13 Bearing Unit Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for bearing units as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 bearing unit manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked bearing unit companies as of April, 2024: 1.Carter Bearings, 2.SKF, 3.Neff Gewindetriebe GmbH.
Table of Contents
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 Bearing Unit?
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.
Applications of Bearing Units
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.
Principles of Bearing Units
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.
Types of Bearing Units
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.
1. Bearing Type
Figure 4. Types of bearing unit (2) / Figure 5. Types of bearing unit (3)
- Cylindrical Bore Set Screw Type
The inner ring has a cylindrical bore, and the shaft is installed inside. The inner ring set screw is then tightened to fix the bearing to the shaft. - Cylindrical Bore Eccentric Collar Type
The inner ring has a cylindrical bore, and the shaft is installed in the inner ring. An eccentric collar is attached to one side of the inner ring and tightened with a set screw to secure the bearing to the shaft. - Tapered Hole Adapter Type
The inner ring has a tapered bore, and a special adapter is installed between the shaft and inner ring and tightened with a bearing nut to secure the bearing and shaft. A dedicated lock washer is used to prevent the lock nut from loosening.
A tapered bore is a conical tapered bore. - Cylindrical Hole Type Clamping Type
The inner ring has a cylindrical bore, and the bearing and shaft are secured by making the fit between the shaft's outer diameter and inner ring's inner diameter a clamping fit.
The tight fit is defined as a fit where there is no gap between the shaft and the bore, and the minimum allowable shaft dimension is larger than the maximum allowable bore dimension.
2. Housing Type
Figure 6. Types of bearing unit (4)
- Pillow Type
The pillow type housing is the most common housing type and consists of a cylindrical section that holds the bearings and a base section with holes drilled for bolts to secure the Bearing Units. It is used in many applications such as power transmission mechanisms and general machinery. - Square Flange Type
The square flange type has a square housing flange shape and is mounted on the wall of equipment or facilities with four bolts. - Round Flange Type
The round flange type has a housing with a round flange and is attached to the wall of the equipment or facility with four bolts. - Rhombic Flange Type
The rhombic flange type has a rhombus-shaped housing flange and is attached to the wall surface of the equipment or facility with two bolts. It is relatively small in external dimensions and can be installed in a small space. - Take-Up Type
The take-up type has a sliding groove on the left and right sides of the housing. This groove fits into a guide on the equipment, etc., and the entire Bearing Units move left to right or up and down, and the shaft position needs to be moved. - Cartridge Type
The cartridge type has a simple cylindrical housing without a base or flange shape. The housing and outer ring are spherical and aligned. Cartridge type is used to absorb the expansion and contraction of the shaft, such as moving it in the axial direction. Used on the free side (moving side) of expansion and contraction. - Hanger Type
The hanger type has a threaded hole on one side of the housing and is used to support the shaft by screwing in a suspension shaft or the like.
3. Housing Material
- Cast Iron
The housing material used is gray cast iron. This is the most common and standard housing material. - Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron
The housing material used is spheroidal graphite cast iron. It is applied when higher mechanical strength than cast iron housing is required. - Rolled Steel for General Structural Purposes
The housing material used is rolled steel for general structural purposes. - Cast Stainless Steel
Stainless steel casting is used for the housing material. Applicable to outdoor use environments or when splashed with water, or where nitric acid or sulfuric acid corrosion resistance is required. Martensitic stainless steel is used for the ball, inner ring, and outer ring. - Glass Fiber Reinforced Resin
Thermoplastic polyester resin, polypropylene, and polyethylene are used as housing materials. They can be used in environments subjected to water or seawater or underwater, and are applicable to environments where sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid corrosion resistance is required.
List of 13 Bearing Unit 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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TIMKEN
Housed Units
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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RBC Bearings Incorporated
Airframe Control Ball Bearing
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Carter Bearings
Needle Bearing Cam Followers and Cam Yoke Rollers
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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JSB Great Bearings
16000 Series Bearings
Distributor Overview
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.
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Neff Gewindetriebe GmbH
Bearing unit
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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NSK Micro Precision Co., LTD.
Unit Products
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP.
Bearing Units
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.
Ball Bearing Units
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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Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Koyo Bearings North America LLC
TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Ball Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Bearing Unit Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carter Bearings |
18.2%
|
| 2 | SKF |
18.2%
|
| 3 | Neff Gewindetriebe GmbH |
9.1%
|
| 4 | JSB Great Bearings |
9.1%
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| 5 | NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA |
9.1%
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| 6 | NSK Micro Precision Co., LTD. |
9.1%
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| 7 | NSK Ltd. |
9.1%
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| 8 | NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP. |
9.1%
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| 9 | igus GmbH |
9.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the bearing unit page as of April 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
- NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP.: 7,205
- NSK Micro Precision Co., LTD.: 1,300
Newly Established Company
- Koyo Bearings North America LLC: 2006 (18 years ago)
- NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP.: 1928 (96 years ago)
- RBC Bearings Incorporated: 1919 (105 years ago)
Company with a History
- SKF: 1907 (117 years ago)
- NSK Ltd.: 1916 (108 years ago)
- NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA: 1918 (106 years ago)
Bearing Unit Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Bearing Unit Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
5 | 50.0% |
Japan
|
3 | 30.0% |
Germany
|
1 | 10.0% |
Sweden
|
1 | 10.0% |
