12 Radial Bearing Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for radial bearings as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 radial bearing manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked radial bearing companies as of November, 2024: 1.Carnell Sales, Inc., 2.GGB, 3.SKF.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Radial Bearings
1985-2014: Worked for Alstom Corporation, ABB Corporation, and Gadelius Corporation, designing Jungstrom air preheaters and mechanical design of diamond soot blowers. (ABB Corporation: https://new.abb.com/jp)
2014-2021: Worked as an engineering and project manager at Alvos Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoichi-hiroki-92192394/
What Is a Radial Bearing?
A radial bearing is a bearing that is applied when a load is applied in the radial direction, which is perpendicular to the shaft center of a shaft (rotating shaft).
Normally, selection is based on whether radial or thrust load is applied. However, some types can support both radial and thrust loads, so the selection is mainly based on which load is applied.
Principle of Radial Bearings
Figure1. Radial load
By reducing resistance due to friction on the contact surfaces, the shaft rotates smoothly and supports radial loads.
1. Roller Bearing (Rolling Bearing)
Rolling elements such as balls and rollers roll between the inner ring and outer ring raceways to rotate a shaft with low frictional resistance.
2. Metal, Bushing (Plain Bearing)
Figure2. Radial load
A metal or lubricant-impregnated part with low frictional resistance supports the shaft and allows the shaft to rotate with low frictional resistance.
Uses of Radial Bearings
Radial bearings are used in all kinds of machines with rotating shafts. Various types are used in many places, from familiar household appliances and toys to general industrial machinery and equipment, aircraft, railcars, and automobiles.
Types of Radial Bearings
There are many types of radial bearings, depending on their structure, function, and application.
Figure3. Types of radial bearings
1. Roller Bearings
a. Ball bearing
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- Deep Groove Ball Bearing
Deep groove ball bearings are the most typical and common type of bearings, featuring low frictional resistance, adaptability to high-speed rotation, low vibration, and low noise. The rolling elements, balls, are placed between the inner ring and outer ring raceways and rotate. Retainers are used to maintain the position of the balls and assist their rotation, resulting in more accurate and smoother rotation. There are open types without ball protection, and sealed and shielded types with grease sealed in the ball portion. - Angular Contact Ball Bearing
In an angular contact ball bearing, the straight line connecting the contact points of the outer ring, inner ring, and balls are at an angle to the radial direction. This is called the contact angle, which can be 15, 30, or 40 degrees. This contact angle is suitable for axial loads in one direction or combined loads with radial loads, and for high-precision shaft rotation.
Normally, when a thrust load is applied, a single row type of 2 (double row) to 4 (quadruple row) bearings is used in combination. Double-row angular contact ball bearings have an integral inner ring and outer ring structure and can be used individually even when a thrust load is applied.
- Deep Groove Ball Bearing
Figure4. Angular ball bearing
- Spherical Ball Bearing
A spherical ball bearing has a spherical raceway center on the inside of the outer ring and two rows of raceway grooves on the outside of the inner ring. The inner ring ball retainer can rotate at a certain degree of inclination concerning the outer ring.
Therefore, any misalignment due to bearing mounting or machining errors in the shaft or housing is automatically adjusted. However, they cannot support very large thrust loads.
Figure5. Ball bearing
b. Roller bearings
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- Cylindrical roller bearings
Cylindrical roller bearings can support large radial loads because the rolling element rollers are cylindrical in shape and the inner ring, roller, and outer ring raceways are in linear contact. The rollers are guided by the inner ring and outer ring brims and can rotate stably, making them suitable for high-speed rotation. Some bearings can support thrust loads in one or both directions. - Tapered roller bearings
Tapered roller bearings have a tapered rolling element roller outline, with the apex of the tapered roller and the raceways of the inner and outer rings intersecting at a single point on the center line of the entire bearing.
The rollers rotate in a true rolling motion on the inner ring and outer ring raceways. They are also guided by the composite external force due to the inner ring and outer ring raceways, which press against the inner ring collar. - Spherical roller bearings
In a spherical roller bearing, the rolling element roller outline is barrel-shaped, and the center of the outer ring raceway and the center of the entire bearing are coincident. Like spherical ball bearings, they are self-aligning. It can support radial loads, thrust loads in both directions and a combination of these loads. They can also be used in applications where vibration or impact forces are applied.
- Cylindrical roller bearings
Figure6. Roller bearing
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- Needle Roller Bearings
Needle roller bearings are bearings that incorporate rolling elements with long, thin needles (needle rollers). They have a small cross-section, can be installed in a small space, and can support a somewhat large load.
- Needle Roller Bearings
Figure 7. Needle bearing, Metal, Bushing (Flat Flange Bearing)
2. Metal, Bushing (Plain Bearing)
A metal, bushing (plain bearing) is a bearing that directly supports the rotation of a shaft or the linear movement of a component by means of the sliding surface of the bearing. Since the shaft or moving parts are in direct contact with the sliding surfaces of the bearing, frictional forces are high, and frictional heat is generated.
For this reason, the contacting surfaces are lubricated with oil, metal impregnated with lubricant is used for the sliding surfaces of the bearings, and resin materials with excellent lubricating properties are used. Dry bearings are plain bearings that do not use lubricants.
Sliding bearings are relatively inexpensive, flexible in dimension, inexpensive, and easy to use, and various types are used.
