Thin section bearings – find manufacturers and suppliers

Thin section bearings are special rolling bearings with a particularly thin cross-section in relation to the bearing diameter.

They enable space-saving, lightweight and high-precision bearing arrangements for applications with limited installation space. Despite their compact design, they offer high load capacities and are available in various designs.

Below you will find the function, design, movement principle, designs and application areas of thin section bearings, as well as their advantages:

How thin section bearings work:

Design and components of thin section bearings:

1. Inner ring and outer ring - Precision-manufactured races made of high-strength steel or ceramic.
2. Rolling elements - Balls (often made of steel or ceramic) ensure low-friction movements.
3. Cage or spacer - Keep the balls evenly spaced.
4. Seals or shields - Protect the bearing from dust and dirt.

Movement principle of thin section bearings:

1. The rolling elements (usually balls) roll between the inner and outer ring on specially shaped raceways.
2. Friction is low so that high speeds and precise movements are possible.
3. The thin-walled design enables weight savings and a compact design.

Types of thin section bearings:

1. Radial thin section bearings - support purely radial loads.
2. Axial thin section bearings - Specially designed for high axial forces.
3. Four-point thin section bearings - combination of radial and axial load capacity.
4. Angular contact ball bearings as a thin section variant - For combined loads and high speeds.

Areas of application for thin section bearings:

1. Robotics and automation:
Joints and rotary axes in industrial robots.
Compact drive systems with high precision.

2. Medical technology:
X-ray machines and CT scanners with precise rotation technology.
Surgical instruments and robotic arms.

3. Aerospace:
Weight-saving bearing solutions for satellites and drones.
Precision movements in optical instruments.

4. Mechanical engineering and precision mechanics:
High-precision bearings for optical devices and measuring instruments.
Drive systems in CNC machines.

5. Electromobility and automotive technology:
Lightweight, efficient bearings for electric drives.
Special bearings for steering and chassis systems.

Advantages of thin section bearings:

• Space-saving design - Optimal for compact designs.
• Reduction of moving masses - advantageous for robotics and medical technology.
• Low friction - Minimal energy consumption, high efficiency.
• High precision - Suitable for precision mechanical applications.
• Flexible designs - Various designs for specific load requirements.

Thin section bearings are indispensable in high-tech applications that require compact, lightweight and high-precision bearings. Their versatile designs and materials allow them to be tailored to specific requirements in industries such as robotics, medical technology and aviation.

Here you will find the most important aspects to consider when purchasing thin section bearings:

Purchasing thin section bearings requires a precise analysis of the technical specifications, operating conditions and economic factors. These bearings are specially developed for space-saving, high-precision applications and must be selected carefully.

• Before purchasing thin section bearings, the specific requirements must be analyzed in detail.
• Thin section bearings are available in various designs. The right choice depends on the load and the application:
• Radial thin section bearings - Supporting pure radial forces.
• Axial thin section bearings - Specially designed for axial forces.
• Four-point thin-section bearings - Combined load capacity for radial and axial forces.
• Angular contact ball bearings as a thin-section variant - Ideal for high speeds and combined loads.
• Which bearing material is suitable for the intended requirement?
• Chrome steel 100Cr6, AISI 52100 - High strength, cost-efficient, standard for many applications.
• Stainless steel (X30CrMoN15-1, AISI 440C) - Corrosion-resistant, for medical or food technology.
• Ceramic (Si3N4, ZrO2) - Lightweight, high temperature resistant, non-magnetic (ideal for aerospace or semiconductor industry).
• Determine the required bearing inner diameter and outer diameter - observe accuracy of fit for mounting.
• Thin section bearings have narrow cross-sections, which means that stability and load capacity must be optimized.
• Observe the tolerance class ISO 492, ABEC, P0-P5 - the higher the precision class, the more accurate the running.
• What radial load can be expected? The load capacity varies depending on the design.
• What is the axial load? Is an angular contact ball bearing or a four-point contact bearing preferable?
• Observe the static and dynamic load ratings. Check the long-term durability.
• How should the seals be designed and should further protective measures be provided?
• Open bearings (without seals) - For clean environments, lowest friction.
• Shielded bearings (ZZ, with metal cover) - Protection against coarse dirt and dust.
• Sealed bearings (2RS, with rubber seals) - For dusty, damp or corrosive environments.
• What are the lubrication and maintenance requirements?
• Grease lubrication (lubricated for life) - Maintenance-free for long-term applications.
• oil lubrication (precision-optimized) - For high-speed applications.
• Dry running (ceramic bearings) - For special applications without lubrication.
• Observe certifications and standards: ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for sustainable production, specific industry certifications e.g. ISO 16949 - Especially for automotive industry, ISO 492 / DIN 620 / ABEC tolerance classes.
• High-quality bearings save costs in the long term thanks to longer service life and lower maintenance costs.

Purchasing thin section bearings requires careful supplier selection and a well thought-out cost strategy. Material quality, tolerances, load capacity and lubrication are crucial to ensure optimum performance and longevity in the respective application.

Thin section bearings can be purchased from various suppliers. You will find comprehensive information on manufacturers and suppliers of Thin section bearings around the world on Exportpages.