Chrome steel flanged miniature bearings for shaft sizes from 2mm to 9mm
See product table below for dimensions and technical drawings.
Chrome steel bearings are a vital component in many mechanical systems, offering high strength and durability for applications that require a robust performance.
Flanged miniature bearings provide additional benefits due to their solid steel flange, which helps to secure the bearing in the housing and prevents axial movement during thrust loads. This makes them particularly useful in high-vibration environments where maintaining bearing position is crucial.
Benefits of flanged bearings in high-temperature and high-vibration environments
One significant advantage of chrome steel flanged bearings is their ability to handle high temperatures. With a steel retainer and suitable lubricant, these bearings can function at constant temperatures of 120 °C and up to 150 °C intermittently.
However, at higher temperatures, it's important to note that the load capacity of chrome steel decreases and the material experiences more dimensional change compared to stainless steel.
In environments where the housing material may expand at a different rate than the bearing’s outer ring, such as when exposed to high temperatures, a chrome steel flanged bearing can offer a more stable fit. This is particularly true for housings made of materials with different thermal expansion properties.
Chrome steel vs stainless steel bearings
While chrome steel bearings are widely used for their high load capacity, they do have limitations in terms of corrosion resistance.
They are coated with preservative oil to guard against moisture and should not be used in applications where they will be left dry for extended periods. Even in storage, condensation can form inside the packaging, leading to corrosion if proper care is not taken.
For smaller applications, such as miniature flanged bearings, stainless steel is often preferred. This is because stainless steel bearings are not typically used for high load applications and the cost difference is minimal due to the small amount of material required.
For details on stainless steel variants, you can visit our stainless steel flanged miniature bearings page.
Lubrication and sealing options for chrome steel flanged bearings
To ensure the longevity of your chrome steel bearing, proper lubrication is essential. Most of our chrome steel flanged bearings are available either open or with metal shields. For larger sizes, rubber or Teflon contact seals can be provided, along with low-friction non-contact rubber seals.
- Open bearings: Supplied with light oil lubrication, suitable for applications where minimal friction is required
- Shielded bearings: These are typically supplied with grease but we also offer options with instrument oil for low-speed, low-friction environments
- Custom lubrication: Thanks to our in-house relubrication service, we can tailor the lubricant to your specific needs, offering a range of oils, greases or even dry lubricants for specialty applications
Bearing cages: Steel Plate Cold Commercial (SPCC) steel strip construction
The standard cage or retainer for our chrome steel bearings is made from SPCC steel strip. Smaller bearings typically use a one-piece crown cage due to space constraints, while larger bearings utilise a two-piece ribbon cage design for added stability and strength.
Technical specifications and load/speed considerations
For detailed specifications on load capacity and speed ratings, please refer to the technical drawings available by clicking INFO on the rows below. While our chrome steel bearings are designed for high load and speed applications, it's recommended to operate them below their maximum rated values to ensure optimal bearing life.
See Products Variants below for stainless steel and non-flanged options.
Contact our bearing specialists
Get in touch with our specialist bearing team today by emailing sales@smbbearings.com or fill in the contact form.
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