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:

AAngular contact single bearing (not for universal duplexing)Bearing Type A
CRadial contactBearing Type C / Rillenkugellager
XFour-point contactBearing Type X / Vierpunktlager

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.

Overview Cross Section Bearings

SLF manufactures thin-section bearings from the materials listed.

Material CombinationRingsBallsCage
Standard100Cr6 – 1.3505 – SAE 52100100CR6 – 1.3505 – SAE 52100brass solid
Stainless440C – 1.4125 – AISI 440C440C – 1.4125 – AISI 440Cbrass solid
PremiumX30 – 1.4108 – X30CrMoN15-1Si3N4PEEK solid

All other Variants are possible according customer request, necessity of the application.

Material CombinationProperties / Performance
corrosion resistanceacid, leach, salt resistancefatigue stress resiliencewear resistanceoperating temperatureresilience against rollover
Standard000000
Stainless+(+)+0-00
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''
Zother clearance or preload

Cage

SLF offers the following cage versions.

MHbrass, one-piece ring, snap-typeSLF Fraureuth - separator mh enh th
ENHPEEK, one-piece ring, snap-type
THphenolic laminate, one-piece ring, snap-type
MPbrass, one-piece ring with circular pocketsSLF Fraureuth - separator mp enp tp
ENPPEEK, one-piece ring with circular pockets
TPphenolic 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.