Skip to content 
Table of Contents
Categories
-
Adapter Sleeves (9)
-
Ball Bearings (11)
-
Ball Screw Bearings (2)
-
Ceramic Bearings (27)
-
Pillow Block Bearings (4)
-
Plain Bearings (32)
-
Roller Bearings (12)
-
Slewing Bearings (43)
-
Sliding Block (3)
-
Stainless Steel Bearings (27)
-
Super Precision Bearings (6)
-
Thin Section Bearings (9)
-
Track Rollers (4)
-
Universal Joints (1)
What Is The Difference Between Flange Bearings And Other Bearings
Bearings are critical components in various machinery and equipment, enabling smooth rotation and movement of shafts and other mechanical parts. There are several types of bearings available in the market, each designed for specific applications and requirements. One common type of bearing is the flange bearing, which offers unique features and advantages compared to other types of bearings.
Understanding Conventional Bearings
Conventional bearings, also known as flat bearings or sleeve bearings, consist of cylindrical sleeves made of metal, plastic or composite materials. These bearings operate on the principle of sliding friction, in which the shaft rotates within a stationary bearing surface. Lubricants are often used to minimize friction and wear.
Conventional bearings are generally simple in design and cylindrical in construction.
Due to their simplicity, conventional bearings are often a cost-effective solution for many applications.
They are suitable for light to medium loads and low speed applications.
For example, some home appliances: fans, washing machines and dryers often use conventional bearings to achieve smooth operation.
There are also automotive components such as alternators and water pumps that utilize conventional bearings.
Explore Flange Bearings
Flange bearings, also known as flanged bearings or flange-mounted bearings, are bearings that have a flange or collar attached to one side. This flange serves as a mounting surface, allowing the bearing to be easily attached to a support structure such as a housing or frame. The flange also helps in aligning the bearing properly and providing additional stability during operation.
Flanged bearings have the following outstanding features over conventional bearings:
- Flanged Design: The most distinctive feature of flanged bearings is the flanged structure around their outer ring, which helps provide axial stability and alignment assistance.
- Axial stability: the presence of the flange allows flange bearings to prevent lateral movement of the shaft, ensuring that the axis is always maintained in the correct position, thus improving the stability and reliability of equipment operation.
- Easy Installation: The flange structure makes the installation of flange bearings easier, and the flange can provide a reference point to help ensure that the bearings are installed in the correct position.
- Versatile design: Flange bearings are available in a wide range of designs and sizes to suit different applications, including flanges of different shapes and materials, and a variety of different bearing sizes.
Flange bearings are a type of mounted bearing that is used to provide support for a shaft that is perpendicular to the mounting surface. They are particularly useful in applications where space is limited, as they eliminate the need for a separate housing or mounting bracket.
Flange bearings come in various types, each designed for specific applications:
- Round flange bearings: These bearings have a round flange that is bolted to the mounting surface. They are commonly used in conveyor systems, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery.
- Square flange bearings: Square flange bearings have a square flange that is bolted to the mounting surface. They are often used in applications where a higher degree of precision is required, such as in robotics or automation systems.
- Pillow block flange bearings: Pillow block flange bearings have a pillow block housing that is bolted to the mounting surface. They are commonly used in heavy-duty applications, such as in mining equipment, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery.
- Two-bolt flange bearings: These bearings have two bolt holes for mounting to the surface. They are commonly used in light-duty applications, such as in fan motors, pumps, and small appliances.
- Four-bolt flange bearings: Four-bolt flange bearings have four bolt holes for mounting to the surface. They are used in heavy-duty applications, such as in industrial machinery, conveyor systems, and agricultural equipment.
Flange bearings are typically made from materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, or thermoplastic, depending on the application requirements. They are designed to support radial and axial loads, and provide smooth and reliable operation.
Main Differences: Conventional Bearings And Flange Bearings
The main differences between conventional bearings and flange bearings are the design structure and functional characteristics. Conventional bearings usually have a simple cylindrical design and are suitable for simple application scenarios, whereas flange bearings have a projecting flange structure around the outer diameter to provide additional support and axial stability, making them easier to mount and suitable for industrial applications where axial stability and accuracy are required.
What Are The Advantages Of Flange Bearings Over Conventional Bearings?
- Easy installation: Flange bearings come with a mounting flange that simplifies the installation process and allows for easy positioning of the bearing.
- Space-saving design: Flange bearings have a compact design that helps save space in applications where there is limited room for mounting bearings.
- Improved alignment: The flange on the bearing helps to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the bearing, reducing the risk of misalignment and potential damage to the equipment.
- Enhanced stability: Flange bearings provide additional stability and support to the shaft, reducing vibration and noise during operation.
- Corrosion resistance: Flange bearings are often made from materials that are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments where conventional bearings may not be able to withstand exposure to moisture or chemicals.
- Reduced maintenance: Flange bearings require less maintenance compared to conventional bearings, as the flange helps to protect the bearing from contaminants and debris that can cause wear and damage.
Conclusion
Overall, flange bearings offer a unique mounting method and design that sets them apart from other types of bearings. Commonly used in a variety of applications, they offer several advantages over other types of bearings. If you need a bearing that can be easily mounted on a flat surface and provide increased stiffness, a flange bearing will meet your needs. Whether ensuring the smooth operation of industrial machinery or improving the performance of automotive systems, the choice of flange bearings or conventional bearings depends on the requirements and operating parameters of the specific application.
References
- 1.About “flange bearings” from ONEMONROE
- 2. For more types of ”flange bearings“ from SKF Bearings.
