is required. Characterised by their low heat generation, extended speed capability and a high degree of stiffness, these bearings are commonly used in machine tools, milling machines and woodworking machines. They are generally used in paired or triple sets depending on the precision and rigidity required. High precision and super precision bearings are manufactured by the following leading companies: RHP, SKF (+SNFA) ,NSK and Barden amongst others.

Ceramic ball bearings

Ceramic ball bearings are commonly used in high speed and/or high temperature applications, as they are made from silicon nitride, they have a low density, electrical insulation properties, high hardness and stiffness levels and as such function well in environments with high temperatures. Ceramic ball bearings are also smooth, which creates less friction between the ball and races which provides a faster spinning bearing. As a result, a longer grease life is achieved compared to an all steel bearing.

Stainless steel bearings

Stainless steel ball bearings are used in a variety of industries, commonly the food and beverage industry, where there is a need for high efficiency, low noise levels and low torque. Stainless steel deep groove ball bearings have the same running properties as conventional steel deep groove ball bearings, but have a lower load carrying capacity. The bearings are offered in shaft diameters from 1 to 50 mm and are available either open, shielded or sealed. One of the main advantages that stainless steel bearings have over the standard steel bearings is that they are resistant to moisture and heat. These bearings are versatile and are often available with a range of different grease fillings so you can select the perfect one for your application.