Steel ball bearings:
Heavy-duty solutions with a long lifetime
Pure steel ball bearings are typically used as support rollers and are characterized by:
- High load capacity
- Long lifetime
- Minimal wear
- Low starting and rolling resistance
The use of double-row steel ball bearings further increases the already high load capacities. A wide range of materials and grades are available, such as 100Cr6, free-cutting steel, brass, and different kinds of stainless steels. The use of special lubricants can realize user-specific applications, such as high- and low-temperature applications or the food industry.
Steel ball bearings
Custom product designs with our special ball bearings
The production of our special ball bearings is focussed with a maximum of flexibility, allowing for custom product designs that can be perfectly tailored to the specific installation situation. These can be assembled with bolts or screw-on elements if required. With an outside diameter of 10 to approximately 100 mm, our radial deep groove ball bearings are versatile useable and can carry both radial and axial loads.
Your advantages with steel ball bearings from SKT
High load capacity
SKT steel ball bearings are extremely durable and can withstand high weight or pressure loads without significant wear, breakage, or degradation of their performance.
Low rolling resistance
The low friction and low rolling resistance of our ball bearings result in excellent running characteristics and a longer lifetime, resulting in cost savings and reliability for you.
Variety of materials
SKT offers a wide selection of materials and grades, including 100Cr6, free-cutting steel, brass, and stainless steels, to meet specific requirements.
Lubrication flexibility
Thanks to special lubricants, steel ball bearings can be used in numerous special applications, such as low-friction, requirements of food-industry, temperature, water, or steam resistance, and much more, ensuring reliable performance in a wide range of environments.
Customization
The bearings can be customized to specific applications and installation situations to meet the needs of a wide range of industries.
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Learn more about our steel ball bearings and how they can optimize your industrial processes. Let’s work together to find the perfect solution for your requirements. Talk to one of our experts!
The right material for every application: Our wide range of steel ball bearings
We offer a wide range of steel materials to meet your requirements. Various surface coatings with varying thicknesses are available for corrosion protection. We also offer chromium-VI-free alternatives. Discover the versatility and adaptability of our steel ball bearings for your individual applications.
Steel ball bearings made of 1.3505 – 100Cr6
This is a high-alloy bearing steel with high hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. This steel is used for extremely high loads. If choosing this material, it allows you to generate the absolute load limit of your system and also enables a very long lifetime.
Ball bearings made of free-cutting and case-hardening steel
For low-load applications, we offer low priced steel ball bearings made of materials such as 1.0737 or 1.0718, as well as a lead-free version of 1.0715. These are free-cutting and case-hardening steels, which are processed due to their good machinability.
Stainless steel ball bearings
This category includes stainless steel ball bearings, often made from various stainless steels. They are corrosion-resistant and suitable for applications where contact with moisture or aggressive environments cannot be avoided.
The primarily available materials for this purpose are 1.3541 / 1.4034 – AISI 420C, 1.4125 – AISI 440C, and 1.4301 – AISI 304.
Brass ball bearings
Brass is used in the manufacture of ball bearings for special applications. Brass ball bearings are highly corrosion-resistant.
Areas of application for the steel ball bearings
Fittings for building technology
Overall, ball bearings in building hardware are essential for ensuring the functionality, durability, and security of doors, windows, entrance gates, and other building elements. Our steel ball bearings are used in heavy-duty applications and meet the highest standards, in stove construction requiring functionality across a wide range of temperature differences. Our steel ball bearings are also used in sliding systems or wall systems subject to extreme loads, as well as in tool cabinets.
Intralogistics & Conveyor Industry
Steel ball bearings are widely used in the intralogistics and materials handling industries. They ensure smooth movement, minimal maintenance, high efficiency, and reliable material transport in conveyor systems, as transport or conveyor rollers in table systems, storage systems as well as in sorting and distribution systems. They are also used in conveyor chains due to their robustness. Steel ball bearings are even used in overhead systems as support or guide rollers due to their smooth-running properties.
Machine- and Plant engineering
Ball bearings are used in a wide variety of applications in machine and plant engineering. They enable smooth and precise linear movement in linear guides and drive systems, as well as reliable material transport in conveyor systems. The use of steel ball bearings contributes to efficiency, accuracy, and performance in these applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about our steel ball bearings
Which applications require the use of steel ball bearings?
Steel ball bearings are indispensable in many applications requiring high load capacity and resistance in high-temperature environments. They are used in fittings for building technology such as doors, windows, and gates, in intralogistics and conveyor systems for belt conveyors and overhead conveyors, as well as in machinery and plant engineering for linear guides and drive systems. These bearings provide the necessary robustness and efficiency for demanding conditions.
How do I properly maintain and service steel ball bearings?
Steel ball bearings are generally maintenance-free when properly designed and do not require regular servicing. However, in special applications—particularly in dusty or extreme environments—it may be necessary to use bearings with a lubrication hole in the dust cover to allow for re-lubrication. For such bearings, it is important to use the correct lubricant in the appropriate amount. Proper installation and handling are also crucial to prevent damage and to maximize the lifespan and performance of the bearings.
How do I choose the right steel ball bearing for my application?
Several factors must be considered to ensure an optimal selection:
- Load to be supported: Provide precise information about the maximum load the bearing must carry, including both static and dynamic loads
- Type of load: It is important to know whether the bearing will be subjected primarily to radial, axial, or combined loads. The type of load influences the choice of bearing type and its specifications.
- Required distance and speed: Provide information on the distance and speed the bearing is expected to cover during its life time. This determines which bearing design and material are best suited to ensure long-lasting and efficient performance.
We are happy to advise you on selecting the right steel ball bearing for your specific application.
How does lubrication affect the lifespan of steel ball bearings?
Lubrication is crucial for the lifespan of steel ball bearings. Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear, maintaining mechanical efficiency and preventing overheating. Selecting the right lubricant, tailored to the specific application and operating environment, is essential to avoid premature bearing failure and maximize service life.
What are the most common problems when using steel ball bearings, and how can they be prevented?
The most common issues when using steel ball bearings are noise, rust, and wear. These problems can often be prevented by:
- Noise: This can be caused by incorrect installation, insufficient lubrication, or damage from overload. Proper installation, and where necessary, regular maintenance, as well as using the correct lubricant, can help minimize noise.
- Rust: Moisture and corrosive environments can cause rust. Using stainless steels or properly designed coatings can prevent rust formation.
- Wear: Excessive load, dirt particles in the bearing, or insufficient lubrication are common causes of premature wear. Accurate load analysis and proper lubrication are crucial to reduce wear.