Industrial bearings

Frequently asked questions — Bearings

• How do I choose between a ball bearing and a roller bearing for a given application?

  The choice depends on load capacity and rotational speed. Ball bearings are recommended for high speeds with moderate loads. Conversely, roller bearings use cylindrical, tapered or spherical rolling elements to support radial loads two to four times higher for the same footprint, making them essential for power transmissions or heavy industrial applications.
• Which family of bearing should be preferred to support a significant axial load?

  For applications subjected to axial loads, your selection should be directed towards specific ranges. Angular contact bearings of the 7000 series or thrust bearings of the 51000 series are designed to meet this requirement. If your application calls for a specialised solution for combined loads, the four-point contact bearings found in the Other bearings sub-category may also be considered.
• In which cases is it preferable to use plummer blocks rather than bare bearings?

  Plummer blocks are ready-to-fit solutions, integrating a self-aligning bearing within a cast iron, pressed steel or stainless steel housing. This family is ideal for power transmission applications, conveyors and industrial ventilation. They simplify mounting on frames, offer enhanced sealing and are generally lubricated for life to facilitate on-site maintenance.
• What are the advantages of needle bearings compared to standard models?

  Needle bearings, which use small-diameter rollers, are distinguished by their minimal radial height. They offer a load capacity equivalent to that of conventional roller bearings while occupying a reduced space. This configuration is particularly suited to constrained mechanisms such as connecting rods, rockers and mechanical joints.
• How can interchangeability be guaranteed when replacing a bearing?

  The ISO 15 standardised series ensure dimensional interchangeability between different manufacturers. A bearing identified by the same reference, such as a 6205 series model, will have the same bore, outer diameter and width dimensions, regardless of the manufacturer, such as SKF, FAG, NSK or NTN. Also be sure to check the type of sealing, such as ZZ for steel shields or 2RS for rubber seals.