Designing with ceramic bearings
Erick Sloan of Carter Manufacturing highlights the pros and cons of using ceramic bearings, outlines the common ceramic bearing materials and touches upon a few of the possible applications.
It is very important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic bearings before designing them into your application. One of the key benefits of course is their strength. Ceramic microstructures enjoy covalent bonding inherent between non-metal elements. This means they share electrons. This atomic co-operation yields a very strong attraction force and because of this, ceramics offer a series of benefits in comparison to metals.
They normally have a very high hardness and elastic, or Young’s, modulus. This means they are resistant to shape change when loads are applied along with improved wear characteristics. Further, ceramic bearings usually behave in a stable manner at high temperatures meaning there is less thermal expansion. In addition, ceramics are non-metallic, non-ferrous materials; their high degree of corrosion resistance allows them to perform excellently in wet and chemically-corrosive environments.
Another important benefit is that ceramic bearings can run lubrication-free. This is because ceramic materials don’t micro-weld. Micro-welding happens, typically with metals, when the surface imperfections on the rolling element and raceway interact with one another causing an electric arc. This degrades the surface and substantially reduces the bearing life. Ceramic materials do not have this issue which makes them suitable for various applications which require a lube-free environment.
Many engineering ceramics also have a low density leading to improvements in bearings’ operational speeds, which is due to low centripetal forces and reduced friction. And they are non-magnetic and excellent insulators. Also, as non-metallic, non-ferrous materials, they don’t corrode in the same way as metals when exposed to water and other hazardous chemicals.
But there are a few disadvantages to ceramics. The first is that they are substantially more expensive than their metal counterparts. There are many reasons for this, not least being the high energy and processing costs associated with the massive energy needed to reach the required temperature for the sintering process of high grade raw materials. Also, since ceramics are so hard, the machining and grinding costs add up quickly when manufacturing precision bearings. And ceramics are incredibly sensitive to impurities in their pores so any contaminates could cause premature failure. As the size increases the price also increases exponentially because of the requirement of high cost processing methods.
Further, ceramic bearings have lower load capacities in comparison to metals and are sensitive to thermal shock, which results in an internal stress. This stress can exceed the strength of the material thus forming a crack. It is also more difficult to achieve a high quality surface finish with ceramics
Common ceramic bearing materials include silicon nitride, zirconia and silicon carbide. Silicon nitride combines the retention of high strength and creep resistance with oxidation resistance. It has better high temperature capabilities than most metals and its low thermal expansion coefficient gives a better thermal shock resistance in comparison with most ceramic materials.
High speed applications
Silicon nitride is black in colour and the material of choice for vacuum and high speed applications. It’s 58% lighter than traditional steel causing a reduction in centripetal force generated by the rolling elements, which significantly increases fatigue life time. Unlike other ceramic materials, Silicon nitride can hold similar loads to bearing steel; however, it is unsuitable for the race design in any application with shock loading.
Zirconia was developed in the 1960s and 70s to produce a thermal barrier on the external tiles of a space shuttle in order to allow the shuttle to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere without disintegrating. Since then, Zirconia has become the material of choice for high temperature and highly corrosive applications. The density and thermal expansion of Zirconia is more similar to steel than that of any other ceramic material; therefore it does not have the same weight saving and thermal shock resistance enjoyed by other ceramic materials. However, it has a high fracture toughness. Zirconia is white in colour.
Silicon carbide offers the best heat and corrosion resistance of all the ceramic materials, although it is less frequently used that other ceramic materials due to its raw materials cost and difficulty to machine. Silicon carbide is best used under low loads and in highly corrosive environments.
Applications for ceramic bearings include space and satellites, chemical and medical, and scientific instrumentation. Space exploration exhibits extreme loads and turbulent environments while demanding strict weight constraints and vacuum requirements.
Ceramic bearings are able to fulfil these requirements as many of them are lightweight and vacuum compatible. Unlike their steel equivalents, ceramic bearings are able to run unlubricated which not only stops possible contamination of delicate components in the surrounding applications but also reduces weight as there is no need for heavy greases. They also don’t experience cold welding unlike their steel counterparts.
