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Mounted Bearings Guide: Flange & Pillow Block Types

Mounted Bearings Guide: Flange & Pillow Block Types

Mounted bearings are pre-assembled units that combine an insert bearing (such as a ball or roller bearing) with a housing.

They are designed to simplify installation and support rotating shafts

It is widely used in industries such as conveyor systems, agricultural machinery, food processing, and ventilation equipment.

 

Features

  • Pre-assembled and ready for installation
  • Factory-filled with lubricant and sealed
  • Easy and fast shaft locking
  • Wide selection of housing designs, materials, and locking mechanisms
  • Concentric locking solutions for smooth operation at high speeds and low vibrations

 

 

Types of Mounted Bearings

 

Mounted Ball Bearing Units

The insert bearing of ball bearing units is a deep groove ball bearing with a convex outer surface and an extended inner ring.

features a locking mechanism to secure it to the shaft.

The housing has a concave bore that matches the mounted bearing's convex shape.

Mounted ball bearing units feature a compact design and a lightweight design. 

This makes them easy to install and suitable for applications with space and weight limitations.

 

 

Mounted Roller Bearing Units

Mounted Roller Bearing Units consist of a housing, a roller bearing, seals, and lubricant.

These mounted bearings are designed for heavy-duty, low-speed applications.

However, they are typically larger and more expensive.

  • Mounted spherical roller bearings have a double-row design at an angle. This enable them to handle both radial and limited axial loads. Their larger elliptical contact area makes them ideal for applications with static and dynamic misalignment.
Mounted spherical roller bearing
  • Mounted Tapered roller bearings feature line contact, distributing loads over a larger area. The double-row design boosts load capacity. Their angled setup helps them manage heavy radial and thrust loads. This make them ideal for demanding applications like mining and off-highway use.

Mounted Tapered roller bearing

 

Mounted Sleeve Bearings

Mounted sleeve bearing units create a sliding surface between a rotating shaft and its housing.

They reduce friction, absorb vibration, and support the shaft.

This helps ensure smooth linear or rotational movement.

These mounted bearings are ideal for applications where noise and vibration are concerns.

Mounted Sleeve Bearing

 

Mounted Linear Bearings

Mounted Linear Bearing Units consist of a linear bearing integrated into a housing or mounting block.

This unit can be securely attached to a fixed surface or machine frame. 

These mounted bearings are designed to support both radial and axial loads while ensuring low friction for precise movement.

Mounted Linear Bearing

Note

The following will focus primarily on Ball Bearing Units, the most common type of mounted bearing.

 

 

Advantages of Mounted Ball Bearing Units

 

  • Easy Installation & Self-Alignment
  • Reduced Maintenance and Cost-Effective
  • Versatility & Load Handling
  • Durability and Quiet Operation
  • Easy Replacement & Improved Efficiency
  • Pre-Lubricated and Sealed
  • Compensates for Misalignment

 

 

Mounted Bearings: Housing Styles for Ball Bearing Units 

 

Pillow Block

 

Pillow (Plummer) Block Ball Bearing Units are pre-assembled units with a ball bearing housed in a block.

They are designed for easy mounting onto a support surface.

The housing provides stability, ensuring smooth and reliable operation when properly aligned and lubricated.

Mounted pillow block bearing are mainly suitable for horizontal shaft installation.

They are secured by bolts to the base, with the installation surface needing to be flat within 0.1mm/m.

These mounted bearings are widely used to support rotating shafts in industrial applications.

 

Uses

Short Base Pillow Block BearingStandard Pillow Block Bearing


Table 1: Comparison of mounted bearings: Pillow Block Series

Locking Type Duty Rating Inner Ring Pillow Block Housing Type Series
Set Screw Normal Wide Standard UCP200, UCSP200
Narrow BP200, BLLP200, BPW200
Wide Low Base UCLP200
Narrow BLP200
Wide Expansion UCEP200
Narrow Pressed Steel BPR200,BPP200
Wide UCPH200
Wide Tapped base UCTB200, UCPA200 e.g.UCPA205), UCSHE200
Narrow BSHE200
Medium Wide Standard UCPX00
Heavy Wide Standard UCP300, UCPU300, UCA0300, UCSA0300, UCA2000
Wide Expansion UCPEU300
Eccentric Collar Normal Wide Standard UGP200, UGAKH200
Narrow KHP200, KHLLP200, KHPW200
Narrow Low Base KHLP200
Wide UGAK200
Narrow Pressed Steel KHPR200, KHPP200
Narrow Tapped base KHSHE200
Wide UGSHE200
Heavy Wide Standard UGP300, UGPU300, UGA0300, UGSA0300
Wide Expansion UGPEU300
Light Extra Narrow Standard UP000
Concentric Collar Medium Wide Standard UEPX00
Normal Wide Standard UEP200, UESP200
Low Base UELP200
Expansion UEEP200
Tapped base UETB200, UEPA200, UESHE200
Adapter Sleeve Normal Wide Standard UKP200+H
Medium UKPX00+H
Heavy UKPU300+H, UKP300+H

 

 

Flange Units (2/3/4-Bolt) 

Flange bearing units are pre-assembled mounted bearing units.

