Combined bearings Manufacturers online

Combined bearings are special track and guide rollers that are used in machines, systems and conveyor technology to move loads reliably and guide them precisely at the same time by being able to support vertical loads and control lateral forces, unlike simple track rollers.

The name is derived from the fact that they fulfill a combination of load-bearing and guiding function.

Below you will find an overview of the functionality and types of combined bearings, as well as an overview of their areas of application and their advantages:

How combined bearings work:

The basic principle of combined bearings is that they are made up of two sections:
A wheel that takes the main load and moves on a rail or track,
and a guide roller that absorbs lateral forces and ensures precise tracking.
Both elements are often integrated in a common housing. Robust roller bearings are usually used to ensure that the rollers can support high loads and run smoothly at the same time.
This dual function prevents tilting or slipping of carriages, trolleys or load handling devices.

Types of combined bearings:

Combined bearings are available in various designs, tailored to the respective operating conditions:

1. Standard combined bearings:
   With radial main wheel and lateral guide roller; universally applicable.
2. Heavy-duty combined bearings:
   Larger dimensions, reinforced bearings and special materials to support very heavy loads.
3. Eccentric bearings:
   With adjustable geometry so that the clearance between roller and rail can be adjusted.
4. Compact designs:
   For tight installation conditions or mobile devices.
5. Corrosion-resistant designs:
   Made of stainless steel or with special coatings, e.g. for the food or chemical industry.
6. Special designs:
   Z. E.g. combined castors with integrated damping element or special profiles for special track shapes.

Use of combined bearings:

Combined bearings are found in many industrial applications where precise guiding with simultaneous load support is required:

1. Conveyor technology:
In roller conveyors, storage and retrieval machines, transfer cars or lifting systems.

2. Crane systems and lifting technology:
For guiding and moving heavy load handling equipment along support rails.

3. Mechanical engineering:
In traversing units, slides and positioning systems where high accuracy is required.

4. Automation technology:
In handling and robot systems for precise linear movement.

5. Storage and logistics systems:
In high-bay warehouses or shuttle systems for safe load guidance.

6. Special machines:
For example, in steelworks, pressing plants or building material plants where robust and durable guides are required.

Advantages of combined bearings:

The use of combined bearings offers a number of advantages that make them attractive compared to simple track rollers or separate guide and support rollers:

• Combined function: Absorption of vertical and horizontal forces in one unit.
• High load capacity: Suitable for heavy loads and demanding industrial environments.
• Precise guidance: Prevents lateral deviation and ensures directional stability.
• Space-saving: The combination of track roller and guide roller makes optimum use of the installation space.
• Simple installation: Usually available as pre-assembled units, easy to integrate into rail systems.
• Long service life: Robust design and high-quality bearings ensure high operational reliability.
• Flexibility: Available in many sizes, materials and special designs.
• Low maintenance: Often equipped with bearings lubricated for life.

Combined bearings are indispensable components in modern conveyor and automation technology. Their particular strength lies in the combination of load-bearing and guiding functions, enabling them to reliably move heavy loads and ensure precise motion sequences. They enable robust, durable and space-saving solutions for a wide range of industries - from logistics and mechanical engineering to heavy-duty technology.

Below is an overview of the most important points to consider when purchasing combined bearings:

When purchasing combined bearings, it is important to take a well thought-out approach, as these components generally carry heavy loads, perform precise guidance tasks and are also crucial for the reliable operation of machines and systems. Errors in selection can lead to premature wear, failures or increased maintenance costs.

• It all starts with a precise analysis of the application for the combined bearings:
• Load capacities: Both the main vertical load and the lateral forces acting on the guide rollers must be taken into account.
• Speed and movement profile: Slow lifting movements have different requirements to highly dynamic travel movements in automation systems.
• Operating environment: Dust, dirt, chemicals, moisture or extreme temperatures influence the choice of material and design.
• Installation conditions: Space requirements, mounting position and accessibility should already be taken into account during the design phase.
• Choosing the right material is crucial for service life and operational safety:
• Steel combination bearings: High load capacity and robustness for heavy-duty applications.
• Stainless steel combination bearings: Corrosion-resistant, ideal for the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
• Coated bearings, e.g. chrome-plated, galvanized or with a plastic coating: Protection against corrosion, reduced noise or lower friction.
• High-performance polymers for the running surfaces: Less abrasion and quiet operation, often in combination with metal cores.
• Combined bearings differ in design and adjustability:
• Standard bearings: For typical loads and universal applications.
• Eccentric bearings: Enable backlash-free adjustment between roller and rail.
• Heavy-duty versions: With reinforced bearings and thicker raceways for particularly high forces.
• Compact designs: For systems with limited installation space.
• The bearing arrangement of the combined bearing, such as ball bearing, roller bearing or needle bearing, should be matched to the load, as it has a decisive influence on the running quality and service life.
• Dimensional tolerances: Precisely manufactured bearings ensure smooth running and minimize wear.
• Compatibility with rail profiles: Rollers must match the respective rail system, e.g. V-rails, flat rails or special profiles.
• Standard-compliant designs: Orientation towards ISO or DIN standards facilitates comparability and interchangeability.
• Certifications: Appropriate approvals are important in sensitive sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals.
• A key advantage of combined bearings is their low maintenance - this should be checked when purchasing:
• Lubrication: many combined bearings are lubricated for life; in extreme conditions, a relubricatable version may be useful.
• Seals: High-quality seals protect the bearings against dust, moisture or aggressive media.
• Service life calculation: Reputable manufacturers offer calculation aids or simulations to estimate the service life.
• Not only the purchase price, but also the total operating costs are relevant:
• Life cycle costs: a long-lasting roller saves downtime and maintenance costs.
• Availability: Standard sizes should be available at short notice to ensure replacement in the event of a malfunction.
• Storage costs: Rollers that can be used in several parts of the system reduce the stock of spare parts.
• Energy efficiency: Smooth-running rollers reduce the energy consumption of drives.
• An experienced and reliable partner is crucial:
• Technical advice: Support with selection, design and adaptation to the respective rail system.
• Customized solutions: Possibility to manufacture special designs for specific requirements.
• Service and support: Spare parts availability, installation aids and after-sales service increase operational reliability.
• References: Proof from comparable industries or applications creates trust.

When purchasing combined bearings, it is crucial to match the technical requirements, choice of material, design and quality precisely to the planned application. In addition to load capacity and precision, factors such as freedom from maintenance, service life and supplier expertise also play a key role. Taking these aspects into account ensures that the combined rollers work reliably, downtimes are minimized and the total cost of ownership is kept low.

Combined bearings can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Combined bearings from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.