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Well-known Thin Section Bearing Manufacturers
Thin section bearings are designed to save space, reduce design weight and reduce friction. Thin and ultra-thin section bearings are available in imperial or metric sizes, and in chrome or stainless steel. These bearings are also available with cages and extended inner rings for high-speed applications. Thin section bearings are often used in space-constrained and weight-sensitive applications, such as industrial robots, automation equipment, etc. With the rapid development of global industry and technology, the demand for thin section bearings continues to increase, and a number of world-renowned manufacturers have emerged in the market. The following article will introduce ten leading thin section bearing manufacturers and their technological innovations and market positions.
Founded in 1941, KAYDON is headquartered in Michigan, USA, with than 2,000 employees, 17 factories, and 4 independent business units. The KAYDON bearing department is responsible for the production, sales and maintenance of KAYDON slewing support bearings and ultra-precision thin-section bearings. It has 6 factories around the world. KAYDON bearings comply with ISO international standards and the US military’s MIL standards. KAYDON’s REALI-SLIM® thin-section bearings are world-renowned for their space and weight savings. Since 1941, the accuracy and reliability of this product have been fully competent even in very demanding occasions such as military and aerospace.
Since the modern concept of simplification, miniaturization, lightweight, and compactness has penetrated into the design of rotating equipment, in order to meet customer needs in this regard, REALI-SLIM® bearings are designed as fully hardened, thin-section anti-friction bearings. KAYDON thin-section bearings solve the size/weight problems of traditional bearings, shafts, and bearing seats, and greatly reduce the design weight of the equipment. KAYDON’s REALI-SLIM series thin-section bearings are suitable for harsh and corrosive environments in addition to ordinary environments. Bearings with inner diameters from 1″ to 40″ or 20 mm to 360 mm and cross-sections from 3/16″ to 1″ are available. KAYDON thin-section bearings are available in both inch and metric sizes. The REALI-SLIM series offers open, sealed, and stainless steel bearings, while the ULTRA-SLIM series offers ultra-light thin-section bearings.
2. FAG
FAG (Friedrich Fischer GmbH & Co. KG), full name Friedrich Fischer Co., Ltd., is a long-established bearing manufacturer founded in 1883 and headquartered in Schweinfurt, Germany. The Schaeffler Group has approximately 65,000 employees worldwide and than 180 branches in than 50 countries. The Schaeffler Group has three major brands: INA, LuK and FAG, providing high-quality bearings and components for the automotive, industrial and aerospace sectors. FAG manufactures various types of ball bearings and roller bearings with outer diameters ranging from 3 mm to 4.25 m.
FAG is one of the leaders in the rolling bearing industry. Its founder, Friedrich Fischer, designed a special steel ball grinder in 1883, making it possible to produce completely spherical steel balls using a grinding process. This invention is considered the cornerstone of the rolling bearing industry. Since 2001, FAG has been part of the German Schaeffler Group, a leading global manufacturer of rolling bearings and linear motion products, and one of the most reputable suppliers in the automotive industry.
3. RBC
RBC stands for Roller Bearing Company of American. It was founded in 1919 in New Jersey, USA, and mainly produces various bearings and related products. RBC Bearings currently has 53 factories in 5 countries and manufacturing capabilities in 31 locations; this includes a global network of sales engineers, distributors and authorized agents. Its success stems from successful acquisitions since 1990, which has helped it achieve strategic continuous progress.
In 1990, RBC acquired Industrial Construction Bearings (ITB) in California. This bearing company was founded in 1955. It produces a complete range of thin-walled ball bearings. These high-precision bearings are often made of special materials. It helped RBC successfully enter the aerospace and defense industry market and win huge profits. In 1992, RBC acquired Transport Dynamics (TDC), a company founded in 1955 and located in southern California, which gave RBC sliding bearing products. These products were mainly used in engines and helicopters, and soon in the entire Boeing 727 aircraft, once again helping RBC increase its market share in the aerospace industry. In 1993, RBC acquired Heim® Bearings, which was located in Connecticut and was founded by Louis Heim in 1942. Heim® is a leading rod end bearing, especially Unibal® spherical bearing rod end bearings. These applications are widely used in aerospace products due to their unique and ingenious design.
