Thin Section Ball Bearings

What Are Thin Section Ball Bearings?

Thin section ball bearings are precision-engineered components characterized by their exceptionally slim cross-section. Manufactured from high-grade materials such as 52100 chrome steel and 440C stainless steel, they are designed to reduce weight and conserve space while maintaining the ability to handle radial, axial, and moment loads.

Available Series

Our thin section bearings are offered in several standard series to meet different engineering demands:

• SR Series
• 6700 Series
• 6800 Series
• 63800 Series
• 6900 Series

Depending on the specific model and application, these bearings are available in open, shielded, or sealed designs for optimized performance and protection.

Types of Thin Section Bearings

• Radial Contact Bearings: Primarily designed to support radial loads while minimizing space and weight.
• Angular Contact Ball Bearings: Suitable for combined radial and axial loads—ideal for robotic joints and machine tools.
• Four-Point Contact Bearings: Unique groove geometry allows them to handle radial, axial, and moment loads simultaneously.

For unique engineering challenges, custom thin section bearing solutions can also be developed upon request.

Key Applications

Thin section bearings play a vital role in high-precision environments across many industries:

• Aerospace: Used in navigation systems, control mechanisms, and avionics equipment.
• Robotics: Perfect for joints, actuators, and precision motion systems.
• Medical Devices: Found in surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and compact imaging devices.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Used in wafer handlers, lithography systems, and other micro-precision machinery.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Extremely lightweight—ideal for space-limited or weight-sensitive designs
• High accuracy due to tight manufacturing tolerances
• Can accommodate multiple load types at once
• Lower operational friction for smooth, energy-efficient movement

Disadvantages

• Generally higher cost compared to standard bearings
• Requires proper lubrication and scheduled maintenance
• Not suitable for extremely high-load applications

Choosing the Right Thin Section Bearing

Selecting the ideal bearing for your application involves several key considerations:

• Space Constraints: Ensure the bearing fits compact designs without compromising capacity.
• Load Requirements: Determine the expected radial, axial, and moment loads.
• Operating Conditions: Factor in temperature, environment, contamination risks, and the need for corrosion resistance.

Maintenance & Best Practices

Proper care ensures the long-term performance and reliability of your thin section bearings:

• Mount the bearings using correct tools and techniques
• Regularly check and apply suitable lubricants
• Protect from contamination and corrosive environments
• Operate within recommended temperature and load limits

Neglecting maintenance can lead to bearing degradation, reduced efficiency, system failures, and even safety hazards. Investing in preventive care is essential for preserving both machine and operator safety.

Need Help Choosing the Right Bearing?

If you’re unsure which thin section bearing is the best fit for your application, our technical support team is ready to assist. With years of experience across multiple industries, we’ll help you find the optimal solution tailored to your specific needs.