When you need a bearing that works in tight spaces, thin is in. Thin section bearings boast minimal weight and a compact design, which has made them a go-to part for businesses in need of multi-load capabilities and high stiffness in a small package.

As a supplier of thin section bearings products, we get many questions about the types of parts that are available and how they can help with specific applications and environments. Here are a some answers to a few common questions people ask about thin section bearings.

What are Thin Section Bearings?

Thanks to its name, it's not too difficult to identify the main advantage of a thin section bearings. These parts – also known as slim section bearings – are thinner than other bearing styles, which helps create a compact, lightweight product.

What are the Benefits of Thin Section Bearings?

The size and weight of thin section bearings are the most notable draws for most businesses. These features allow thin section bearings to operate efficiently and effectively in applications with weight concerns or tight spaces. Thin section bearings are also quickly manufactured. This is very beneficial for any business that needs products right away to avoid downtime without sacrificing quality and performance.

Are There Different Types of Thin Section Bearings?

These products come in a few different styles that are better suited for specific needs. These include:

  • Radial thin section bearings - Designed for predominantly radial loads
  • Angular contact thin section bearings - Handle higher thrust and axial loads
  • Four-point contact thin section bearings - Features a special raceway that creates four points of contact with ball bearings to help them handle radial and thrust loads

Other variations are also available, and thin section bearings can be customized. For example, thin section bearings can be made in many popular cross-section sizes, different materials (such as standard steel, stainless steel, and chrome), and various protective seals. You can also choose to have them applied with specialized coatings, such as Thin Dense Chrome plating or other options.

What Industries are Best for Thin Section Bearings?

There are a wide variety of applications and markets that stand to benefit from thin section bearings, which includes everything from textile machines to missile launchers. These industries include:

  • Food Processing
  • Medical
  • Machine Tool
  • Satellite
  • Packaging
  • Robotics
  • Military Turrets
  • Material Handling
  • Textile Machinery
  • Optical Equipment

Order Your Own Thin Section Bearings

When it's time to invest in thin section bearings, we can help. Slim Section Bearings can supply you with the right bearing parts for your applications, whether you know exactly what you need or require a custom solution. Contact us today to talk to an SSB expert about your thin section bearing needs.