In chemical and medical applications where contamination can be potentially life threatening, ceramic bearings provide the best solutions. Standard steels can succumb to the effect of strong acids and alkalis, and can rust when washed with solutions and result in particulate contamination. Ceramic bearings are not chemically reactive to corrosive materials and will not release harmful by-products. Further, because they don’t need lubrication, there is no additional microbiology to worry about.
Some highly specialised instrumentation may require a fully non-magnetic system. The magneto-optical phenomenon called the Faraday Effect showcases the interaction between light and a magnetic field in a medium. If light is being measured or utilised in an instrument, a standard steel bearing must be avoided. Ceramic bearings are perfect for situations when magnetic resonance is an issue.
We can see, then, that ceramic bearings exhibit a vast range of advantages for engineering applications but also have disadvantages that must be taken into consideration. They are extremely hard, corrosion-resistant and have a high elastic modulus. They are able to run without lubrication, have low thermal expansion, are normally low density and have non-magnetic qualities. However, they are expensive, have low load capacities, are sensitive to thermal shock and are difficult to achieve a high quality of surface finish on.
Whether you are using Silicon Nitride, Zirconia or even Silicon Carbide, ceramic bearings are available for a wide range of applications such as space, chemical, medical, and scientific instrumentation.
Other News from Carter Bearings Ltd

Latest news about Bearings and slides
- Bearing manufacturer Michell Bearings celebrates 100 years
- Automatic lubricators and Arcanol grease ensure conveyor motor bearings run reliably at opencast mine
- Bearings from Rodriguez prove first choice at atlas converting
- NSK initiatives combat counterfeit bearing manufacture
- New-generation bullet train relies on NSK bearings
- Sulzer increases capacity and efficiency for Babbitt bearing manufacturing
- NSK unveils new bearings catalogue for electric motors
- Unique data matrix codes help in the fight against fake bearings
- Cash-flow support programme for NSK linear motion products
- Igus configurators help identify the right iglidur plain bearing material
- HQW Precision’s bearings chosen for world’s largest mid-infrared telescope
- Short lead times for UK-made NSK NH/NS linear guides
- NSK bearings adapted to meet servomotor demands
- SKF and University of Twente open state-of-the-art technology centre
- Plain Bearings from Schaeffler - tried and trusted for 75 years
- New xiros film guide roller for labelling technology is fast and lubrication-free
- Powering through the desert using just solar power
- NSK develops ultra-high-speed ball bearings for EV motors
- New precision machine components catalogue from NSK
- Recycling plant saves over €50,000 per year with NSK mounted bearings
- NSK Verify app upgraded to include industrial bearings
- Igus video highlights engineering within brickworks
- Schaeffler forges ahead with technology transfer
- Motion plastics for motorcycles are lightweight and lube-free
- Bearings for conveyor belt rollers in adverse operating conditions
- Improving reliability in harsh applications
- Sparrows Group enhances position with SKF lubrication agreement
- NSK TL bearings double service life in papermaking machinery
- SKF factories to be carbon neutral by 2030
- Bearings for conveyor belt rollers in adverse operating conditions
- Igus analogue configurator helps in the search for the right iglidur plain bearing material
- The Barden Corporation launches new Barden Value Precision range of precision ball bearings
- HQW Precision and The Barden Corporation celebrate first anniversary as Partners in Precision
- SKF Enlight ProCollect extends its capability to support lubrication management
- Hybrid roller bearings offer easy adjustment in lateral positioning systems
- New mobile app from SKF simplifies bearing mounting
- BNL: 50 Years of Bearing Innovation
- Lubrication-free spherical polymer components replace metal bearings
- Controlling energy use in plastic bearing manufacture
- Why thin section bearings should be on every design engineer’s radar
- Plain bearings help adaptive skier find the fast lane
- The best kept secret in linear motion and positioning
- Why thin section bearings should be on every design engineer’s radar
- Ultra-slim and lightweight slewing bearings from Igus
- Improving plant performance with bearing remanufacturing
- JHB and Bowman collaborate on possibly the most important innovation in split bearings in over 100 years
- Self-lubricating bearings for linear motion systems
- Surfing on asphalt with wear-resistant plastic bearings
- A world of reliable rotation
- Timken to acquire Beka Lubrication
- SKF says split roller bearings are ground breaking
- Getting the best performance from your production machinery
- RA Rodriguez adds McGill bearings to its product range
- Automotive bearings
- Classic 4x4 fixed as part of initiation into leading plastic bearing business
- Super precision bearings for space and satellite applications
- Ultimate choice for heavy duty shafts
- Condition monitoring for more applications
- Lightweight victory in two-wheel motorsport for plastic bearings
- Singing the praises of turntable bearings
- Design and material innovation leads to new plastic bearings
- Lightweight victory for plastic bearings in racing
- SKF helps reduce maintenance costs on the railway
- Answers on slewing rings
- Ceramic versus hybrid bearings
- Impact of imperfections on bearing performance
- Maximise performance and minimise downtime
- Sealing solutions eliminate contamination to boost MTBF
- In search of spectacular plastic plain bearing applications
- Did you know that TFC offers bearings?
