Miniature ball bearing

Miniature Ball Bearings are essential mechanical components in a wide range of applications where space is limited and high precision is required. Their small size, low weight and high load capacity make them indispensable in fields such as robotics, medical instrumentation, electronics and automation.

Description

Small Ball Bearings are characterised by their compact design and high-precision manufacturing. They incorporate very small rolling elements. They generally comprise steel or ceramic balls. They are carefully selected and machined to minimize play and irregularities. Robust cages hold and guide the rolling elements, while precision seals protect internal components from contamination.

Operation

The operating principle of Miniature Ball Bearings is based on rolling elements between precision-machined raceways. This fluid motion minimises friction and wear, while ensuring optimum load transfer. The high rigidity of these Bearings guarantees excellent dimensional stability and rotational precision, even at high speeds.

Application

The fields of application for Miniature Ball Bearings are vast and varied. They are commonly found in miniature machine tools, robots, medical equipment, cameras, 3D printers and precision instruments.

They are also used in lightweight transport equipment such as carts and scooters. Their precision and reliability make them essential components for the smooth operation of these miniature devices.

Types of miniature ball Bearings

There are three main types:

Open Ball Bearings: These Bearings offer easy access to the rolling elements for lubrication and cleaning. However, they are more susceptible to contamination than other Bearings types.

Shielded Ball Bearings: These devices are fitted with metal or rubber seals to protect the rolling elements from dust and dirt. They are more versatile than open Bearings and can be used in lightly contaminated environments.

Sealed Ball Bearings: These elements feature lip seals or labyrinth seals for optimum protection against contamination and moisture. They are ideal for applications in harsh environments, or for applications requiring long, maintenance-free service life.

Our brands

Leading manufacturers of Miniature Ball Bearings include FAG, NSK and PTN.

These Bearings suppliers offer a wide range of miniature elements to meet the specific needs of each application, thanks to proven technical expertise and strict quality procedures.

What specific features are available for your choice of miniature ball Bearings?

Choosing the right miniature ball Bearings depends on a number of factors, such as :

Dimensions: Outside diameter (OD), inside diameter (ID) and Bearings thickness.

Bearings type: Open, shielded or sealed.

Material of rolling elements: Steel, ceramic or other.

Load capacity: The maximum radial and axial load the Bearings can support.

Rotational speed: The maximum speed at which the Bearings can rotate.

Accuracy: The level of precision required for the application.

Temperature: The Bearings's ambient and operating temperatures.

Protection against contamination: The level of protection against dust, moisture and other contaminants.

Why use Miniature Ball Bearings?

Miniature Ball Bearings rotary devices offer several advantages over standard Bearings, including :

Small size: They save space in applications where space is limited.

Low weight: They reduce the total mass of equipment, which can improve performance and efficiency.

High precision: They guarantee impeccable rotational accuracy and surface finish.

Low friction: They reduce friction and heat generation, which translates into greater energy efficiency and longer service life.

High rigidity: Excellent dimensional stability and resistance to vibration.

Long life: They can withstand millions of rotation cycles with minimal maintenance.

How do Miniature Bearings work?

A Miniature Ball Bearings works by supporting and guiding a rotating shaft, enabling smooth, precise rotation with minimum friction and wear. The elements (balls) roll between precision-machined raceways, held in place by a cage.

Seals protect internal components from contamination.

The precise design of raceways, cages and seals guarantees uniform load distribution and minimizes backlash, ensuring high stability and optimum rotational accuracy. Small Ball Bearings can support low to moderate radial and axial loads, depending on their size.

What are Miniature Ball Bearings used for?

Miniature Ball Bearings are used in a wide range of applications, including :

Miniature machine tools: milling machines, lathes, drilling machines, etc.

Robotics: Robot joints, actuators, etc.

Medical equipment: Insulin pumps, surgical scalpels, etc.

Cameras: Lenses, autofocus, etc.

3D printers: Print heads, linear axes, etc.

Precision instruments: Microscopes, telescopes, etc.

Electronics: Hard disks, fans, CD/DVD players, etc.

Aerospace: Satellites, aircraft, etc.

Difference between miniature and conventional Ball Bearings

The main difference between Miniature and conventional Ball Bearings lies in their size. Miniature Bearings have significantly smaller dimensions, making them suitable for applications where space is limited. They also offer greater precision and higher load-carrying capacity in relation to their size.

To summarise, Miniature Ball rotary devices are essential components for a wide range of applications where precision, reliability and performance are critical. Their small size, low weight, high precision and long service life make them indispensable in the fields of robotics, medical instrumentation, electronics and automation.