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Miniature bearing

(37500 products available)

About miniature bearing

Types of Miniature Bearings

Suppliers provide these types of miniature bearings to wholesale buyers in bulk. They are popular and frequently purchased in large quantities.

Stainless Steel Miniature Ball Bearings

These have become the choice for moisture-prone and corrosive environments. Stainless steel is as strong as steel and resistant to rust and corrosion. People use these bearings in marine, medical, and outdoor equipment. They work well with everything from sensitive instruments to heavy machinery.

Ceramic Miniature Bearings

These bearings are made with silicon nitride. They replace steel in many demanding applications due to their lower density, higher rigidity, and ability to withstand high temperatures. They perform extremely well in environments where metal fatigue is common. Examples include high-speed motors, aerospace components, and chemical processing equipment.

Shielded Miniature Ball Bearings

These ball bearings have an extra shield that helps prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering the bearing. This feature is essential for applications operating in harsh conditions, like agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Cleanliness is crucial, so shielded bearings work well in food processing, too.

Rubber Sealed Miniature Ball Bearings

Rubber sealed bearings feature seals made from rubber. This option offers protection from contaminants and moisture while retaining lubrication. This seal makes it a suitable choice for automotive, bicycle, and appliance industries where dust and water exposure is common.

Low-Noise Miniature Bearings

These bearings are engineered to reduce noise, making them ideal for applications requiring quiet operation. Users will find these bearings in consumer electronics, medical devices, and office equipment.

Industrial Applications of Miniature Bearings

Buyers should consider these mini bearing applications for their business. They are frequently used in different industries.

Aerospace

In aerospace, miniature bearings work in actuators, control surfaces, and sensors. Their lightweight and durable nature makes them suitable for components that must withstand extreme conditions.

Electronics

Bearings in this space are in cooling fans, hard drives, and optical drives. In these applications, the bearings enhance performance by providing smooth rotation and reducing friction. Their small size allows for integration into compact devices.

Medical Devices

Miniature bearings work in surgical instruments, motors, and diagnostic equipment. Here, precision and reliability are critical, so the bearings must perform impeccably in environments that require sterility and minimal noise.

Robotics

In robotics, miniature bearings are common in joints, gears, and motors. These bearings facilitate smooth movement and increase the life of robotic parts. Miniature bearings are essential for high-precision robotics in manufacturing and surgery.

Automotive

Car parts use these miniature ball bearings for window motors, fuel pumps, and sensors. In such dynamic environments, the bearings must resist dirt, heat, and moisture while maintaining efficiency.

Optics and Imaging Equipment

Miniature bearings enable smooth zoom, focus, and image stabilization in cameras and binoculars. Their precision is vital for maintaining alignment in high-resolution imaging systems in these applications.

Product Specifications of Miniature Bearings

Buyers need to read the following bearing specifications. They help buyers understand the important parts of the miniature ball bearing products.

Technical Specs

  • Bore Diameter

    Bore diameter refers to the internal size of the bearing. This size mirrors the shaft that goes through it. The bore diameter range for ball bearings is between 1 and 10 millimeters. This size is for ball bearings, while the cylindrical roller bearing range is between 1 and 20 millimeters.

  • Outer Diameter

    The outer diameter of a bearing is the external size of the bearing. In ball bearings, the outer diameter ranges between 2 and 12 millimeters. The outer diameter can be larger than the shaft it supports. This feature is to allow for housing accommodation.

  • Width/Thickness

    It refers to how thick or wide the bearing is. This measurement is important when considering the space where the bearing will be installed. For miniature ball bearings, the width often ranges from 1 to 5 millimeters. In other types, such as the miniature thrust bearing, the width or thrust collar distance is usually much smaller than in ball or roller bearings. The miniature thrust bearing components are designed to be as compact as possible, often only 1 to 3 millimeters in width.

  • Cage Material

    The cage, or retainer, holds the balls or rollers in place. It separates them so they can move freely. The most common cage materials are steel, brass, and polyamide (nylon). These materials resist wear and support the load. Steel is strong and durable, while brass is lightweight and corrosion resistant. Polyamide is used for its elasticity and ability to dampen noise.