4. Silverthin
Silverthin Thin Section Bearing Group of the United States is widely recognized by the European and American markets for its high-quality, large-size uniform thin section bearings and slewing bearings. Silverthin is now affiliated with the American Mechatronics Group. The company is located in Seattle, Washington, USA, with 80,000 square feet of office area, factory and storage space. The factory has a class 1000 clean room that can provide bearing relubrication and high value-added assembly operations. All products shipped have strong traceability. The factory’s quality management system has passed ISO 9001:2008 certification and PRI AS9100 (International Aerospace Quality System Standard) certification.
Silverthin’s products have “pure” American blood, from design to manufacturing, quality control, warehousing and logistics, etc., are directly controlled by Silverthin’s employees. Silverthin’s business philosophy is to integrate capital into design, manufacturing, personnel, process control, inventory and other aspects that can affect product quality, and enjoys a high reputation in the US and European markets.
5. NSK Ltd. (Japanese Seiko)
Nippon Seiko Co., Ltd. (NSK) was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the largest bearing manufacturers in Asia. NSK’s products are known for their high precision and performance and are widely used in the fields of automobiles, industrial equipment and precision instruments. NSK’s thin-section bearings use the company’s unique materials and process technology, which can effectively reduce friction losses and extend service life.
NSK’s thin-section bearings have excellent friction-reducing properties and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in demanding scenarios such as medical equipment and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In addition, NSK continues to optimize production processes and materials so that its products can maintain excellent performance under high load conditions. Its thin-section bearing products cover a variety of sizes and specifications and can meet the diverse needs of different fields. Japan’s Seiko’s influence in the global market continues to expand and it is a force that cannot be ignored in the field of thin-section bearings.
6. THK Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, THK Co., Ltd. is a world-renowned manufacturer of linear motion systems and precision mechanical components. THK’s thin-section bearings are mainly used in precision instruments, semiconductor equipment, and automation equipment. THK is famous for its high-precision and high-rigidity linear guides, and its thin-section bearings also inherit these advantages, providing stable support and high-precision movement in a small volume.
THK focuses on technological innovation, and its thin-section bearings use THK’s unique cold processing technology in the manufacturing process, enabling them to maintain excellent rigidity and durability under high loads. In addition, THK has also incorporated digital technology into product research and development, and is committed to improving product precision and efficiency through intelligent manufacturing. THK’s thin-section bearings have occupied a place in the high-end market with their reliability and high performance.
7. NTN Corporation
Founded in 1918 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, NTN Corporation is one of the world’s leading bearing manufacturers. NTN’s thin-section bearings are widely used in precision instruments, aerospace, and medical equipment. NTN’s thin-section bearing products have the characteristics of low friction, high precision and durability, and can meet the needs of high load and long-term operation.
NTN uses advanced materials and surface treatment technologies in the production of thin-section bearings, making its products excellent in corrosion resistance and wear resistance. NTN’s product research and development focuses on environmental protection and energy saving, and is committed to providing customers with sustainable choices. In addition, NTN’s global supply chain network and after-sales service system have won it a good reputation in the international market.
8. IKO International Inc.
IKO is a well-known company in the field of linear motion products and rolling bearings. Its thin-section bearings are mainly used in high-precision fields such as semiconductor equipment, automation equipment and medical equipment. IKO’s bearings are compact in design, low in friction, high in precision and durable. IKO attaches great importance to quality control, and all its products undergo strict testing and quality control.
9. JTEKT Corporation
JTEKT is a company formed by the merger of Koyo Seiko and Toyota Industries, providing high-quality bearing products worldwide. JTEKT’s thin-section bearing products have the characteristics of high rigidity and low noise, and are widely used in robots and precision machinery. JTEKT has multiple production bases in Japan and other countries. Its advanced manufacturing technology and strict quality control make its products highly competitive in the international market.
10. Aubearing
Crafted with precision and ingenuity, Aubearing thin-section bearings redefine engineering excellence. Unlike conventional, these extraordinary components offer a range of advantages that change the possibilities of design. Fundamentally committed to reducing weight, optimizing space and reducing friction, Aubearing thin-section bearings set a new benchmark in efficiency. Their powerful versatility is matched with impeccable operating precision.
Born to thrive in the harshest conditions, Aubearing thin-section bearings excel in the face of tough challenges and always exceed industry expectations. They have earned a reputation in aerospace, medical systems, robotics, astronomical instruments and machine tools, proving engineering miracles in motion. The cascading advantages of the design concept go beyond functionality and ultimately save a lot of money – whether in terms of space utilization, weight considerations or cost-effective solutions – all of which are achieved without compromise.