- An approach to large size bearing replacement
- Bearings help breathe life into submarine systems
- JHB announces the launch of possibly the most important innovation in split bearings in decades
- Not all plastic bearings are created equal
- SKF services help improve rotating equipment performance
- Timken expands portfolio with Rollon acquisition
- HepcoMotion vacuum bearings boost semiconductor production
- Ball bearings have new performance seal option
- Cables from igus make solar-powered off-road vehicle fit for the world record
- Fourth generation bearings reduce rotational torque index
- Plain bearings versus rolling element bearings
- SKF helps increase rotating equipment performance for BP
- Counterfeit bearings put end users and distributors at risk
- Extreme bearings for extreme conditions with Bowman International
- Magnetic bearings are not just for niche applications
- The top five challenges of relubricating bearings
- Igus tribopolymer bearings FAA-approved for aircraft interiors
- Plain bearings optimise bobsled chassis and steering systems
- SKF expands UK distribution network
- There’s more to skateboarding than just a board and wheels
- ‘Cooper Roller Bearings’ becomes ‘SKF Cooper split bearings’
- Increasing machine life with hybrid bearings
- Igus says YES to supporting GlitterBomb robot-building team
- SKF delivers its largest sealed spherical roller bearing
- Choosing the right bearing material for the application
- Linear guides with different radii from Igus
- Stainless channels for combined roller bearings
- Plastic versus metal in endurance tests
- Five reasons to replace PTFE-lined bearings
- The heat is on
- Using Vee bearings and T-rails
- SKF launches software centre for condition monitoring in Sweden
- PEEK lined bearings suit high temperature tasks
- SKF services business receives top safety accreditation
- Summer sale on SKF’s industry-leading training courses
- SKF launches innovative maintenance service packages
- SKF wins RISAS approval from UK rail safety authority
- Find the right bearing with Igus’ calculator app
- Increased performance across Insocoat range
- Lubrication of rolling bearings
- Starring role for bearings in camera stabilisation kit
- Top five considerations for replacing linear systems
- UBRacing prepares for its 20th year of Formula Student
- Bearings for offshore vessel ensure solid performance
- Bowman acquires John Handley Bearings
- Rolling bearing selection: look at the bigger picture
- V guides deliver reliability in harsh environments
- Experimental race motorcycle relies on plastic bearings
- Igus announces introduction of online chat support
- Bearings from RA Rodriguez help beat world land speed record
- SKF seizes counterfeit bearings in West Yorkshire raid
- SKF seizes counterfeit bearings in West Yorkshire raid
- Precision combined roller bearing and steel profile
- SKF supplies eight-tonne bearing for mining application
- Plastic plain bearings defy harsh conditions on ambulance tail lifts
- Bearing material for packaging and food applications
- Cost-effective, high quality standard bearings
- Housing benefits
- Maximising operating life in critical applications
- Polymer bearings in the groove of the vinyl revival
- SKF and GE sign agreement for magnetic bearing development
- What is a tolerance ring?
