What Are the Three Main Types of Mounted Bearings?
Mounted bearings are vital for keeping industrial machines running smoothly. They support rotating shafts, align them properly, reduce friction, and...
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.
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 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 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 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.
Note
The following will focus primarily on Ball Bearing Units, the most common type of mounted bearing.
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.
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 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.
Classified by Housing Shape:
Classified by Bolt Pattern:
Mounted Bearings with Three-Bolt Flange (Set Screw Locking)
Mounted Bearings with Three-Bolt Flange(Eccentric Collar Locking)
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 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.
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 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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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 |
khrrcsm205-14 Mounted Bearing Eccentric Collar Locking
uclp212-38 Mounted Bearing Set Screw Locking
uelp204-12 Mounted Bearing Accu-Loc Concentric Collar Locking
ukp213-hs2313 Mounted Bearing Adapter Sleeve Locking
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 |
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. |
|
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. |
Material |
Properties |
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. |
The selection and maintenance of mounted bearing units require evaluating factors to ensure optimal performance and durability, including the following:
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 |
Side mounting |
Flanged |
Compact radial profile |
Overhead mounting |
Hanger Bearing |
Overhead clearance needed |
Versatile - horizontal |
Cartridge Bearing |
Bore for press-fit |
Horizontal mounting |
Take-Up Bearing |
Adjustment space required |
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 |
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) |
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).
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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