Introduction and Selection Points of Thin walled Bearing Applications

Thin walled bearing is a special type of bearing with extremely thin wall thickness. Its cross-sectional height is much smaller than that of standard bearings, but it can provide the same load-bearing capacity. It is mainly used in precision equipment that requires space saving and weight reduction, such as industrial robot joints, medical equipment, aerospace components, optical instruments, and small servo motors. Its characteristics are compact structure, light weight, while maintaining high rigidity and rotational accuracy, suitable for application scenarios with strict requirements for space and weight.

The selection of thin-walled bearings requires comprehensive consideration of space constraints, load requirements, and motion characteristics. The following are the key points:

1. Size and structure

  • Section height (C value): The core parameter of thin-walled bearings, usually 1/3~1/2 of standard bearings, needs to be selected according to the installation space (such as the series commonly used for robot joints with C ≤ 7mm).

  • Internal and external diameter ratio: Non standard designs are common (such as an inner diameter of 20mm and an outer diameter of 30mm), which need to be matched with equipment hole positions.

  • Type selection: Deep groove ball type (radial load), four point contact ball type (composite load), crossed roller type (high rigidity, such as turntable bearings).

2. Load and speed

  • Radial/axial loads: Cross roller bearings can withstand bidirectional loads, while deep groove ball bearings are suitable for pure radial loads.

  • Dynamic load capacity: High speed applications (such as unmanned aerial vehicle gimbal) require verification of the maximum speed (refer to the manufacturer's dn value).

3. Materials and Accuracy

  • Material: Stainless steel (corrosion-resistant, medical use), chrome steel (general industrial), ceramic hybrid (high-speed and high temperature).

  • Accuracy level: ABEC-5/P4 level is common, optical equipment may require ABEC-7/P2 level (clearance ≤ 0.003mm).

4. Lubrication and sealing

  • Lubrication methods: grease (long-lasting), oil mist (high-speed), solid lubrication (vacuum environment).

  • Sealing design: rubber seal (dustproof), metal shielding (anti magnetic, such as MRI equipment).

5. Special needs

  • Pre tightening force adjustment: The precision turntable needs to be pre tightened to eliminate clearance (such as cross roller bearings).

  • Installation methods: flange type (for easy positioning), split type (for installation in confined spaces).