Flanged plastic ball bearings for shaft sizes from 0.125” to 0.50” diameter
See product table below for dimensions and technical drawings
Flanged bearings are essential components in a wide range of applications, providing both support and positioning in a bearing housing. Designed to simplify assembly and reduce installation time, flanged bearings ensure precise alignment and reliable performance. Our flanged plastic bearings are manufactured with high-quality materials to offer durability and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for demanding environments.
What is a bearing housing?
A bearing housing is a crucial component that supports and secures a bearing, ensuring proper alignment and stability during operation. Bearing housings also help distribute loads evenly and provide mounting points for the bearing within machinery or equipment.
Housings can be made from materials like cast iron, steel or plastic, depending on the application.
Find your ideal bearing shaft and housing fit.
Benefits of flanged bearings in bearing housings
When flanged bearings are integrated into a bearing housing, they provide a secure and stable fit, preventing axial movement and ensuring optimal function. The plastic flange is specifically designed to accommodate various shaft sizes, providing a versatile solution for engineers and designers. The lightweight nature of plastic flanged bearings reduces overall system weight, making them suitable for applications where weight is a critical factor.
Corrosion resistance and material options
Our flanged plastic bearings are particularly advantageous in corrosive environments, such as those found in the marine, food processing and pharmaceutical industries. The plastic materials used in these bearings are resistant to chemicals and saltwater, ensuring long-lasting performance even in the most challenging conditions. For improved durability, we offer flanged bearings made from materials like PEEK, PTFE and PVDF, which provide superior resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals.
Temperature range considerations
Plastic flanged bearings can operate in a broad temperature range, depending on the materials used. Standard acetal bearings with a nylon cage are suitable for temperatures between -30°C and 100°C. For more extreme conditions, PTFE flanged bearings can function in temperatures as low as -190°C, while PEEK bearings can withstand temperatures up to 250°C.
Comparison with non-flanged bearings
Flanged bearings offer distinct advantages over non-flanged bearings, particularly in applications where precise positioning and stability are crucial. The flange provides additional support, preventing axial movement and misalignment, which can reduce the need for frequent adjustments and maintenance.
While non-flanged bearings may be suitable for simpler applications, flanged bearings excel in environments where stability and ease of installation are key priorities.
Advantages of plastic flanged bearings over traditional materials
Plastic flanged bearings present several benefits over those made from traditional materials, like steel. They are significantly lighter, reducing the overall weight of the machinery and the energy required to move it.
In addition, plastic bearings are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in harsh environments where metal bearings would quickly degrade.
Plastic flanged bearings are often compared with other advanced bearing technologies, such as ceramic bearings and composite bearings. While ceramic bearings offer excellent corrosion resistance and better load-bearing capabilities, they are typically more expensive and heavier than plastic bearings.
In environments where weight, cost and resistance to harsh chemicals are critical, plastic flanged bearings often present the best overall solution.
Maintenance and operational guidelines
To maximise the lifespan of plastic flanged bearings, proper maintenance and operational practices are essential. These bearings are designed for low-load and low-speed applications, so it’s important to avoid overloading them or operating them at high speeds, which will lead to premature wear.
Lubrication is generally not required for plastic bearings, which reduces the risk of contamination in clean environments. However, if lubrication is used, it should be compatible with the plastic materials to prevent degradation.
Learn more about our bearing lubrication services.
Applications of flanged plastic bearings
We offer a variety of flanged plastic bearing options to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a standard size or a custom solution, our extensive product range is designed to provide reliable and efficient performance across all applications. See product variants below.
See bearing materials for more information on plastic grades.
Additional resources and technical information
To assist in the selection and application of flanged plastic bearings, we provide comprehensive technical drawings and data, click on INFO in the rows below. These resources include load and speed ratings, ensuring that you can select the most suitable bearing for your specific needs. It is important to note that the theoretical maximum load and speed values are provided for reference and operating at lower levels is recommended to extend bearing life.
Contact our bearing specialists
Get in touch with our specialist bearing team today by emailing sales@smbbearings.com or fill in the contact form.
