Radial Bearings

Radial Bearings

Radial Bearings

The purpose of a radial bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support loads. This is achieved by using two races to hold the balls and to spread the load through the balls. As the bearing race rotates it causes the balls to rotate. The ball provides for substantially less rolling resistance and coefficient of friction than if two flat surfaces were rotating.

Single-row, deep groove radial ball bearings are the most common bearing type, having a wide range of applications. Radial bearings are made with very high levels of precision and used in applications where rotational performance and low torque is necessary, but load is a secondary issue. Deep-groove bearings however do have higher load ratings for their size than shallow-groove ball bearings, but are also less tolerant of misalignment.

Ceramic hybrid ball bearings use ceramic balls. Ceramic balls weigh up to 40% less than steel balls, depending on size. This reduces centrifugal loading and skidding, so hybrid ceramic bearings can operate up to 50% faster than conventional bearings. This means that the outer race groove exerts less force inward against the ball as the bearing spins. This reduction in force reduces the friction and rolling resistance. The lighter ball allows the bearing to spin faster, and uses less energy to maintain its speed. Ceramic hybrid ball bearings use these ceramic balls in place of steel balls. They are constructed with steel inner and outer rings, but ceramic balls so they are known as hybrids.

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  • Ceramic Hybrid Series

    Ceramic hybrid bearings have steel races and ceramic balls. Ceramic balls are suitable for applications where high loads, high speeds and extreme temperatures are factors. Long life and the need for minimal lubrication make this material appropriate for extreme applications. Ceramic is non-porous, non-magnetic, non corrosive and lighter than steel. In ball form, ceramic balls are also harder than steel and because ceramic balls are non-porous they are virtually frictionless and capable of spinning faster than steel balls.

  • Chrome Steel Series

    Chrome Steel 52100 Series Radial Bearings contain chromium and, due to thorough hardening, have excellent surface quality and high load capability. 52100 Chrome Steel Radial Bearings are a universal material for many applications. Chrome Steel is magentic.

  • Stainless Steel Series

    Stainless Steel 440C Series Radial Bearings contain a martensitic-type stainless steel used extensively in bearing applications that require hadrness, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance and toughness. Stainless Steel 440C is resistant to corrosion from fresh water, steam, crude oil, gasoline, perspiration, alcohol, blood and food stuffs. Stainless Steel does contain some carbon so it is still slightly magnetic and may eventually rust.

  • Flanged Series


  • Flow Meter Series

    To ensure a long life for flow meters it is crucial that the meter has been installed with the proper bearing material depending on the fluid lubricity and operating temperature. Many turbine meter installers prefer ceramic bearings for their superior design and durability. Ceramic bearings are a substantial upgrade over traditional steel bearings for many turbine flow meter environments. Ceramic is a non-porous, glass like surface so it is virtually frictionless and therefore needs very little or no lubrication to operate. Ceramic is also ideal for extremely high or low temperature applications with ranges of -100°C to +900°C (-148°F to +1652°F.)