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This section provides an overview for bearing units as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 14 bearing unit manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked bearing unit companies as of December, 2024: 1.Carter Bearings, 2.JSB Great Bearings, 3.SKF.
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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/
Bearing units are bearings consisting of a bearing housing and deep groove ball bearings. The term "ball bearing unit" is also used synonymously.
Bearing units have ball bearings preinstalled in the housing. Housings are available in several shapes, such as pillow-top, square flange, and rhombus flange shapes, and it is important to select the most suitable shape according to the mounting location and conditions.
Since the mounting holes in the housing allow for easy installation in equipment and facilities with bolts, etc., they are used in many machines such as conveyors and rollers that perform various rotational motions. In particular, specifications and dimensions of bearing units are standardized, making it possible to design around bearings in a versatile and standardized manner.
Figure 1. How to fix the shaft
Bearing units are mainly used to support shaft rotation and radial loads.
There are various types of bearing units, and the most appropriate selection must be made according to the mounting location, surrounding structure, and installation environment. This includes considerations for shape, mounting method, shaft fixing method, protective structure (with or without a cover, seal, etc.), and material.
Figure 2. Structure of bearing unit
Bearing units, like other bearings, are available in radial bearing and thrust bearing types.
The load applied to the bearing is radial load, which is applied in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft axis center, and thrust load, which is applied in an axial direction parallel to the rotating shaft axis center.
Radial bearings are used when radial loads are applied, and thrust bearings are used when axial loads are applied. The basic structure consists of a bearing housing, rolling element balls, outer ring, and inner ring. The rolling element ball is sandwiched between the outer ring and inner ring of the raceway and rotates within the raceway. A cage (retainer) maintains the distance between the rolling element balls.
Friction occurs as the balls slide and rotate between the raceways. Lubrication is necessary to reduce this friction. There are two types of lubrication methods: one in which lubricant grease is pre-filled, and the other in which grease is supplied from a grease nipple attached to the housing through a hole in the outer ring.
Figure 3. Types of bearing unit (1)
Bearing units can be classified in terms of Bearing Type, Housing Type, and Housing Material. Since there are so many types, it is important to select the appropriate one for the application.
Figure 4. Types of bearing unit (2) / Figure 5. Types of bearing unit (3)
Figure 6. Types of bearing unit (4)
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Regal Rexnord Corporation, established in October 2021 as a combination company of Regal and Rexnord, is a manufacturer and service provider of motors and conversion systems. Its parent companies have over 125 years of industry experience, with its products powering HVAC systems, smart buildings, agricultural and food service equipment, and conveyor systems. As a producer of motors and related components, Regal Rexnord supports various industries such as healthcare, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical production. Their global presence spans over 220 sites, and their product range and services include AC/DC drives, bearings, blowers, conveyor technologies, and predictive maintenance solutions.
The Timken Company (Timken) was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. Timken designs, manufactures, and manages engineered bearings and industrial motion products worldwide. Timken operates in two segments, Mobile Industries and Process Industries. The Mobile Industries segment’s portfolio includes bearings, seals, and lubrication devices and systems. The Process Industries segment provides industrial bearings and assemblies; industrial motion components, such as gears and gearboxes; and linear motion products, couplings, seals, lubricants, chains, belts, and related products and services to OEMs and end users in various industries.
RBC Bearings Incorporated, founded in 1919 and based in Oxford, CT, is a manufacturer and marketer of engineered precision bearings and products for the industrial, defense, heavy equipment, infrastructure, and aerospace fields. The company produces ball transfer units, wear strips, clamping collars, airframe control bearings, and marine hydraulic actuators. It has been accredited with ISO 9001, AS9100, FAA, and NADCAP certifications and has 42 facilities with 33 manufacturing units in five countries.
Carter Bearings was founded in 1972 and is based in Michigan, U.S.A., and is a manufacturer of high-precision bearings for both standard and specialized applications in various industries. The company provides stainless steel and chrome-plated bearings, metric-style cam followers, and heavy cylindrical roller bearings that are essential in the chemical, food processing, and industrial packaging sectors. The company also offers poly-coated bearings that can be used for applications where noise reduction, reduced wear, and non-marking are important factors in operations.
JSB Great Bearings, headquartered in Michigan and established in 2009, is a supplier specializing in a diverse range of bearings, serving the automotive, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. The company specializes in importing and distributing superior HCH, SKF & JSB brand bearings and pillow blocks within the USA and worldwide. It is an authorized distributor of HCH brand bearings, which hold several qualities, manufacturing, and environmental certifications, including ISO 9001-2000, ISO 14001-2004, GB/T 240-01, ISO/TS 169492002 TUV-Industries GmbH, and RoHS. It collaborates with international partners to ensure the availability of these products across a broad customer base.
