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Pillow Block Bearings

What is Pillow Block Bearings

 

Pillow Block Bearings are popular because of their highly calculated and balanced engineering design that has been successful in the industry for quite some time. Pillow Bearings come with straight forward design with little or no effort while installing and deliver high performance as well as durability. These Bearings are also known as Plummer Blocks yet there is a slight difference between these two. These Pillow Block Bearings are mostly used in less industrialized environments while Plummer Blocks are used where high performance and high load capacity is required.

 

Advantages of Pillow Block Bearings

Large load capacity

The internal structure of the pillow block bearing can be the same as the 6200 and 6300 series of deep groove ball bearings, so the seated outer spherical ball bearing can withstand radial load and a certain axial load. And the working noise is low.

Self-aligning

The outer diameter of the pillow block bearing and the inner diameter of the bearing seat adopt a spherical matching method, with automatic alignment function, which can effectively compensate for errors such as axis misalignment and installation bottom surface deformation caused by installation.

Sturdy bearing seat

The bearing seat has an integral seat structure. The bearing seat has excellent rigidity, which prevents the bearing from deforming during assembly. The bearing seat is durable under any working conditions. The bearing seat can be cast from gray cast iron, ductile iron, cast steel and other materials.

Easy to install

The outer spherical ball bearing has been pre-injected with enough high-quality grease, and the seated outer spherical ball bearing can be installed directly on the shaft. This prevents harmful substances from entering the bearing during installation of the bearing unit.

 

Why Choose Us

 

 

Our Factory
Shaanxi Gainhui Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. was established in 2009, covering an area of 16,000 square meters and a plant area of 8,800 square meters, including production workshops, assembly workshops, packaging workshops, testing centers, finished products warehouses, raw materials warehouses, office spaces, etc.

 

Quality Control
Our company controls the bearing production process strictly, formulates complete quality inspection system, monitors the entire process from purchasing raw materials, forging, turning, heat treatment, grinding, assembly and packaging.

 

Advanced Equipment
Our company has strong technical force and is equipped with advanced processing equipment.There are more than 60 main bearing processing devices and more than 10 auxiliary devices.

 

Our Certifications
Has complete quality management system and has passed ISO9001:2015 quality management system certification. At the same time, our company has also obtained corporate credit certification. Our company will strictly abide by the ISO9001:2015 quality management system, ensure the standardization of management work, and maintain the sustained, stable and healthy development of the company.

 

5 Sources of Wear in Your Pillow Block Bearings
 
Installation

Improper installation can set pillow block bearings up for early failure and lead to several types of wear down the road. Not only can improper installation result in misaligned pillow block bearings, leading to a number of issues right out of the gate, but improper tightening of the locking mechanism can lead to loss of lock. Installation procedure should also be reviewed to eliminate sources of preload which can lead to excessive thrust load and to eliminate pinching of the rolling element, which can lead to spalling.

Contamination

Fine contamination in pillow block bearings can cause abrasive wear which results in frosting, while external contamination – or debris getting caught between the rolling elements and raceway – can cause denting. These issues can be avoided by reviewing your seal selection.

Lubrication

Improper lubrication is one of the most common contributors to loss of pillow block bearing life. It can lead to corrosion, smearing, surface initiated spalling, denting, and frosting. To prevent these issues, you should review lubrication selection, frequency, amount and procedure.

Shaft lock

Damage and wear within the bore of an inner ring and on the outside of a shaft contribute to loss of lock. These issues can be caused by undersized or worn shafting, improper tightening, and frequent start/stop operation. Loss of lock can be prevented with proper installation, proper shafting, use of a calibrated torque wrench, and an alternate locking mechanism.

Misalignment

Issues caused by misalignment begin at installation. Ensuring proper alignment, mounting surfaces are clean and flat, reviewing pillow block bearing selection, and replacing damaged shafting can prevent housing or shaft misalignment, system imbalance, bent shafts, and distorted or flexing frames.

 

UCP205 Bearing

 

What is The Difference Between Pillow Block & Flange Block Bearings

Pillow block bearings are used when the shaft is parallel to the mounting surface. This is shown horizontally, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Pillow block bearings can support shafts running horizontally, vertically or at an angle–as long as the block is mounted on a surface running the same way.

Flange block bearings are essentially the right-angled equivalent. Flange block bearings support shafts that are perpendicular to the mounting surface. Again, this is often shown with a vertical shaft, but that does not have to be the case. It’s all about the angle between the shaft and the mounting platform, not between the shaft and the ground.

 

Design & Size Considerations
We offer bearings with cast iron housings. But steel, aluminum, and thermoplastic housings are also common. The load and heat of your application will determine which is most suitable. The price varies with the material, so particularly if you need a large number of bearings, choosing the right material for the job can save you a significant amount of money. They also both come in 2- and 4-bolt configurations, with most pillow block bearings having two bolts and flange bearings being about equally common in the two variations.

Determining the right size bearing mount comes down to the size of the shaft. Especially if this is your first time ordering a bearing mount for the job, check the documentation for the shaft before placing the order. A mismatch between the shaft and the bearing may result in machinery operating inefficiently for some time or failing under certain conditions, so be sure to verify.

 

Type E for Extra
“Type E” pillow block and flange bearings. These provide extra seals to protect the lubrication from leakage or contamination. Particularly in high stress applications or highly controlled environments like food production, “Type E” bearings could protect your product lines as well as your machinery.