- Igus showcases compact design solutions at Southern Manufacturing
- Igus introduces new polymer material optimised for railway applications
- Igus gives HudRail a helping hand in its railway challenge
- Cardiff University uses Igus bearings for a smoother season
- Turntable bearing pivotal in lighthouse lamp refurb
- Faster lead times on custom engineered aerospace bearings
- Schaeffler bearings keep lock gates and valves moving on the Panama Canal
- SKF innovation helps floating tidal energy project secure €10 million grant
- Igus bearings and tape assist drone defence system
- Bearing the weight of responsibility
- Lightweight bearing systems from Franke
- Refurbishment of tilt bearings for Pendolino trains keeps Alstom on the right track
- Igus celebrates 25 years in the UK
- Shorter lead times for low volume custom aerospace bearings
- Antistatic material for ESD compatible applications
- Bearings for where mounting space is key
- Bowman develops new bearing test machine
- Keeping wind turbines running with high reliability
- Conceptual idea becomes a working product in two months
- Schaeffler receives 2015 Quality Supplier Award from Danfoss
- Schaeffler receives 2015 Quality Supplier Award from Danfoss
- Anti-corrosive, high speed, lightweight linear guides
- Increased UK stocks of Schneeberger products
- Profile rail enables higher machining rates
- Precision thin section bearings ensure rigidity and repeatability of camera motion control rigs
- Schaeffler celebrates 125 year anniversary of ball grinding mill
- Bearing failure: causes and cures
- Free booklet explains bearing designations
- High precision bearings for printing machinery
- Plain bearings offer higher load capacity
- Standard and bespoke ranges of bearings
- Germanischer Lloyd certifies Schaeffler test method for calculating the rating life of rolling bearings
- Schaeffler supplies custom bearings for Pioneering Spirit
- Strange attractors
- The first self-lubricating plastic bearing for continuous high rotational speeds
- Schaeffler launches online rolling bearing calculation software for electric motors and generators
- Igus extends iglidur tribo-tape range for automotive applications
- Bearings bring reliability to clothing testing robot
- SKF magnetic bearings delivering optimal reliability 25 years after installation
- Thomas Preissner presents the new igubal press-fit spherical bearing from igus
- Schaeffler lends it support to winning Teen Tech team
- Helping Formula Student racing team feed its need for speed
- Swap scheme broadens skills of apprentices
- Mobile app and vibration sensor enables collection of expert data by non-experts
- Heavy duty sliding systems
- Thin section bearings catalogue
- Linear guides for high load tasks
- Lubricant reservoir for long term lubrication
- Single piece track solves tool changing problem
- Major investment in plain bearings by Igus
- Medway UK becomes Dunlop BTL
- NSK bearings deliver €46k savings for steel plate rolling mill
- SKF to champion best asset care at Maintec 2015
- Bearings with Insight
- Farm machinery
- 'iglidur on tour' car completes UK leg
- Schaeffler becomes exclusive technology partner of ABT Sportsline in FIA Formula E
- Bearing life twice as long with increased load ratings
- iglidur surpasses car endurance test around the world
- Replace with Better - Quality replacement parts benefit end users
- Protecting profitability in food and beverage applications
- The case for split roller bearings
- Tribo makes all the difference
- Robot mannequin 'Porton Man' moves with igus
- Self-lubricating, extremely quiet belt drive for the entertainment industry
- Concept bike's suspension offers greater control over rough terrain
- Thin section bearings for commercial aircraft
- igus presents world's first food-grade tribo-tape at Interplas 2014
- igus helps OEMs to meet RoHS requirements
- 1,000th SKF S2M magnetic bearing put into operation in oil and gas
- SKF bearings help provide robust protection for the River Thames
- igus expands its xiros polymer ball bearing range
- 700 page technical guide
- Press fitting iglidur plain bearings made easy
- iglidur on tour - our journey so far
- Engineered Arts wins igus manus UK award for sophisticated robotic movement design
- From pedals to steering, igus' bearings fit many applications
- Dependable MTTF - The Holy Grail
- Massive reduction seen in tinting machine downtime
- High load combined bearings specified for World Trade Centre hub
- igus dry-tech box now features the largest range of plastic bearings worldwide
