This section provides an overview for thrust bearings as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 thrust bearing manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
A thrust bearing is a bearing used to support loads in the axial direction (parallel to the shaft center). Thrust bearings generally do not support radial loads and are not suitable for use in high-speed rotating applications.
A bearing is a mechanical part to support a rotating body, such as a shaft, accurately and smoothly. When a shaft is rotated, the shaft is in contact with the supporting structure or support. This invariably generates resistance force and frictional heat due to friction, resulting in the loss of rotational energy. Bearings are used to prevent energy loss and heat generation due to friction.
The following standards related to thrust bearings and thrust bearings are interchangeable among manufacturers in terms of dimensions, etc.
Thrust bearings are available in the following types, each of which has different applications.
Used in machine tool spindles, etc.
To allow for mounting error, the housing raceway, whether single or double type, is available in spherical alignment type or with alignment washers.
Single, double, and triple rows are available to accommodate large loads, and the duplex type is used in the roll necks of rolling mills in steel production facilities.
A thrust bearing consists of a housing raceway, shaft raceway, rolling elements (balls and rollers), and cage.
The shaft and shaft raceway support the axial load via balls or rollers, and the housing raceway supports the thrust load applied in a direction parallel to the shaft center axis. However, radial loads can also be supported by using thrust angular contact ball bearings.
Thrust roller bearings can also support large axial loads, while thrust needle bearings are used for smaller loads. Thrust spherical roller bearings can support large axial loads due to the spherical contact surface of the rolling elements on the housing raceway. This is also due to the degree of freedom in positioning the tapered rollers in relation to the rolling elements, which allows them to be aligned.
Lubrication of the bearing is very important when using thrust bearings. Especially for thrust spherical roller bearings, which have a complicated shape and it is difficult to distribute lubricant to all parts of the bearing.
Thrust bearings must be assembled in the correct orientation because the assembly direction is fixed. It is especially important to determine the difference in size between the shaft raceway and housing raceway, with the shaft raceway having a smaller inner diameter. The raceway must be assembled in the correct orientation and in the correct order.
When assembling, thoroughly clean each part of the raceway and apply grease to the balls or rollers. (This is not necessary in the case of oil lubrication.)
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Based in Bayville, NY, SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp. is an ISO-certified supplier and manufacturer of industrial equipment, chemicals, components, ordinance, electronics, and systems for industries ranging from aerospace to high tech to law enforcement. Examples of product offerings include raw materials, chemicals, and lubricants for industrial purposes to finished products such as security helmets for law enforcement, and military ordnances. SAE also provides research and development as well as technical support for other companies in similar industries.
Mädler North America was founded in 2020 as the US-based subsidiary of Mädler which was founded in Berlin, Germany in 1882. Mädler specializes in manufacturing precision-made machine parts. Product lines include linear guides, bearings, bushes, bevel gears, worm wheels, castors and wheel systems, couplings, fastening elements, clutches, gear boxes, idlers, linear bearings, locking assemblies, machine mounts, elements for pneumatic machines various joints, rubber padding and dampers, splined shafts and hubs, sprockets, timing belts, spindles, adhesives, sealants, and other assorted accessories.
W.C. DuComb Company was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, where it still operates. W.C. DuComb Company is a stocking distributor of bearings, popwer transmission, and. Linear motion products, electric motors, and VS drives. W.C. DuComb Company serves industries such as conveyor and machinery OEMs, industrial processors, machine rebuilders, wastewater, sand & gravel, tool & die, steel, metals, and scrap. W.C. DuComb Company product offering lines include accessories, bearings, belts, belting, electrical, linear motion, lubricants & sealants, power transmission, and sealing solutions.
SKF UK is the British division of SKF, originally founded in 1907 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. SKF designs, develops, and manufacturers bearings, seals, lubrication systems, and services worldwide, with industrial and automotive segments, providing solutions for industries including aerospace, agriculture, transportation, food and beverage, general machinery, material handling, mining, energy, paper, and wind energy. SKF UK offers rolling bearings, mounted bearings, automotive seals, lubrication management, vehicle aftermarket services, waste electric products, and electronic equipment products as well as services including maintenance, remanufacturing, customization, and training.
Ranking as of March 2023 in United States of America
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing | 20% |
2 | Turbine Services, Ltd. | 20% |
3 | Specialty Components, Inc. | 20% |
4 | USDI | 20% |
5 | Pacific PAC Technologies, Inc. | 20% |
Ranking as of March 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing | 20% |
2 | Turbine Services, Ltd. | 20% |
3 | Specialty Components, Inc. | 20% |
4 | USDI | 20% |
5 | Pacific PAC Technologies, Inc. | 20% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the thrust bearing page as of March 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
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