Custom thin section bearings are designed to meet application-specific requirements in tight spaces and hard-to-reach places. Like standard thin section bearings, these custom bearings maintain a constant cross section as the bore size increases. However, a custom thin section bearing differs because it includes modifications such as non-standard dimensions, special raceway geometries, alternative materials, custom lubrication systems, special coatings, or other customized features.
For example, custom thin section bearings can have non-standard dimensions for bore, width, or cross-sectional thickness. Alternatively, these custom bearings may use special raceway geometries for unique load paths or non-standard materials for weight reduction. Special coatings and surface treatments can provide enhanced wear resistance, and custom lubrication features are available for extreme-temperature environments. Customized features also include integrated seals.
Why Choose a Custom Thin Section Bearing Instead of a Standard Product?
Engineers often specify custom thin section bearings to address space and weight constraints, optimize performance, or withstand harsh environments. For example, these bearings allow engineers to reduce mass and rotational inertia while maintaining load capacity and stiffness. Depending on the design and manufacturing, a custom bearing can also withstand vacuum conditions, radiation, corrosive chemicals, or extreme temperature cycling.
Custom bearings may have higher initial costs; however, they can lower total system costs over time. For example, by minimizing space and weight, they can help reduce material costs and machining expenses in mating structures. Enhanced durability and precision motion control can reduce the need for maintenance and improve overall reliability. Custom thin section bearings that include added functionality, such as integral seals, can reduce part counts and speed assembly times.
Who Makes These Custom Bearings?
Schatz Bearing Corporation makes custom bearings, including customized thin section bearings. Schatz also manufactures eight series of standard thin section bearings with angular (A-type), radial (C-type), or four-point (X-type) contact for bores up to 12”. These standard bearings are available in different cross-sectional dimensions and ABEC 1F, 3F, 5F, or 7 tolerances. Schatz also offers low minimum order quantities (MOQs), and our products are proudly Made in USA.
Schatz is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, and our thin section bearings have supported demanding projects like NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover Mission. On the surface of Mars, two duplex-sets of thin section bearings were used in an articulating arm application. Thin section bearings from Schatz are also used aboard military and civilian aircraft in flight control systems, landing gear, engine accessories, and sensor positioning systems.
Do you need a custom bearing, or could you use a standard product instead? Contact us to discuss your application or request a quote today.