- NSK releases cost saving calculator app for tablets, smart phones and PC
- Tablet counting systems rely on HepcoMotion ring and slide accuracy
- Cost-effective THK linear guide available from stock
- igus demonstrates polymer plain bearings durability with a tour around the world
- Igubal fits multiple applications from extremely diverse areas
- New plummer block housing increases bearing operating life by up to 50%
- Unique 2D laser code provides traceability for NSK Super Precision bearing
- SKF Explorer bearings halve consumption for ArcelorMittal
- Precision components for e-bikes ensure higher efficiency and improved rider comfort
- SKF E2 Y-bearings cut friction for enhanced energy efficiency
- igus launches new polymer bearings catalogue
- Igus' bearings ideal for extreme outdoor applications such as solar panels
- Pillow block bearings for solar and food industries
- Innovative range of polymer bearings is ideal for home and office applications
- Space and weight saving bearings prove ideal for Cutlass EOD robot
- igus shows linear guide system, bearings, cable assemblies and readychains at MACH 2014
- SKF WindCon saves £1 million for global wind farm operator
- Schaeffler expands its range of innovations for all-electric and hybrid vehicles
- Improve your skills and knowledge on rolling bearings and condition monitoring
- New large size, high performance tapered roller bearings reduce frictional torque by up to 50%
- Medway becomes Master Distributor for NKE bearings
- igus bearings for high load rotational applications
- Water power systems turn on corrosion-resistant bearings
- Extended life plain bearings reduce C02 output
- Increased reliability in food manufacture
- Kaydon Bearings bring humanoid robot to life
- long service life in wooden pallet production
- Customise your own PRT slewing ring systems with iglidur J gliding pads
- Medway (UK) Ltd announces continued investment in British manufacturing
- Self-aligning igubal bearings 80% lighter than steel and more cost effective
- Schaeffler destroys 26 tonnes of counterfeit rolling bearings
- Materials and coatings increase operating life of bearings in harsh food and beverage applications
- Correct bearing mounting saves time and extends life
- On track for better performance and cost
- Self-lubricating slewing rings are easy to install
- Schaeffler and Ford unveil concept Fiesta with new space-saving electric wheel hub drives
- Custom assemblies delivered quickly and ready to fit
- Plummer blocks
- Reliable and flexible motion in a hygienic environment
- SKF commences action over counterfeit bearings
- Tailored bearing solutions
- Linear actuation for historic house extension
- Schaeffler replaces main Trunnion Bearings on BOS Plant Vessels at Tata Steel Port Talbot
- Quick and easy to install link bearings are lightweight alternative to steel
- Bearing and condition monitoring training
- Bearings for demanding transport applications
- SKF Group to acquire Blohm + Voss Industries
- Tackling friction and wear
- igus rod end bearing handles higher tensile loads
- Precision bearings for solar energy offer long life and high efficiencies
- Novel, lightweight designs cut vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
- Don't move - improve
- Prevent unplanned downtime of drill rig plant and machinery
- Bearings save space, weight and power
- igus helps enhance the movie and gaming experience
- Reali-Slim bearings chosen to help minimise telescope size and weight
- Deep sea success for SKF magnetic bearings
- Modular hybrid bearing rolls and slides in virtual silence
- Improved bearing design for wind turbines
- Linear motion pocket guide
- System know-how and solutions for all bearing positions on wind turbines
- The benefits of DryLube bearings
- Bearings catalogue
- Turntable bearings
- Needle roller bearings enable more energy efficient systems due to downsizing and reduced friction
- Schaeffler receives 2011 Supplier award from Porsche
- Investment in new plant and machinery gives Schaeffler UK the edge
- Brammer wins major new Tata Steel contract
- Corrosion resistant, low friction, lightweight hybrid bearings boost performance of inline skates
- Large slewing rings for construction machinery
- Rolling bearings and condition monitoring ensure safe elevator rides at The Eiffel Tower
- Bearings for the deep
- Schaeffler unveils new four-wheel drive, battery electric vehicle
- UK manufacturer's turning investment
- Igus celebrates 20 years in the UK
- Boost reliability to maximise equipment effectiveness
- Bearings manufactured to aerospace standard
