How to Repair Thin-Walled Bearings

What is Thin-Walled Bearing
A thin-walled bearingis a specialized mechanical component engineered with an extreme inner-to-outer diameter ratio (<1.25) to provide high-precision rotational motion in space-constrained, weight-sensitive applications. Constructed from high-strength materials such as 440C stainless steel or ceramic composites and manufactured using advanced CNC micro-grinding processes (achieving <0.4μm Ra surface finishes), these bearings feature ultra-thin walls (as low as 1mm in small-bore designs) while maintaining ISO P4-class radial runout (<=5μm) and load capacities up to 200kN. Their innovative configurations—including deep groove ball, crossed roller, and angular contact types with 15°-40° contact angles—enable multi-directional load management and support DN values exceeding 2.5×10⁶ for high-speed operation. Key integrated features like hollow bore designs (accommodating cabling/piping), non-contact IP67 seals, and wear-resistant coatings (TiN/nitriding) further enhance functionality in critical industries such as robotics, medical imaging, aerospace, and semiconductors, where they enable 6-axis articulation in 100mm³ payload modules, sub-micron positioning in CT gantries, and 5m/s wafer handling with 10⁵-cycle durability under 20G vibration. By delivering 40% space savings over conventional bearings without compromising rigidity or service life, thin-walled bearings serve as the foundational technology for next-generation miniaturized, high-performance machinery.

Features of Thin-Walled Bearings
Thin-walled bearings are precision mechanical components that achieve lightweight and compact designs through ultra-thin inner and outer ring structures (typically with an inner-to-outer diameter ratio < 1.25). Using constant cross-section designs and high-strength materials, they maintain high rigidity and rotational accuracy while significantly reducing friction loss. Capable of adapting to various configurations such as deep groove ball and crossed roller types to meet multi-directional load requirements, they also support hollow shaft integration designs. These bearings are widely applied in fields demanding strict space efficiency and motion precision, including robotics, medical equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Through the above characteristics, thin-walled bearings provide key solutions for the miniaturization and lightweighting of modern machinery while ensuring performance.

How to Repair Thin-Walled Bearings

Generally, the maintenance steps for thin-walled bearings include:

1.Bearing Installation and Disassembly Must Be Performed with Caution Different types and sizes of thin-walled deep groove ball bearings require specific installation methods and tools, which may involve mechanical or hydraulic approaches. Here are general installation methods and precautions:

Avoid applying force on the balls: This can cause local overload on the ball and contact surfaces, leading to premature bearing failure.

Do not strike the bearing surface with hard tools (e.g., hammers, screwdrivers), as this may crack or fracture the outer ring.

2.Bearing Cleaning
A clean operating environment is critical for bearings. The surface roughness of the rotating rings and rolling elements of thin-walled deep groove ball bearings is approximately 1/10 μm. Contamination on these smooth surfaces can cause severe issues. The lubrication layer between rolling surfaces is typically 0.2–1 μm thick; abrasive particles larger than the lubricant particle size may be excessively crushed by the rolling elements, creating localized stress in the self-aligning roller bearing steel and eventually leading to permanent material fatigue. Additionally, dust particles in the external environment (up to 10 μm in size) can damage the self-aligning roller bearings. This highlights the importance of a clean working environment for bearings.

3.Bearing Process Monitoring
During operation, monitor the bearing’s working temperature through thermal sensors. If the temperature exceeds the specified limit, an automatic alarm will trigger to prevent shaft seizure. High temperatures often indicate that the bearing is in an abnormal condition and can degrade the lubricant. Prolonged operation of thin-walled deep groove ball bearings at temperatures exceeding 125°C will reduce their service life. Causes of overheating include: insufficient or disqualification lubricant, lubricant contamination, excessive load, inadequate internal clearance, or friction from the oil seal.

Supplier of Thin-Walled Bearings

Established in 1992 and headquartered in Luoyang, Henan Province—the core base of China's bearing industry—Luoyang Tezhong Bearing Co., Ltd. (LTZC) is a high-end bearing solutions provider integrating R&D, production, and sales. The company specializes in manufacturing precision transmission components such as thin-walled bearings, slewing bearings, and mill bearings, with product precision reaching P4 level. LTZC serves over 30 countries and regions worldwide.

Core Advantages

1.Technical R&D Strength

Equipped with a provincial-level engineering technology research center, LTZC uses internationally advanced CNC grinding equipment (e.g., German Schaudt grinders) and coordinate measuring machines to achieve full-process digital production.

With R&D teams accounting for 20% of the workforce, LTZC collaborates with Tsinghua University's School of Mechanical Engineering to establish a joint laboratory, continuously breaking through key technologies such as ultra-thin wall processing and precision heat treatment.

2.Product Portfolio

Thin-Walled Bearings: Covering 8 series including deep groove ball, angular contact, and crossed roller bearings, with inner-to-outer diameter ratios as low as 1.1. These bearings support full specifications from φ20mm to φ2000mm and customizable designs (e.g., asymmetric structures, special coatings).

High-End Bearings: Slewing bearings with a single weight exceeding 50 tons are applied in wind power and port machinery; mill bearings with a service life 1.5 times the industry standard serve leading enterprises like Baosteel and Ansteel.

3.Quality Management System

Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949, LTZC employs SPC statistical process control, achieving a scrap rate of less than 0.05% in critical processes.

Each batch of products is accompanied by full-dimensional inspection reports and life test data, supporting high-speed operations with DN values (speed × inner diameter) up to 3×10⁶.

Industry Applications
LTZC bearings, characterized by lightweight, high precision, and long service life, are widely used in:

Industrial Equipment: Robot joints, semiconductor wafer handling equipment, precision machine tool spindles

New Energy: Wind turbine yaw systems, photovoltaic tracking brackets

Aerospace: Satellite attitude adjustment mechanisms, UAV transmission components

Medical Technology: CT machine rotating racks, surgical robot arms

Service Network

Seven regional service centers in China provide 24/7 response and 48-hour on-site support.

Overseas warehouses in Europe and Southeast Asia ensure dual coverage of "local inventory + technical services."

Corporate Honors

National Specialized and New "Little Giant" Enterprise

Henan Province Manufacturing Champion (Thin-Walled Bearings)

Vice Chairman Unit of China Bearing Industry Association
With the mission of "Transmitting the World, Smart Manufacturing the Future," LTZC continues to invest in new materials (e.g., ceramic bearings) and intelligent manufacturing (e.g., 5G+industrial internet), aiming to become a global benchmark in the precision bearing industry.