Installation and Fit

  • Clearance

    Miniature ball bearings come in different clearance options. The clearance affects how much space is between the bearing elements. The space is between the inner ring, outer ring, and balls. Buyers should inform their customers that standard clearance is suitable for most applications. Use it where temperature and load variations are normal. In tight-tolerance applications, consider using a bearing with low or no clearance to ensure proper alignment.

Maintenance and Repair

  • Lubrication

    Miniature bearings come lubricated or with an option for buyer-provided lubrication. Bearings with shields or seals are pre-lubricated greased. They are ready for use without additional lubrication. Bearings without shields often require lubrication before installation. A light oil or precision grease is best for lubricating ball bearings. Choose them because they will reduce friction and wear in the rolling elements.

Choosing Miniature Bearings

Buyers must read the following key parts of skateboard bearings to make lubr requests. The parts will influence the miniature bearing performance and durability.

Material Composition

Steel, stainless steel, and ceramic are typical materials used in making miniature bearings. Steel bearings have the best strength and hardness levels. These properties make steel suitable for high-load applications. On the other hand, stainless steel bearings are a better option for parts exposed to moisture or corrosive elements. Ceramics have excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, they suit applications with extreme temperatures or metal fatigue.

Load Capacity

It is the bearing's ability to carry a combined radial and axial load. Manufacturers define miniature bearings as standard if their dynamic load rating is between 70 and 150 newtons. If the radial load is higher than 150 newtons, consider a larger bearing. Larger bearings have higher load ratings. Therefore, they survive longer under heavy loads. Users who work with high-speed applications should select bearings with lower静态载荷because static load causes bearing wear.

Seal and Shield Options

Access to lubrication and contamination protection is vital for bearing longevity. Bearings with rubber seals are lubricated and protected from debris, dust, and water. This feature is essential for outdoor or harsh environment applications. Conversely, bearings with metal shields may be more appropriate for environments with high temperatures.

Performance Requirements

Buyers must consider their business customers' applications when choosing performance requirements. Bearings for ultra-precision applications suit manufacturers' low noise and friction models. High-speed applications benefit from ball bearings. They have lower friction than other types. Heavy-duty applications require bearings with more load-carrying capacity. They also require bearings with higher durability. These bearings can withstand the effects of wear.

Q&A

Q1. Which radial load do miniature ball bearings handle?

A1: The radial load depends on the bearing chosen. For example, ball bearings can support radial loads as small as 1 newton to as high as 2500 newtons. Roller bearings can support a much higher radial load, from 53 newtons to 60 000 newtons.

Q2 Are there differences between shielded and sealed miniature bearings?

A2: The primary difference is that shielded miniature bearings are pre-lubricated and have a metal shield to protect them from contaminants. On the other hand, sealed miniature ball bearings have a rubber seal that retains lubrication and protects them from contaminants. A sealed bearing provides better protection for lubricated parts. However, shielded bearings have a broader temperature application.

Q3: When do miniature ball bearings need replacing?

A3: Typical signs that the bearings need replacing are unusual noises and vibrations. Others are rough operation and visible wear and corrosion. On top of that, users should replace bearings that have increasingly high friction when spinning. If the bearing feels hot, it could be time to replace it.

Q4: Are sealed miniature bearings maintenance-free?

A4: Yes, sealed miniature ball bearings are maintenance-free because they come pre-lubricated. The rubber or silicone seal retains the lubrication and prevents contaminants from entering the bearing. Therefore, the user does not have to worry about lubricating the bearing.

Q5: Do miniature bearings come in the same size as standard bearings?

A5: No, miniature bearings usually come in smaller sizes than standard bearings. The size of miniature bearings ranges from 3 to 26 millimeters. On the other hand, standard bearings usually come in sizes larger than 22 millimeters. Nonetheless, both types are used to accomplish the same purpose. That is facilitating rotational movement.