Why Thin Section Bearings Are Suitable For Small Diameter Applications

Bearings with a smaller bearing cross section are ideal for applications that require reduced weight and space. This can be seen in robotics technology for example, where small and compact solutions are a necessity.

Silver thin bearings can be used in a wide range of applications, including reversing axial loads and moderate axial loads. Carter manufactures custom thin section bearings to optimize the performance of your application.

Cost

A system's total cost is a major consideration in many design decisions. Thin section bearings help to reduce overall system costs by saving space and lowering weight. This is because the bearing cross-section does not change with bore size, so there's no need to redesign a device around different diameters.

Standard thin section bearings are available in inch and metric sizes in sealed or unsealed configurations up to 37 inches in diameter. Special sizes can be engineered and produced, some from special materials to accommodate heavier loads or more restrictive space requirements.

The performance of large diameter thin section bearings can be improved by using alternative race and ball materials. For example, a duplex pair of angular contact thin section bearings designed with coil springs as spacers between the balls reduced bearing torque to 25% of that of the steel bearings they replaced. This resulted in reduced overall system weight and vibration and shock loading.

Design Efficiency

When space is limited, weight must be minimised and absolute precision guaranteed, the design engineer will often choose to use thin section bearings. They allow the design to save significant space and decrease the weight of a system, without impacting on performance or reliability.

Unlike standard industrial ball bearings, which have a fixed internal geometry, thin section bearings are available in a range of configurations, such as radial deep groove, angular contact and four point contact for duplex pairs. Different balls, cage designs and lubrication options are also available.

Choosing the correct type of thin section bearing for an application is critical, particularly when moment loads are present. Silverthin Type-C angular contact bearings are the best choice for this type of loading. These offer a high level of inherent resistance to unwanted moment load deflection and flexing. The selection of a suitable shaft and housing fit is also important. Poor fits will result in reduced internal clearance (radial play) and will negatively impact on the bearing life.

Load Capacity

In applications where space is tight and weight must be minimized, thin section bearings reduce overall system costs. Their relatively small cross section increases design flexibility and allows more room for air ducts, hydraulic lines, electrical wiring or slip rings.

Kaydon Reali-Slim thin bearing solutions save space, lower cost and increase performance in a wide variety of applications. The Reali-Slim series can be built in several different materials and finishes, including 52100 chrome and 440C stainless steel, with many options for ball and retainer types. They are also available in one of three contact styles and multiple tolerance classes.

Due to their thinner cross sections, thin section bearings are more sensitive to shaft and housing fits. Correct assembly is critical to maximizing the load capacity of a thin section bearing.

Inspection

Bearings can be supplied with a variety of specialist coatings to improve corrosion resistance, extend life, deliver smoother running or to assist in combating contamination. For example, Silverthin produces a proprietary coating called ‘thin dense chrome’ that increases the Rockwell hardness of the bearing from typical 58-62 to a much higher 71.

With a constant square cross section, thin section bearings can be used in applications where space is at a premium or weight reduction is required. The Kaydon Reali-Slim range of open & sealed bearings are ideal for robotics, satellites, medical equipment, cameras and other light or medium duty applications with slow rotational torque.

These compact, high quality bearings are manufactured in both inch and metric sizes with a choice of open, shielded or sealed variants. Depending on the application and environment they can be coated with Kaydon’s Endurakote hard chromium plating that significantly improves corrosion resistance in harsh environments. They can also be configured to support radial or angular loads and three contact styles.