Sealed Bearings Selections-Seals and Shields Available

The Reali-Slim® thin section bearings product line consists of a family of seven open and five sealed series of thin section bearings ranging in bore diameters from 1.000 inch to 40.000 inch. Series range from .187 x .187 inch to 1.000 x 1.000 inch in cross section. Open bearings are available from stock in three configurations (Types A, C & X). Stock sealed bearings are available in Types C & X only.

When required, these bearings can be quickly modified to have special clearances, preloads, lubricants, separators and other features to meet the most demanding application requirements. In addition, the Reali-Slim® product line can be quickly modified to obtain corrosion resistance by applying Endurakote® thin-dense chrome plating. When assembled with 440C stainless steel balls, this modification makes up the basis for Kaydon's Endura-Slim series of bearings that provide corrosion protection equal to or better than a full 440C stainless steel bearing.

Reali-Slim® thin section sealed bearings are available with various separators to space the rolling elements uniformly and prevent contact between them. Separator types available include: continuous ring "snap-over pocket," continuous ring circular pocket, formed wire, toroid, Teflon spacers, and spacer ball separators.

Sealed thin section bearings summary

To realize the full benefits from anti-friction bearings, it is important to keep them clean and well lubricated. Seals and shields properly designed and mounted help to accomplish this. In the Kaydon thin section bearings catalog, these terms have the following definitions:

Seal--a contacting closure between the stationary and rotating members, for retaining lubricant within and excluding foreign material from the bearing. Seals are retained in the outer race and make positive contact with the inner race.

Shield--a closure for the same purpose as a seal but without positive contact.

A seal is more effective, but requires more turning effort (torque), generates more heat, and as a result, has a lower speed limit than an open or shielded bearing.

Available illustrations are examples by which Reali-SlimŽ bearings may be sealed or shielded, either integrally or externally. The lubricant and lubrication systems, torque requirements, speed, and operating environment will influence the choice.