Marine grade 316 stainless steel ball bearings for shafts from 0.125” to 1.0” diameter
See product table below for dimensions and technical drawings
316 grade stainless steel, known as marine grade stainless steel, is an austenitic stainless steel which means it has good corrosion resistance. 316 grade steel is not hardenable by heat treatment. As a result, it has a much lower load capacity than the standard 440 grade stainless steel.
As 316 grade steel is more difficult to grind to very close tolerances, our inch sized marine grade 316 bearings are semi-precision. If you need precision stainless steel bearings for higher loads and speeds, see our 440 grade stainless steel bearings.
Magnetic properties
In contrast to 440 grade stainless steel bearings, 316 stainless steel bearings have a negligible response to magnetic fields so it is possible to tell the two types apart with a magnet. If you need more information on bearings for harsh environments, take a look at our guide. Most of our range of imperial marine grade bearings are supplied from stock in the UK.
Material and performance
The inch sized 316 marine grade stainless steel bearings, shown in the table below are resistant to many chemicals. They can be used in fast flowing, cold seawater and salt spray but should be washed down with normal water, where possible, to reduce the risk of corrosion.The standard range is supplied with polyethylene (PE) cages and seals but alternative cage and seal materials such as PEEK or PTFE can be offered.
Temperature range
316 stainless steel bearings have a wide temperature range. The cage and seals limit the temperatures at which these bearings can be used, but when the bearings are open, full complement 316 grade versions can withstand temperatures from -200°C to 500°C, though the load capacity is reduced at extreme temperatures.
Full complement 316 grade bearings and those with PTFE cages and seals are suitable for cryogenic applications, as PTFE performs well at low temperatures down to -190°C. The standard PE cage and seals are not recommended for temperatures below -40°C or above 80°C. For high-temperature applications, bearings with PEEK or PTFE cages and seals can be used up to 250°C.
Learn more about the advantages of stainless steel bearings here.
Why choose marine grade bearings
Choosing marine grade bearings means investing in superior performance and longevity for challenging environments. 316 stainless steel bearings offer unparalleled resistance to corrosion and chemicals, making them ideal for applications in the marine sector, as well as various industrial processes.
Their resilience ensures that machinery remains operational and efficient, even in harsh conditions. For projects that demand reliability and durability, marine grade bearings provide the peace of mind that comes with superior engineering and material quality.
Additional resources
Click on INFO in the rows below to display technical drawings of the bearings with load and speed data. Please note that the maximum loads and speeds are used in theoretical life calculations. It is recommended to use bearings at significantly less than the maximum load and speed ratings to ensure reasonable bearing life.
Get in touch with our specialist bearing team today by emailing sales@smbbearings.com or fill in the contact form.