List of 12 Radial Bearing Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Germany
- Japan
- Sweden
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Kaydon
bearing load scenarios
Manufacturer Overview
Kaydon Bearings is a manufacturer of slewing ring bearings and thin section bearings that is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan and was founded in 1941. The company offers thin section, slewing ring bearings, and Cooper split roller bearings. Kaydon custom balls, rings, and seals tools, are the products of specialty by Kaydon. The Reali-Slim section bearings cater to the aerospace, robotics, semiconductor, industrial machinery and medical devices and machine industry. On the other hand, Slewing ring bearings cater to industrial machinery and automation, food processing, heavy equipment, mining, and construction and utility vehicles.
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OneMonroe
Radial Bearings
Company Overview
OneMonroe, formerly known as Monroe Engineering Products, is an industrial manufacturer and distributor of hardware, electrical components, rubber & sealing, and cables & harnesses. Based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, the company has been serving its customers since 1955. Their product line is extensive, catering to a diverse range of customers in various industries, such as aerospace/defense, automotive, medical, and transportation. OneMonroe is an ISO 9001:2015 & AS9100D certified company that specializes in custom manufacturing, hinges, piano hinges, adjustable handles, and many more products.
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NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP.
Radial Ball Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP. is a Japanese manufacturer of industrial machinery and tools, such as bearings, hydraulic equipment, robots, and cutting tools. They also provide services such as machine maintenance and repair. The company's products are used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics. One of NACHI-FUJIKOSHI's renowned products is their robotic arm, the "MZR series," which is designed for precision assembly and inspection tasks in industries. They received several awards for their technological advancements and contributions to the industry, including the 2021 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal for new hydraulic equipment technology and the 2020 Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Grand Technology Award.
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NSK Ltd.
Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
NSK Ltd., based in Japan, is a manufacturer of precision bearings and motion control solutions which started its journey in 1916. The company has established itself as a major supplier for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, and aerospace. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses ball bearings, roller bearings, and linear motion components. Their Motion & Control products and technologies support the motion that brings comfort and convenience in cars, planes, wind turbines, satellites, and almost anything with moving parts.
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Manufacturer Overview
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.
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NTN Corporation
Radial ball bearings
Manufacturer Overview
NTN Corporation established in 1918, is a precision machinery manufacturer that researches, develops, and sells bearings and driveshafts (CVJs) based in Japan. Their main products, bearings are essential and precision components that support rotation of machinery. They are used in different types of machinery including automobiles, wind turbines, rolling stocks, and others to support the lives of people around the world. The group has 212 bases in 34 countries around the world (118 sales bases, 72 manufacturing bases, 15 R&D bases, and 7 other bases as of the end of March 2023).
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Carnell Sales, Inc.
RADIAL BALL BEARINGS
Manufacturer Overview
Carnell Sales, Inc., established in 2005 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a manufacturer of industrial fasteners, anchors, and construction supplies. These optimal-quality products are equipped with robust strength, durability, and stability, making them essential for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. It offers products that ensure the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and offers a broad cateogry of power transmission products.
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Manufacturer Overview
GGB, Inc. is a manufacturer of metal-polymer plain carriage founded in 1989 and established in England. The company offers thermoplastic materials, fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials, solid polymer, housings and assemblies, and special materials. GGB serves clients worldwide.They also cater to various industries which include aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications The company takes dignity in its customer-centric approach, fostering long-lasting partnerships and are driven by excellence and aim to be at the forefront of technological advancements to ensure a brighter and more hopeful future.
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SPIETH-MASCHINENELEMENTE GmbH & Co. KG
Radial Plain Bearings
Company Overview
SPIETH-MaschinenElemente GmbH & Co. KG, established in 1953 and based in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany, is a manufacturer of mechanical connecting, bearing, and locking products. The company primarily produces mechanical connectors for connecting drive or guide components, bearings for reducing wear and bearing in moving or rotating parts, and locks for securing components in place. It also offers consulting services for customers requiring additional assistance. The company chiefly serves clients in the aerospace, automotive, and machine tool manufacturing industries.
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NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.
Needle Roller Bearings
Company Overview
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
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Motion Industries, Inc.
RADIAL & DEEP GROOVE BALL BEARINGS
Company Overview
MiMotion was founded in 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama and today operates under Genuine Parts Company. The company operates as a distributor and supplier of custom parts for both maintenance repair and operating replacement part market and the OEM market. The company’s product line includes many types of products including abrasives, chemicals & lubricants, hand & power tools, hose & fittings, and process pumps & equipment. The company also provides maintenance repair and operating replacement parts as well as OEM parts ensuring compatibility with existing customer operations.
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JTEKT Corporation.
Bearing Trivia
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Radial Bearing Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnell Sales, Inc. |
21.7%
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| 2 | GGB |
13.0%
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| 3 | SKF |
13.0%
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| 4 | JTEKT Corporation. |
8.7%
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| 5 | OneMonroe |
8.7%
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| 6 | Kaydon |
8.7%
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| 7 | NTN Corporation |
8.7%
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| 8 | SPIETH-MASCHINENELEMENTE GmbH & Co. KG |
4.3%
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| 9 | Motion Industries, Inc. |
4.3%
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| 10 | NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD. |
4.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the radial bearing page as of November 2024. 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
- NSK Ltd.: 30,577
- NTN Corporation: 23,027
- NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP.: 7,205
Newly Established Company
- Carnell Sales, Inc.: 2005 (19 years ago)
- SPIETH-MASCHINENELEMENTE GmbH & Co. KG: 1953 (71 years ago)
- NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP.: 1928 (96 years ago)
Company with a History
- SKF: 1907 (117 years ago)
- NSK Ltd.: 1916 (108 years ago)
- NTN Corporation: 1918 (106 years ago)
Radial Bearing Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Radial Bearing Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
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4 | 50.0% |
United States of America
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2 | 25.0% |
Sweden
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1 | 12.5% |
Germany
|
1 | 12.5% |
