Thin section bearings
Description
High-precision and high-performance roller bearings with a very low cross section to bore diameter ratio are classified as thin section bearings. Thin section bearings are lightweight and well suited in applications where weight reduction and limited installation space are a priority, such as in robotic applications. For many years, SLF has delivered individually customized solutions to its customers and now offers a standard product range and size for thin section bearings.
Bearing design types / dimensions / standards
Thin-section bearings from SLF are skillfully engineered, high-precision and low friction ball bearings that are available in three different design options. The small square cross-section remains constant throughout each series regardless of shaft diameter and housing bore. This special feature differentiates SLF thin-section bearings from conventional bearings, which are standardized in ISO series.
These three different designs are available as standard:
| A | Angular contact single bearing (not for universal duplexing) |  |
| C | Radial contact |  |
| X | Four-point contact |  |
Each design is available from SLF in different series:
AA, A, B, C, D, F and G
These series correspond to the following cross-section sizes.
SLF manufactures thin-section bearings from the materials listed.
| Material Combination | Rings | Balls | Cage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 100Cr6 – 1.3505 – SAE 52100 | 100CR6 – 1.3505 – SAE 52100 | brass solid |
| Stainless | 440C – 1.4125 – AISI 440C | 440C – 1.4125 – AISI 440C | brass solid |
| Premium | X30 – 1.4108 – X30CrMoN15-1 | Si3N4 | PEEK solid |
All other Variants are possible according customer request, necessity of the application.
| Material Combination | Properties / Performance | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| corrosion resistance | acid, leach, salt resistance | fatigue stress resilience | wear resistance | operating temperature | resilience against rollover | |
| Standard | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stainless | +(+) | + | 0 | - | 0 | 0 |
| Premium | +++ | +++ | +++ | +++* | (++)** | + |
* in combination with Si3N4 rolling elements
** modified heat treatment for high temperature usage (not applicable with PEEK cage) – after request
Tolerances
SLF thin section bearings are manufactured in standard tolerances ABEC 1F, ABEC 3F, ABEC 5F and ABEC 7F in accordance with ABMA 26.2. We can also supply other tolerance classes or special tolerances upon request.
Clearance / Preload
For thin section bearings, SLF offers the following standard groups for internal clearance or preload.
| Clearance | |
|---|---|
| A | .0000'' to .0005'' |
| B | .0000'' to .0010'' |
| C | .0005'' to .0010'' |
| D | .0005'' to .0015'' |
| E | .0010'' to .0020'' |
| F | .0015'' to .0025'' |
| G | .0020'' to .0030'' |
| H | .0030'' to .0040'' |
| I | .0040'' to .0050'' |
| J | .0050'' to .0060'' |
blank…standard default clearance
- Type X or C = Diametral Preload or Clearance
- Duplexed Type A = Axial Preload or Clearance
| Preload | |
|---|---|
| K | .0000'' to .0005'' |
| L | .0000'' to .0010'' |
| M | .0005'' to .0010'' |
| N | .0005'' to .0015'' |
| P | .0010'' to .0020'' |
| Q | .0010'' to .0015'' |
| R | .0015'' to .0025'' |
| S | .0020'' to .0030'' |
| Z | other clearance or preload |
Cage
SLF offers the following cage versions.
| MH | brass, one-piece ring, snap-type |  |
| ENH | PEEK, one-piece ring, snap-type | |
| TH | phenolic laminate, one-piece ring, snap-type | |
| MP | brass, one-piece ring with circular pockets |  |
| ENP | PEEK, one-piece ring with circular pockets | |
| TP | phenolic laminate, one-piece ring with circular pockets |
Lubrication
Thin section bearings are coated at the factory with a corrosion protection agent “ANTICORIT BGI21.” Before lubrication, the protective agent should be removed with a clean mineral oil-based degreasing agent. If it is not removed before additional lubrication is added, please confirm the new lubricant is compatible with the protective oil. The user is responsible for lubricating the bearings with oil or grease. Depending on the operating conditions, the customer should select the appropriate lubricant for their application. If you have any further questions, please contact our Sales and Engineering Team.
Thin section bearings may also be supplied with grease upon request.
Operating temperature
SLF thin-section bearings are heat-treated and stabilized so that they may be used up to an operating temperature of 120 °C. The maximum operating temperature is generally not limited by the heat stabilized bearing rings and balls. In most cases, the cage or lubricant are often the limiting components.
If you have specific questions about the temperature limits of our bearings, please contact the SLF team.