Open Thin Section Bearings

Manufacturer & distributor of standard & custom anti-friction thin section bearings. Products include domestic style metric cylindrical & inch size bearings. Capabilities include research & development, engineering & quality inspection. JIT delivery available.

Although open thin section ball bearings are primarily used for radial loads, they can also bear moderate axial and moment loads. Click the INFO tab for load and speed ratings and product dimensions.

They are lubrication free

Unlike standard bearings, open thin section bearings do not have seals or shields to keep contaminants out. Therefore, they require a clean and contamination free installation area. If the inner and outer rings are installed using a press fit, face clamps should be used to avoid damage and ensure a uniform clamping force. If the assembly is subject to harsh environmental conditions, a labyrinth seal or external seals may be required.

Open thin section bearings have a small cross-section relative to their diameter, which saves space and weight and lowers friction. They are ideal for applications that require multi-load capabilities, such as aerospace and industrial robotics. The Kaydon Reali-Slim series of inch-standard thin bearings also have a constant cross section as the bore size increases, which allows designers to minimize space and weight requirements.

Proper lubrication can help prevent corrosion and improve the life of a bearing. However, it’s important to know the difference between grease lubricants and what they do. The consistency class and additives of a lubricant affect how it lubricates a bearing.

They are lightweight

In applications where space and weight are key factors, ultra-lightweight thin section bearings reduce the overall design of the equipment. They can support radial, thrust or combined loads and are available in open, sealed or shielded configurations. They offer lower frictional torque and help improve rotational accuracy.

Kaydon Reali-Slim thin section bearings come in several sizes, contact styles and ball materials to match specific application requirements. Standard rings and balls are made of 52100 chrome steel, but special alloy materials are available for corrosion resistance, high temperature capability or alternative load capacity.

Angular contact thin section bearings (Type A) can be used for radial, thrust or combined radial-thrust loading conditions. They can also handle reversing axial loading. Four-point contact thin section bearings (Type X) have gothic arch raceways that create 4 points of contact between the steel balls and raceways, making them ideal for moment loads. A single four-point contact bearing can replace two angular or radial bearings in most designs.

They are easy to install

The open thin section bearing has a small cross-section and is light in weight, making it easy to install. It is also capable of handling large loads and offers high rotation accuracy. It is used in rotary tables, textile printers, medical equipment, radar communications, astronomical instruments and industrial robots.

The Kaydon standard assortment of Reali-Slim open thin section bearings are available in a number of sizes and variants to meet the needs of many applications. It is important to choose the correct bore and out-side diameters for your application, as well as consider the precision tolerances and recommended fits when designing your system.

Proper mounting of thin section bearings is essential to ensure that the maximum load capacity is achieved. For example, shaft and housing roundness is critical to avoid vibration or noise. In addition, proper lubrication is essential for long life and optimum performance. Thin section bearings can be supplied with a variety of lubricants including dry film, low viscosity, and vacuum-compatible greases.

They are durable

Thin section bearings offer high rotational accuracy and low rotational torque. They are suitable for a wide range of applications where space is a premium and weight reduction is necessary. Our VC100CP0 thin-section steel open ball bearing is available in several sizes and can be sealed with a flange on the outer ring to minimize internal clearance and simplify mounting. These bearings are designed to support radial loads and can be used in pairs for axial load application.

They are also durable in high speeds, non-separable and easy to maintain. The deep raceway grooves provide excellent conformity between the balls and races, allowing thin section bearings to tolerate multi-load conditions while maintaining stiffness and accuracy.

Kaydon Reali-Slim series thin bearing solutions save space, reduce friction and increase design flexibility. They are offered with a variety of options for contact styles (including radial, angular and four-point contact), alternative ball materials, different cage designs and lubrication choices.