They have a bearing housed in a casing, designed for easy mounting onto a machine frame or surface.

The flange allows secure bolting to the machine or structure.

It has bolt holes for surface mounting and positioning in both axial and angular directions.

These flange mounted bearing units are commonly used in industrial applications where easy mounting and alignment are required.

 

Uses

  • Food and beverage processing and packaging
  • Packaging systems
  • Elevator systems
  • Conveyor and power transmission systems
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Construction machinery

 

Types

 

Classified by Housing Shape:

  • Mounted Bearings-Square Units: With a larger support surface, these units are ideal for strong fixation and stable mounting.

Mounted Bearing-Square Units

  • Mounted Bearings-Oval Units: They provide more mounting options and allow for some longitudinal adjustment.

Mounted Bearing-Oval Units

  • Mounted Bearings-Round Units: The round design allows 360-degree mounting, offering flexible positioning without specific orientation.

 

Mounted Bearing-Round Units
  • Mounted Bearings-Triangular Units: The triangular shape offers a unique mounting configuration that distributes load evenly, enhancing stability for heavy-duty applications.

Mounted Bearing-Triangular Units

Classified by Bolt Pattern:

  • Mounted Bearings with Two-Bolt Flange: The two-bolt flange provides basic support and stability. These compact, easy-to-install mounted bearings offer good load capacity and reliable performance in space-constrained industrial applications.
Mounted Bearings with Two-Bolt Flange

Mounted Bearings with Three-Bolt Flange (Set Screw Locking)

Mounted Bearings with Three-Bolt Flange (Set Screw Locking)     

Mounted Bearings with Three-Bolt Flange(Eccentric Collar Locking)

Mounted Bearings with Three-Bolt Flange(Eccentric Collar Locking)

 

Mounted Bearings with Four-Bolt Flange

Table 2: Comparison of Mounted bearings: Flange Units Series

Flange Units Housing Type Locking Type Duty Rating Inner Ring Series
Two-Bolt Set Screw Normal Wide UCFA200, UCFL200, UCFT200
Narrow BFT200, BLFL200, BFX200, BLCTE200, BPFL200
Medium Wide UCFLX00
Heavy UCFL300
Light Extra Narrow KFL000
Eccentric Collar Normal Narrow KHFT200
Wide UGFJT200, UGCJTZ200
Narrow KHFLF200, KHFX200, KHLCTE200, KHPFL200
Light Extra Narrow UFL000
Concentric Collar Normal Wide UEFT200, UELFL200, UETFT200, UEFX200
Medium UEFLX00
Three-Bolt Set Screw Normal Wide UCFB200, UCFK200
Narrow BTM200, BFP200, BPFT200, BCFTR200
Eccentric Collar Normal Narrow KHTM200, KHPF200, KHPFT200, KHCFTR200
Concentric Collar Normal Wide UETM200, UEFB200, UEFK200
 Four-Bolt Set Screw Normal Wide UCLF200/UCF200
Medium UCFX00 (e.g. UCFX10)
Heavy UCF300, UCFS300, UCFU300, UCFEU300, UCCJO300
Eccentric Collar Normal Narrow KHLF200/KHF200
Normal Wide UGSLF200, UGGFDR200
Heavy UGF300, UGCJO300
Concentric Collar Normal Wide UEF200
Medium UEFX00
Adapter Sleeve Normal Wide UKF200+H
Medium UKFX00+H
Heavy UKF300+H

 

 

Take-Up Units

Take-Up bearing units are essential components in various mechanical systems that require the regulation and maintenance of tension.

These mounted bearing units are designed to adjust tension by moving the bearing or pulley in a specific direction.

