Applications and features of thin section bearings
Stainless steel thin section bearings for shaft sizes from 10 mm to 50 mm.
Stainless steel thin section bearings are used in applications where space constraints or weight reduction are critical factors. This includes in robotics, medical equipment, aerospace equipment and more. 440 grade stainless steel thin section bearings have low rotational torque and high rotational accuracy. These bearings are designed primarily for radial loads.
Bearing variants and lubrication options
Available in various configurations, the stainless steel thin section bearings can be supplied open, with AISI 304 stainless steel shields to protect the bearing from contamination, with rubber contact seals or low friction non-contact rubber seals. Typically, open bearings are oil lubricated, while shielded or sealed variants come pre-lubricated with grease.
Alternatively, shielded or sealed bearings can be supplied with instrument oil for low torque applications, or supplied entirely dry for low-speed or low-torque scenarios.
There are also customisable options for these bearings, extending to the possibility of relubrication with food-grade, high temperature or cleanroom lubricants. These options depend on the customers’ requirements.
The standard cage or retainer for stainless-steel miniature bearings is made from AISI-304 stainless steel. A one-piece crown cage is more common for the small thin section bearings because of space constraints. Larger sizes have a two-piece ribbon cage. Some sizes are available with the “TW” high speed polyamide cage.
Shaft and housing roundness considerations
Ensuring proper shaft and housing roundness is crucial to reduce bearing noise and distortion. Given the delicate nature of stainless-steel thin section bearings, meticulous attention must be paid to radial play selection for optimal performance. This clearance can be reduced by up to 80 per cent with an interference fit, so it is important to select the correct internal clearance for a thin section bearing.
Click on INFO below to see technical drawings with load and speed data. While load ratings are based on AISI-440C stainless steel bearings, EZO KS440 bearings boast even higher ratings. It is recommended to operate bearings well below maximum load and speed thresholds, for long bearing life.
See product table below for dimensions and technical drawings
Have further questions about stainless steel thin section bearings? Get in contact with our experienced team today by emailing sales@smbbearings.com or fill in the contact form.
