Miniature and instrument bearings

 


Miniature are characterized by their compact size, lightweight construction, high speed capability, and high precision. They are typically made of metal, and consist of rolling elements (usually steel balls or cylindrical rollers) along with outer and inner rings. These rolling elements are distributed between the inner and outer rings to minimize friction while providing support and positioning. The geometric shape and precision of the rolling elements and ring components are crucial for ensuring proper functioning of miniature bearings.

The dimensions of miniature bearings are typically expressed in metric units, such as inner diameter, outer diameter, and width. Common sizes include 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and so on. Furthermore, miniature bearings can be further classified based on their structural forms, such as , angular contact ball bearings, , and more

Miniature ball bearings are available in different types and in different designs to meet the requirements of almost any precision instrument application. Some bearing types include high speed radial bearings, full complement ball bearings, radial cages, angular contact bearings, thrust bearings. Subminiature and miniature bearings are usually sealed with rubber seals and boots to prevent any possible lubricant leakage or ingress of dirt.

  • Type: radial, angular contact, full complementary, thrust, etc.

  • Material: chrome steel, stainless steel, ceramic hybrid, plastic, etc.

  • Accuracy: ABEC-1 to ABEC-9

  • Dimensions: Less than 1.2 inches (30mm)

  • Structure: standard, flange, extended inner ring

  • Measuring system: imperial, metric

  • Cage: crown, ribbon, rivets

  • Noise: Provides performance tests for noise and friction torque specifications.

  • Sealing type: open, sealed (rubber seal), shielded (metal shielded)

Miniature Ball Bearing

Some of the notable design attributes that allow precision ball bearings to deliver the desired results include:

  • Seals and guards for contamination protection

  • High tolerance levels required for precise applications

  • Friction and noise performance testing

  • Rigorous factory lubrication from a wide variety of lubricant stocks

  • Extended flange outer and inner rings to provide mounting capacity

  • Contact angle and radial clearance variations to meet different deflection requirements and application loads

Typical applications include:

  • Medical and industrial handpieces

  • Flow meters

  • Fuel controls

  • Gyros, synchros and servos

  • Motors

  • Cryogenic coolers

  • Pulmonary assist devices

Sealing and Lubricating

The most popular sizes of miniature and small bearings are also produced in sealed versions. These bearings with Z and ZZ are lubricated with high quality grease, lubricated for life and suitable for high speeds. Bearings with the suffix RS or 2RS have lip seals made of nitrile rubber on one or both sides. AUB bearing grease is a low-noise bearing grease thickened by 12-hydroxy lithium stearate. It is processed by a special process by adding antirust agents and antioxidants to highly refined mineral oil. Applicable temperature range -20 C – 120 C.


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