This adjustment ensures that the system operates smoothly and efficiently, preventing slippage and bearing wear

 

Uses

  • Power transmission systems
  • Material transport, such as in elevator and conveyor systems
  • Processing and packaging in the food and beverage industry

Take-Up bearing units

Table 3: Comparison of Mounted bearings: Take-Up Units Series

Inner Ring Locking Method Duty Rating Take-Up Housing Type Series
wide Set Screw Normal Wide Slot UCST200
Standard UCT200
Narrow Slot UCNST200
Medium Standard UCTX00
Heavy UCT300
Medium Wide Slot UCSTX00
Concentric Collar Normal Wide Slot UEST200(e.g.UEST204-12 )
Standard UET200
Medium Wide Slot UESTX00

 

 

Cartridge Bearing Units

Cartridge Bearing Units typically consist of a bearing, housing, and seal, all integrated into a single unit.

Engineers design these mounted bearing units for easy installation and removal, often with special tools.

They are typically replaced as a single unit when worn. 

 

Uses:

  • Conveyor systems
  • Industrial machinery
  • Automotive and construction

Cartridge Bearing Units

Table 4: Comparison of Mounted Bearings: Cartridge Bearing Units Series

Cartridge Housing Type Locking Type Duty Rating Inner Ring Series
Piloted Flange Cartridge Bearing Units Set Screw Normal Wide UCFC200, UCFCS200, UCFCF200, UCME200
Narrow BME200 (e.g. BME204)
Medium Wide UCFCSX00, UCFCX00
Eccentric Collar Normal Narrow KHME200
Normal wide UGME200
Concentric Collar Normal wide UEFCS200
Medium wide UEFCSX00
Standard Set Screw Normal Wide UCLC200, UCC200
Normal Narrow BRRCSM200
Heavy Wide UCC300
Medium Wide UCLCX00
Eccentric Collar Normal Narrow KHRRCSM200
Concentric Collar Locking Normal Wide UELC200, UEC200
Medium Wide UELCX00

 

 

Hanger Bearing Units

They mount Hanger Bearing Units with a hanger or bracket.

This lets the bearing hang and align with the shaft.

People commonly use these mounted bearing units in systems with space constraints.

They are also ideal for situations where other types of mounting are impractical.

 

Uses

  • Conveyor systems
  • Material Handling
  • Fans and Blowers
  • Agricultural Equipment

Hanger Bearing Units

Table 5: Comparison of Mounted Bearings: Hanger Bearing Units Series

Housing Type Inner Ring Duty Rating Locking Type Series
Hanger Bearing Wide Normal Set Screw UCECH200 (e.g.UCECH201-8 )
Concentric Collar UEECH200

 

 

 

Mounted Bearing Inserts: Locking Methods on Shaft

 

Locking Method

Key Features

Advantages

Typical Applications

Set Screw

2 set screws tighten directly on the shaft

Simple, low cost, easy to install

General machinery, conveyors

Eccentric Collar

Collar locks by rotating eccentrically around the shaft

Vibration-resistant, secure fit

Agriculture, fans, vibrating equipment

Concentric Clamp

Clamp ring provides 360° shaft contact

High concentricity, minimal shaft damage

Motors, high-speed, precision applications

Adapter Sleeve

Uses tapered sleeve and locknut to grip the shaft

Fits tapered shafts, high load capacity

Heavy-duty industry, mining, fans with large shafts

Keyed Locking

A key is inserted into a keyway in both the shaft

Provides strong resistance to both axial and radial forces.

Gear Drive Systems, recision Machinery and Rotating Equipment, Electric Motors and Generators

Hollow Shaft with Pin

A pin or bolt is used to lock the insert to the shaft by going through a hole in the shaft and bearing insert.

Provides a secure locking mechanism

High-Torque Drive Systems, Lifting Equipment and Hoisting Machinery, Wind Turbines

 

 

Locking Method

 

 khrrcsm205-14 Mounted Bearing Eccentric Collar Locking

khrrcsm205-14 Mounted Bearing Eccentric Collar Locking

uclp212-38 Mounted Bearing Set Screw Locking

uclp212-38 Mounted Bearing Set Screw Locking

uelp204-12 Mounted Bearing Accu-Loc Concentric Collar Locking

uelp204-12 Mounted Bearing Accu-Loc Concentric Collar Locking

ukp213-hs2313 Mounted Bearing Adapter Sleeve Locking

ukp213-hs2313 Mounted Bearing Adapter Sleeve Locking

 

 

Corrosion Protection Bearing Inserts & Housing

 

Corrosion Protection Inserts

Manufacturers use conventional materials like AISI 52100 steel for inner rings and use cast iron for housings.

These materials are prone to corrosion in humid, chemical, or salt-sprayed environments.

This makes long-term stability difficult to achieve.

