Thin section bearings

Thin section bearings provide space, save weight

The ubiquitous ball bearing was a workhorse of industry throughout the twentieth century. But now, the more compact envelope dimensions and lighter weight of modern thin section bearings better meet the demands of the robotic age.

Today, the familiar internal geometries of the standard section, industrial ball bearing are available in a thin section version that provides space and weight savings of more than 80% in most applications.

Deep groove, angular contact, and type X

The internal geometry of ball bearings is available in the usual radial deep groove and radial angular contact for duplexing. Thin section bearings have an option not often found in conventional proportions, which can be the ultimate solution for many applications: the four point contact, type X ball bearing. While angular contact bearings are often mounted together to form a duplex pair that accepts radial, thrust, and moment loads, a type X bearing can essentially combine these functions into one row of balls. This is accomplished through special grinding geometry of the inner and outer raceway. In type X bearings, the groove profile in each race consists of two intersecting arcs of equal radius that meet, forming a peak in the plane of the ball centers. The geometry, best described as a Gothic arch, achieves four contact points around each ball. Because there’s contact on all four ‘sides’ of the groove, a simple row type X bearing can resist radial, thrust, and moment loading in one compact row of balls.

At China FV bearing, we apply engineering experience and expertise to solve the world's most unique bearing challenges. The inch-standard bearing is one of the most widely used thin section bearings in the world. FV thin bearing solutions save weight, create space, reduce friction, increase design flexibility, and provide excellent running accuracy.

While the type X is a problem solver, the more conventional type C (radial) and type A (angular contact) bearings are also available in thin section versions, ideal for the lowest torque and most precision of applications. The use of multiple bearing supports improves the load rating of the finished design, just as it would with normal section bearings. Frequently, a duplex pair is combined with a radial support bearing at the other end to provide high deflection stiffness and load capability.

FV bearings are available in the industry's largest variety of materials, separator options, cross sections, internal fit up choices, lubricants, corrosion resistance options, contact angles, and precision levels. Our thin section bearings meet the most demanding specifications in a broad range of applications including:

• Aerospace and defense

• Astronomy instrumentation

• Fixturing and workholding equipment

• Food processing equipment

• Glassworking equipment

• Index and rotary tables

• Packaging equipment

• Machine tools

• Medical systems and medical devices

• Optical scanning equipment

• Tire making equipment

• Radar, satellite and communications equipment

• Robotics

• Textile machinery

• Tube and pipe cutting machines

• Semiconductor manufacturing equipment

• Sorting equipment