- Heason Technology launches Thomson 400-series linear motion guide bearing
- Plastic contaminants easily detected with standard tools
- Self-Lube bearings reduce build and maintenance costs
- Schaeffler supports top level sports with engineering know-how
- Dedicated engineer for renewables
- Igus UK awarded ISO14001
- New technologies drive vehicles towards a sustainable future
- Novel bearing and electric motor technology is critical to a new design of electric vehicle
- Optimised protection for main bearing seal
- Linear guidance systems ensure accuracy and reliability of DMG milling centres
- Schaeffler scoops national sustainability prize
- Precision bearings make electric bikes more reliable and energy efficient
- Getting more from combined roller bearings
- Mounting and dismounting of large sized bearings
- Rationalised bearing manufacture
- New Awareness Campaign to prevent bearing counterfeiting
- Heavy load systems from 50kg to 100 tonnes
- Fast turnaround on bearings orders
- Low friction rolling bearings enable greater drive train efficiency in tractors and graders
- Halve machinery breakdowns with latest SKF alignment tools
- Aircraft get sky friendly
- Bearings catalogue
- Tsubaki's custom made chain catalogue
- Prince learns of green drive in Wales
- Linear rail system available with a variety of motor options
- Ring and track motion - the next generation
- Bearings enable precise adjustment of wind turbine blades
- New low friction, maintenance-free plain bushes suit dry-running applications
- Opening up the scope of parallel motion
- Schaeffler joins Low Carbon Vehicle Cluster
- SKF supplies bearings for Zytek's hybrid-electric race car
- Ski safe with Igus
- Schaeffler's complete bearing replacement service minimises downtime for Subsea 7 pipe-lay vessel
- SKF shares engineering knowledge through new training courses
- Bearing extends equipment life in washdown applications
- Bearings drive breakthrough in wave power technology
- Selecting rolling bearings for industrial gearboxes
- Igus solves laser alignment problem in woodworking industry
- A roll for improved efficiency
- Apprentices make sound business sense
- Schaeffler plant produces one-millionth ball screw drive for electromechanical steering systems
- Bearings increase machine availability
- Breaking new safety barriers
- Guide ball bushing for miniature sizes
- Long life wheels for washdown environments
- Low wear, low friction without lubrication
- Mounting and dismounting rolling bearings
- Monorail guidance systems get new calculation software
- NSK solves bakery chain £93,512 per year
- Volvo recognises Schaeffler as an added value supplier
- New hybrid linear bearing combines rolling and sliding
- The benefits of bespoke bearing solutions
- Pushing the boundaries with plastic plain bearings
- The five major benefits of plastic bearings
- FAG spherical roller bearings selected for new retractable roof at Wimbledon's Centre Court
- SKF director receives Tribology Gold Medal
- Five years instead of six months
- Olympic gold with polymer bearings
- A new way of looking at price versus total cost
- Full ceramic bearings now in miniature
- Plastic bearings now offer over ten years' service life
- Tailored training in roller bearings
- Timken aerospace bearings on a roll
- Bearings improve efficiency and safety of marine drives
- SKF renews contract with Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
- Bowman International acquires competitor Oilite Bearings
- Bearings and slides
- John Crane buys Orion to boost bearings offering
- Space saving bearing for compact machine tool
- Bearings
- Benefits of two rails and four wheels
- Copper resources
- Cylindrical bushings
- Metering valves cut lubricant consumption by 25 percent on linear guides
- Rolling bearings
- Stainless steel bearings boost corrosion resistance
- The science of bearing coatings
- Turntable bearings
- Wind catcher
- An integrated assembly approach to precision ball bearings
- Linear plain bearings
- Ball bushings have lubricant reservoir
- Heavy duty rod ends reduce maintenance
- Higher integrity for standard bearings
- New bearings use 30% less energy
- New focus for large diameter bearings
- NSK tailors bearings to the needs of the beverage industry
- Operational costs are reduced
- Solid brass bearing cage design reduces moving mass
- The problem of obsolete bearings
- Linear guidance
- Lubricant-free through the streets of Bangalor
- New distribution centre for THK
- Schaeffler wins manufacturing prize
- Bearing doctor is the antidote to failures
- Knowing what you're really buying?
