Manufacturing facilities rely on a variety of machines to produce and transport goods. Every piece of equipment that performs material handling and conveying has bearings, which facilitate movement. If you run a manufacturing plant, you need to understand how different bearings work to pick the right replacements as needed. Here’s a rundown of the most common options. 

What Bearings Are Used in Manufacturing Machinery?

1. Ball

As their name suggests, ball bearings include rolling spheres that can roll between shafts and other machine components. They can support both radial and some axial movements, so they're highly versatile and widely used. When moving in either direction, these reduce friction. They are used in mounted housings as much as plain bearings and are the most commonly used bearing. PTI/IPTCI has a huge selection of bearings, both mounted and plain, in stock in Minneapolis, MN and Charlotte, NC. PTI/IPTCI bearings easily interchange with most all other manufacturers. Go to ptintl.com for all your Ball, Spherical or Linear bearing needs.

2. Spherical

PTI/IPTCI Spherical Bearings are often used to replace ball bearings to accommodate heavier loads. Spherical bearings use rollers that are barrel shaped, this allows for heavy load capacity and misalignment. These bearings are available plain or in pillow block, flange, Split block or a variety of other heavy-duty housing styles to fit the application.  Spherical bearings are commonly used in conveying and machinery in applications like Aggregate, Agricultural, Mining and many other industries. 

3. Linear 

Linear bearings are cylindrical bearings that are only made to facilitate linear motion as opposed to rotational. These are often used in linear material handling and conveying systems that move along round or shaped rail guides.  They can be used to move heavy loads or in synchronized applications too. They remove some weight from other motion system components and reduce friction. They’re not as versatile as ball bearings, but they help keep motion systems moving on the correct lines.  To find these, go to ptintl.com 

4. Thrust 

Thrust bearings facilitate movement in an axial direction. They usually contain multiple rings fitted with small spheres that rotate along mounted axes. Manufacturing facilities that have conveyor systems that move in circles require these bearings to facilitate smooth motion. Ball thrust varieties are best for low-speed applications, while roller thrust versions support heavier loads because they have angled teeth. 

If you need bearings for material handling and conveying equipment, contact Industrial Component Sales, Inc. Based in Hudson, WI, the company also has an office in Bemidji, MN.  The team offers a huge array of industrial parts to fit the specific needs of manufacturers. Visit their website to see a full array of products, or call (651) 270-0151 to place an order.