What is Thin Section Radial Contact Bearing?

What is Thin Section Radial Contact Bearing

The ratio of the outer diameter of the bearing to the inner diameter of the bearing is less than 1.25, which is called thin Section ball bearing, which means that the value of the outer diameter of the bearing - the inner diameter is very small, and the bearing wall is very thin, so it is called a thin-walled bearing. Thin section bearings require a high degree of precision because they have thin walls and can carry less weight, so this is chosen according to the environment in which they are used. The thin section bearing has a simple structure and is easy to use. It is mainly used to bear radial load, but when the radial clearance of the bearing is increased, it has the performance of a certain angular contact ball bearing, and can bear the combined load of radial and axial directions.

Features of thin-walled radial contact bearings

Thin-walled radial contact bearings have the following core features:

Slim and lightweight Design

The ratio of outer diameter to inner diameter is typically less than 1.25, which allows for extremely thin cross-sections, significantly reduced volume and weight, and is suitable for tight installation spaces (e.g. robot joints, semiconductor equipment).

Some models feature a hollow shaft design to further reduce weight and allow space for wiring.

Load characteristics

It mainly bears radial load, and can bear two-way axial combined load when the radial clearance increases, and has the performance of a certain angular contact bearing.

Compared with ordinary bearings, the load carrying capacity is low, and it is not suitable for heavy-duty scenarios.

Friction and rotational speed

The coefficient of friction is low, the limit speed is high, and it is suitable for high-speed rotation.

Optimized designs, such as small outer diameter balls, ensure low frictional torque and stable operation.

Structure & Precision

Equal cross-section design: the cross-section size is fixed in the same series, and does not change with the increase of the inner diameter, which is convenient for standardization.

High-precision manufacturing, suitable for equipment that requires high rotational accuracy (such as precision machine tools, medical instruments).

Materials & Diversity

The ferrule is commonly made of GCr15, stainless steel and other materials, and the cage can be selected with brass, nylon, etc., to meet the needs of different environments.

Sealed (glue-sealed, iron-sealed) and open-type designs are available to expand application scenarios.

In general, thin-walled radial contact bearings play a key role in lightweight and compact design due to their core advantages of lightness, high precision and good radial load capacity, but it should be noted that their impact resistance is weak and not suitable for heavy-duty conditions.

Applications for Thin Section Radial Contact Bearings

1. Industrial robots and automation equipment

Application scenarios

Robot joint: The rotary axis used for the robotic arm to meet the needs of high-precision positioning and frequent start and stop (such as collaborative robots).

Inside the reducer: with harmonic reducer or RV reducer to reduce the volume of the transmission system.

advantage

The thin-walled design adapts to the compact joint structure, reducing the overall weight of the robot and improving the flexibility of movement.

The high rigidity reduces the elastic deformation in motion and ensures repeatable positioning accuracy.

2. Aerospace & Satellites

Application scenarios

Satellite Antenna Drive Mechanism: The rotating part that supports the antenna and adapts to vacuum and extreme temperature environments.

Drone motor: High-speed motor bearing for multi-rotor drone to reduce the weight of the aircraft.

advantage

The lightweight design reduces launch costs, and high-strength materials such as ceramics can withstand space radiation.

Low-friction properties extend maintenance-free operating intervals for long-term tasks.

3. Medical & Precision Instruments

Application scenarios

CT/MRI equipment: Supports rotating frames (e.g. slip ring systems for CT scanners) to ensure low vibration at high speed rotation.

Surgical robots: miniature drive units for minimally invasive surgical instruments for precise force feedback.

advantage

High-cleanliness design (non-magnetic or low-outgassing materials) to avoid interference with medical imaging.

Low-noise operation meets the requirements of the medical environment for silence.

4. New energy vehicles and electrification equipment

Application scenarios

Motor spindle bearing: the core support of the rotor of the drive motor, suitable for high speeds (e.g. above 10,000 rpm).

Wheel hub unit: Integrated into the electric wheel hub to reduce the space occupied by the drivetrain.

advantage

The thin-walled structure increases the power density of the motor and helps extend the range.

High-temperature lubrication solutions, such as polyurea-based greases, are adapted to the hot environment of the motor.

5. Optical and semiconductor equipment

Application scenarios

Wafer cutting machine: precision rotary table bearings to ensure nanoscale positioning of the cutting blade.

Laser galvanometer: supports high-speed mirrors to achieve microsecond angle adjustment.

advantage

High rotation accuracy (≤1 μm runout) ensures the stability of the optical system.

Low thermal expansion materials (e.g., ceramics) reduce the impact of temperature fluctuations on accuracy.

6. Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics

Application scenarios

High-speed vacuum cleaner motor: supports the rotor of the brushless motor to reduce noise and energy consumption.

Folding screen mobile phone hinge: Miniature thin-walled bearings achieve a smooth damping feeling of screen opening and closing.

advantage

The compact design adapts to the trend towards miniaturization and extends the service life of the equipment.

Low torque starting torque improves user experience (e.g. silent fan).

7. Extreme environment applications

Application scenarios

Vacuum pump bearings: Vacuum chambers used in semiconductor manufacturing that rely on solid lubrication or self-lubricating coatings.

High-temperature furnace drive shaft: using high-temperature resistant alloy and graphite cage, resistant to more than 400 °C environment.

advantage

Special materials and sealing designs (e.g. fluoroelastomer seals) resist corrosive media.

Low outgassing meets the requirements of high vacuum environments.

The price of Thin Section radial contact bearings

The price of thin section radial contact bearings is significantly affected by the model, accuracy, material and brand, and the unit price is usually between 8 yuan and thousands of yuan. Miniature / small bearings (inner diameter ≤ 50mm) are about 8-30 yuan for ordinary models, and 30-100 yuan for high-precision models; Medium-sized bearings (50-150mm) standard type 100-500 yuan, special design up to 300-1500 yuan; Large custom bearings (> 150mm) exceed 2000 yuan.

Material (steel/stainless steel/ceramic), accuracy class (P0-P4), seal design, and brand differentiation are the major cost drivers. Bulk purchases can reduce costs by 10%-30%, and non-standard customization or extreme environment needs will push up prices by 50%-200%.

Supplier of Thin Section Radial Contact Bearings

LTZC is a high-tech enterprise focusing on the R&D and manufacturing of thin-walled radial contact bearings, relying on precision machining technology and strict quality control system, providing ultra-thin cross-section, high-precision, low-friction bearing solutions for industrial automation, aerospace, medical equipment and other fields. Our products cover a series of deep groove ball/angular contact thin-walled bearings, supporting special designs such as customized hollow shafts, sealing protection, ceramic composite materials, etc., to meet the application needs of high-speed rotation, compact installation and extreme environments. If you need technical support for lightweight bearings, please feel free to contact us for a selection plan.