- Linear guides feature adjustable clearance
- Rolling on air
- Eco benefits of plastic plain bearings
- Lubricant-free with angular compensation
- Lubricantion-free high-temperature micro-bearings
- Maintenance-free polymer ball bearings in new materials and dimensions
- Bearing units
- Reference library
- Linear bearings and guidance systems
- Bearing replacement
- Ceramics for motor cycle bearings
- Cost-effective protection against bearing corrosion
- Polymer bearing is 80 percent lighter than steel
- Roller bearing pillow blocks from Rino
- Rollers offer high rigidity
- Shaft guidance
- Best bearing choices for robot applications
- Profiled rail linear guides carry loads of up to 149 tonnes
- Solid polymer bearings
- Sweet maker reduces machine downtime with change in bearing inserts
- Bearings for performance racing
- Lead-free and custom designed plain bearings
- Linear guides go miniature
- Linear motion guide bearings from UK stock
- Performance polymers in stock bars
- Split roller bearings help to reduce downtime with new options
- Protective materials and coatings for harsh environments
- Bearings thin down to best functional advantage
- Improve availability to lower costs
- Rolling bearings key for energy conservation
- Heavy duty linear motion
- Lightweight linear guides have big capacity
- Linear motion guide bearings include position feedback
- Bearings offer higher capacity
- Linear range has more capacity
- Warnings of bearing failure using vibration analysis
- Igus starts the ball rolling with high temperature bearings
- Single row cylindrical roller bearings made to order
- Thin section bearings get higher ratings
- Vibration analysis detects early failure of bearings
- New linear guide system
- Custom bearings are the key to high performance
- High speed bearings meet CAT scanner requirements
- Mini slide incorporates pneumatic actuator for complete solution
- On the right track with lubrication
- Gearboxes for wind turbines are bearing up
- Bearings for special bikes
- Extolling the virtues of split roller bearings
- Guides make light work for optics
- Low noise and high precision
- New heights for plastic bearings
- Precision machined components
- Reduced maintenance time and cost
- Six times the strength of conventional cage designs
- Stainless steel linear guides
- Tap into real experience
- Bearing maker recognised for its investment in people
- Record-beating run for downhill racer
- Ceramic and hybrid bearings
- Outstanding applications of plastic bearings
- Performance lubricants cut bearing failures
- Rolling element offers the best of both worlds
- The right bearing makes a big difference
- Wheelset bearing kits reduce maintenance costs
- Precision ring track offers conveying solution
- Additional options for guide
- Ball rail benefits for low cost applications
- Building on the benefits of polymer linear bearings
- Cost effective solution to the problem of cage creep
- Cost-effective continuous lubrication
- Production problems are paper tigers
- Easier analysis of vibration
- Food friendly bearings
- Hybrid bearings up to 1m diameter
- Performance lubricants reduce bearing failures
- Tools help with bearing mounting and dismounting
- Adjustable slide systems
- Dual guide with a single edge
- Faster speeds with grooved bearings
- Highlighting the good from the bad
- Linear bearings for harsh areas
- New extreme bearing material
- Rino ring slides
- Simple selection
- Thermoplastic bearing housings
- Turntable bearings are ready to mount
- RA Rodriguez is now AS9120 accredited
- Coatings improve INA FAG bearings in tough conditions
- Ingenious solution to highlight good bearings from bad
- Shafts and bearings from Ondrives
- Compact linear slides cover every application
- Low weight, corrosion-free linear motion system
- Ultra-precise linear motion
- High capacity slide tables
- High temperature bearings
- Marine industry gets revolutionary hinge
- Vee bearings at a reduced cost