 

Below are common corrosion-resistant materials and their applicable solutions.

Material

Characteristics

Stainless Steel

440C: High hardness and wear resistance, excellent for harsh environments but prone to corrosion under extreme conditions.

304: Good corrosion resistance, commonly used in food and medical industries.

316: Superior corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater or marine environments.

Ceramic

Highly resistant to corrosion, extreme temperatures, and wear.

Ideal for high-performance and aerospace applications.

lower friction and long lifespan.

Kanigen Nickel-Phosphorus Coating

Offering excellent corrosion resistance, especially in aggressive environments.

The nickel-phosphorus coating provides a durable surface, resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion.

 

 

 

Series of Corrosion Protection Bearing Housing

 

Material

Properties

PBT Thermoplastic

 PBT resists solvents and shrinks little during forming. This material remains strong, resists heat up to 150°C, and manufacturers can make it noncombustible with flame retardants.

304 Cast Stainless Steel

The casting process allows for complex shapes, ideal for bearing housings with specific geometries. Cast versions may have slightly lower tensile strength and surface finish compared to wrought versions of the same alloy.

Cast Iron - Nickel Protection

Nickel Protection offers enhanced durability, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring strength, wear resistance, and longevity.

ZDC Alloy with Electroless Chromate Finish

The material combines ZDC alloy casting benefits. It also offers enhanced corrosion resistance and durability from the electroless chromate finish. Ideal for both functional and aesthetic applications.

 

 

 

Selection & Maintenance Guidelines

 

The selection and maintenance of mounted bearing units require evaluating factors to ensure optimal performance and durability, including the following:

 

Size

 

  • Bearing Diameter: The inner diameter of the bearing should match the shaft diameter for a proper fit. This prevents excessive play or tightness.
  • Housing Width: Make sure the housing width fits the bearing size. Consider the bearing's inner and outer diameters, as well as the required installation space.
  • Housing Height: The housing height determines how much vertical space the bearing unit will occupy. When selecting, it’s important to ensure that the mounting space is sufficient.

 

 

Housing style and installation space

The housing style determines the mounted bearing's structure and durability, while installation space ensures proper fit and functionality.

You must consider both factors to select the optimal bearing unit, ensuring performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.

Mounting Orientation

Bearing Unit Type

Installation Space Requirements

Horizontal mounting

Pillow Block bearing

Flat mounting surface required
Bolt tightening clearance
More space than flanged

Side mounting

Flanged

Compact radial profile
Side mounting access
Less space than pillow blocks

Overhead mounting

Hanger Bearing

Overhead clearance needed
Shaft adjustment space
Vertical space

Versatile - horizontal

Cartridge Bearing

Bore for press-fit
Minimal external space
Compact length

Horizontal mounting

Take-Up Bearing

Adjustment space required
Movement clearance
Larger footprint

 

 

Load and speed requirements

 

When choosing the right bearing unit, it's important to consider both the bearing load it will carry and the speed at which it will operate.

Different types of mounted bearing units have distinct load and speed requirements to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

 

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Type

Best Load

Recommended Speed Range

Pillow Block

Medium radial load

≤3,000 rpm

Flange Unit

Combined load

≤8,000 rpm

Take-Up Unit

Dynamic tension force

≤1,000 rpm

Cartridge Unit

High radial stiffness

≤4,000 rpm

Hanger Bearing

Cantilever radial force

≤500 rpm

 

 

Environmental conditions

The operating environment plays a crucial role in selecting the appropriate bearing unit.

Mounted bearings can withstand various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, chemical exposure, dust, and vibration.

Environment Type

Bearing Unit Design Features

Food/Chemical Corrosion

Full stainless steel unit (316L inner ring + housing + A4-80 bolts)

FDA seal (fluororubber, prevents contamination of media)

High Temperature + Dust

Heat-resistant cast iron housing (+250°C)

Double lip seals + heat dissipation grooves (prevents grease carbonization)

Salt Spray

Integrated galvanized housing (reduces seams)

Labyrinth seal + epoxy coating (prevents salt spray penetration)

 

 

 

Lubrication and relubrication needs

 

Under standard conditions, pre-lubricated sealed bearings typically require no maintenance; for extreme environments, refer to the manufacturer's lubrication recommendations (e.g., frequency, grease type).

 

 

Summary

 

Understanding the different types of mounted bearings is essential. Their unique benefits will help you select the right fit for your application.

By considering factors like load, speed, and environmental conditions, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity for your equipment.

If you have any questions or specific needs, please contact LILY Bearing.

 

 

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