Dimensions
Cross-sectional areas range from 120.97 to 645.16 mm2, and bore diameters range from 25.4 mm to 1.3 m.
Type
There are three main types of thin-section bearings: thin-wall radial contact ball bearings, thin-wall angular contact ball bearings, and thin-wall four-point contact ball bearings. As shown in the figure above, each thin-section bearing has ten different cross-sections, including seven open (unsealed) and five sealed types; therefore, thin-section bearings have huge load capacities. Sealed types are only available for thin-wall radial contact ball bearings and thin-wall four-point contact ball bearings.
STRUCTURE | Type A | Type C | Type X |
Open Type Bearings | Angular Contact Ball | Radial Contact Ball | Four Point Contact Ball |
KAA | Type A-KAA | Type C-KAA | Type X-KAA |
KA | Type A-KA | Type C-KA | Type X-KA |
KB | Type A-KB | Type C-KB | Type X-KB |
KC | Type A-KC | Type C-KC | Type X-KC |
KD | Type A-KD | Type C-KD | Type X-KD |
KF | Type A-KF | Type C-KF | Type X-KF |
KG | Type A-KG | Type C-KG | Type X-KG |
Sealed Bearings | |||
JHA | / | Type C-JHA | Type X-JHA |
JA | / | Type C-JA | Type X-JA |
JB | / | Type C-JB | Type X-JB |
JU | / | Type C-JU | Type X-JU |
JG | / | Type C-JG | Type X-JG |
Stainless Steel | |||
SAA | Type A-SAA | Type C-SAA | Type X-SAA |
SA | Type A-SA | Type C-SA | Type X-SA |
SB | Type A-SB | Type C-SB | Type X-SB |
Metric Series | |||
8mm | Type A-8mm | Type C-8mm | Type X-8mm |
13mm | Type A-13mm | Type C-13mm | Type X-13mm |
20mm | Type A-20mm | Type C-20mm | Type X-20mm |
ULTRA-SLIM | |||
/ | Type C-Ultra-Slim | Type X-Ultra-Slim | |
Customized Options
Aubearing thin section bearings range of bearings covers materials, cage configurations, cross-sectional profiles, internal clearances and preload options. Lubricants, corrosion resistance options, contact angles and tolerance classes are likewise available to you, highlighting the customizable solutions. The most important thing that the end user needs to consider is the space requirements in the thin section bearing range, and the next thing that the designer needs to consider is the operating conditions.
Thin wall radial contact ball bearings mainly support radial loads, bidirectional axial loads and combined loads. Thin wall angular contact ball bearings support radial loads and unidirectional axial loads. Thin wall four-point contact ball bearings support radial loads, bidirectional axial loads, overturning moments, etc. Thin wall tapered roller bearings mainly help radial loads and a certain amount of unidirectional axial loads. In addition to the space and type of bearing, other applications must also be considered, including the operating environment, rotational performance, mounting conditions, accuracy level, clearance, lubricant, seals and temperature.
Materials: GCr15, stainless steel, ceramic
Precision: P0, P6, P5, P4, P2
Clearance: C2, C0, C3, C4, C5
Cage: steel cage, a reinforced polyamide cage
Precision Grade
According to the standards of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association, the grades and tolerance specifications of thin-section bearings are divided into five categories: ABEC1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Higher ABEC grades offer the possibility of better precision, efficiency and superior speed capabilities, but do not necessarily allow the component to rotate faster. ABEC grades do not specify many key factors, such as load handling capacity, ball accuracy, materials, raceway finish, noise, vibration, lubricants, etc. Due to these factors, an ABEC 3 classified bearing may perform better than an ABEC 7 bearing. Therefore, working directly with a professional company is the key to manufacturing the right bearing for a specific application.
Conclusion
Thin-section bearings have become an important part of high-precision industrial equipment due to their lightweight design and high load-bearing capacity. World-renowned thin-section bearing manufacturers, including Kaydon, NSK, THK, FAG and NTN, have established their own brand influence in their respective fields and markets with their respective technological innovations and excellent manufacturing processes. These companies continue to promote technological progress to meet the complex needs of different industries, and have demonstrated a high sense of social responsibility in addressing challenges such as environmental protection and energy conservation. In the future, with the development of automation and digital technology, thin-section bearing manufacturers will continue to lead industry changes and launch innovative products that meet market demand.