Neff Ballscrews is a German manufacturer specializing in ballscrews, linear actuators, and motion control products, established in 1952. The company offers a diverse product range, including Acme, Roller, and Spherical ballscrews, as well as linear actuators. These products serve the machine tool, automation, and robotics sectors. Neff Ballscrews also provides engineering services, customization, and repair and maintenance services to meet specific customer requirements. With a global presence, including offices in the United States, China, and Japan, Neff Ballscrews has over 70 years of industry expertise. They are committed to innovation and consistently deliver high-quality products and excellent customer service.
NSK Micro Precision Co., LTD. was founded in 1949 and is a manufacturer of bearings, unit products, and linear motion products based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The company produces various products including high speed dental bearing, deep groove ball bearings, traction drive, support unit croxport, and fulride. The products have been used in various application such as automatic ticket gates, measuring instruments, vending machines, conveying equipments, and vacuum cleaners. The company has obtained various certifications such as ISO 9002, ISO 14001, IATF16949, and ISO45001.
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.
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.
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.
igus GmbH, established in 1964 and based in Cologne, Germany, is a manufacturer and distributor of technical products made using polymers for movement. Its products include injection molding frames, motor control systems, and plain bearings, and it has over 240,000 products in over 1,000,000 variations. It serves 188,000 companies from over 80 countries worldwide in 50 different industries, including packaging, automotive, and renewable energy. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001 certified, and in 2023, it recorded €1.115 billion in sales. Since 2021, the company has purchased 380 new injection-molding machines and has replaced 275 old ones.
Koyo Bearings North America LLC, formed in 2006 through the merger of Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, is a bearing manufacturer. The company offers a diverse product line, encompassing a wide range of bearings serving various industries and applications. These include precision ball and roller bearings, automotive bearings, angular contact bearings, needle roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and more. Its product range is tailored to meet the stringent demands and requirements of a global customer base. It holds ISO certification, emphasizing its adherence to maintaining standards in its offerings.
NTN Bearings began in 1918 in Kuwana, Mie, Japan, and is now headquartered in Osaka. The company is a manufacturer of bearings, velocity joints, and precision equipment, as well as a maintenance and service provider. The company serves the aerospace, automotive, construction, wind energy, and infrastructure industries. The company operates via BCA Bearings, Bower Heavy Duty Bearings, and NTN SNR brand of velocity joints, linear modules, distribution rollers, and suspension parts. Other components the company manufactures include linear motion, flanged discs, and condition monitoring equipment.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carter Bearings |
22.2%
|
| 2 | JSB Great Bearings |
11.1%
|
| 3 | SKF |
11.1%
|
| 4 | RBC Bearings Incorporated |
5.6%
|
| 5 | Neff Gewindetriebe GmbH |
5.6%
|
| 6 | Koyo Bearings North America LLC |
5.6%
|
| 7 | Regal Rexnord Corporation |
5.6%
|
| 8 | NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA |
5.6%
|
| 9 | TIMKEN |
5.6%
|
| 10 | NSK Micro Precision Co., LTD. |
5.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the bearing unit page as of December 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
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
6 | 54.5% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 27.3% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 9.1% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 9.1% |
19 products are listed.
Kashima Chemical Metals Co., Ltd.
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A wide range of compatibility with a wide range of installation conditions such as dry, salt, moisture, and chemical environments, and excellent we...
Tescom Co., Ltd.
240+ people viewing
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Deltec's fully enclosed stainless steel bearing units provide stainless steel bearing units used in the most demanding environments in the food and...
Takahashi Metal Co., Ltd.
100+ people viewing
■We manufacture and sell amphibious vehicles that meet the legal standards of each country, not only in Japan but also around the world. Amphibious...
TOX Presso Technique Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
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The spherical bearing mount ZGH on the back cannot be retrofitted. Used in TOX®-power packages with larger intensifier section (A2>A).
Saijo Belt Shokai Co., Ltd.
140+ people viewing
We have a wide range of products such as bearings, bearing units, oil seals, and O-links that are always used as bearings in industrial and agricul...
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
560+ people viewing
Last viewed: 13 hours ago
Ozac original product group ■ Characteristics ・ Our unique special parts. ・ There are rotating bearings with flange, low -priced products, compa...
TOAMEC Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
SUNGIL not only supplies support units using precision grade (P5) bearings, but also medium preload (C8) and light preload (P0-C7) products. Bearin...
TOAMEC Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
■In addition to the pillow type and flange type, special specifications are also available. ・Stainless steel series (stainless steel bearing + sta...
Matsumoto Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Small bearing for laser processing machine
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Features The rollers are made of polyacetal resin, so they have excellent wear resistance. The coefficient of friction is low, allowing for light,...
