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Bearings are lighter than steel
SKF has released its latest generation of polymer ball bearings, which offer a lightweight and lubricant free alternative to conventional steel bearings.
The range has been developed to offer resistance to corrosion and chemical damage, making the bearings an ideal solution for applications subject to moisture or aggressive chemicals.
Consisting of polymer rings and cages, the bearings can be specified with balls made of stainless steel, glass, polymer or other materials, depending on the characteristics required.
Each bearing offers low friction and resistance to wear and fatigue, providing a long, low-maintenance service life. Perhaps as importantly, the latest bearings also weigh up to 80% less than conventional all-steel designs, with a high strength to weight ratio. This makes them a vital component for design engineers looking to minimise the weight of equipment without sacrificing performance.
Furthermore, as polymer is an electrical insulator, the bearings are immune to many of the problems that can affect steel bearings in applications subject to electrical currents, extending maintenance intervals considerably.
The polymer bearings are available as single row designs with integrated cages for minimised friction, or full complement thrust bearings with stainless steel or glass balls arranged alternately – with balls made of the same polymer as the rings to minimise wear.
Intrinsically hygienic and resistant to corrosion and chemicals, the new range is ideal for a variety of sectors, including the food and beverage; medical; HVAC; chemical; textile; and pharmaceutical industries.