 

What Are the Different Types of Bearings Used in Pillow Block Units

 

 

Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are highly versatile and widely used in various industrial applications due to their relatively low friction and smooth operation. They consist of small, spherical balls that rotate between two rings, known as the inner and outer races. The design of ball bearings allows them to accommodate both radial and axial loads, making them suitable for a wide range of machinery and equipment, including conveyor systems, fans, electric motors, and appliances. Ball bearings are known for their high-speed capabilities and low maintenance requirements, making them a popular choice for pillow block units where efficient operation and reliability are essential.

 

Roller Bearings
Roller bearings are characterized by cylindrical or tapered rollers that are arranged between the inner and outer races. They are designed to carry heavy radial loads and provide higher load-carrying capacity compared to ball bearings. Roller bearings are commonly used in applications with higher radial loads, such as heavy machinery, conveyor systems, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery. The cylindrical or tapered shape of the rollers distributes the load more evenly, reducing stress on individual components and extending the service life of the bearing. Roller bearings are available in various configurations, including cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and spherical roller bearings, each offering specific advantages depending on the application requirements.

 

Spherical Roller Bearings
Spherical roller bearings are designed to accommodate misalignment and axial loads in addition to radial loads. They feature barrel-shaped rollers that are guided by inner and outer raceways with a spherical surface profile. This design allows spherical roller bearings to self-align and compensate for shaft deflection or misalignment, making them suitable for applications where alignment issues are common, such as conveyor systems, mining equipment, paper mills, and industrial machinery. Spherical roller bearings offer high load-carrying capacity and are capable of operating in harsh environments with heavy shock and vibration loads.

 

Tapered Roller Bearings
Tapered roller bearings consist of tapered rollers and raceways, which are angled to accommodate both radial and axial loads. They are designed to handle heavy radial and axial loads in one direction and are commonly used in automotive wheel hubs, gearboxes, axle systems, and heavy machinery. Tapered roller bearings provide high stiffness and rigidity, making them suitable for applications with high load requirements and limited space constraints. The tapered design of the rollers allows for efficient distribution of radial and axial forces, resulting in smooth and reliable operation even under heavy loads and high speeds.

 

Needle Roller Bearings
Needle roller bearings are characterized by long, thin rollers with a high length-to-diameter ratio. They are designed to carry radial loads in constrained spaces where conventional bearings cannot fit. Needle roller bearings are commonly used in automotive transmissions, motorcycle engines, textile machinery, and small appliances. Their compact design and high load-carrying capacity make them ideal for applications with limited space and weight constraints. Needle roller bearings are available in various configurations, including drawn cup needle roller bearings, machined needle roller bearings, and cage and roller assemblies, each offering specific advantages in terms of load capacity, speed, and application suitability.

 

Thrust Bearings
Thrust bearings are designed to accommodate axial loads and provide high axial rigidity. They come in various configurations, including ball, roller, and needle types, depending on the application requirements. Thrust bearings are commonly used in automotive transmissions, machine tools, aircraft engines, and marine propulsion systems. They are designed to handle axial loads in one direction and are capable of supporting high thrust loads with minimal axial deflection. Thrust bearings are essential components in pillow block units used in applications where axial loads are prevalent, such as conveyor systems, gearboxes, and lifting equipment.

 

How to Install Pillow Block Bearing

Pillow block bearings are typically used when the mounting shaft runs parallel to the mounting surface. The bearing seat is usually made of cast iron or cast steel, and the center line of its mounting hole is perpendicular to the mounting axis. Pillow block bearings are used to support rotating shafts, so they are made of cast steel or cast iron due to their strength and durability. Certain combinations of housing type and bearing type determine the best pillow block bearing for a given application or condition. Follow these steps to ensure minimal downtime and longer service life.

Pillow Block Housing Units UCF Series
UC Bearings
Pillow Block Housing Units UCT Series
Pillow Block Housing Units UCFL Series

Check and clean the shaft
First, inspect your shaft to make sure it is clean, round, straight, free of burrs and chips, and not under or oversized to the manufacturer’s specifications. Use fine sandpaper or gloss sandpaper to remove rust from the shaft. Then apply a light coat of oil and remove any debris.

 

Position the bearing on the shaft
When installing a pillow block bearing onto a shaft, use a mallet and a block of hardwood or soft steel tubing against the inner ring if you need to knock the bearing into place. Do not knock or apply pressure to the housing or seals.

 

Gently secure the housing to the mounting structure
Position the shaft in place by gently securing the housing to the mounting structure. Bridge the housing mounting bolt slots with heavy-duty washers or heavy-duty spring lock washers. This may help prevent loosening.

 

Determine the final installation location
Before tightening the bolts, align the bearing unit with your hand or a rubber mallet to determine the final mounting position.

 

Secure the housing to the mounting structure
Once the bearings are properly aligned, bolt both units securely to the mounting structure.

 

Make sure the shaft can move axially
Make sure the shaft can move axially through the bearing hole to confirm proper alignment. If this is not possible, loosen the housing and realign the shaft.

 

Tighten the two collar fixing screws
Tighten the two collar set screws, then rotate the shaft and tighten alternately to the manufacturer’s recommended torque value. If a torque wrench is not available, use an Allen wrench to tighten the set screw until permanent twist is formed.

 

Expansion unit
If you use an expansion unit, be sure to lock the fixed bearing first. Move the expansion bearing axially to the center of the housing. Once centered, alternately tighten the set screws on the expansion unit as you did the fixing unit.

 

Choose the Right Pillow Block Bearing

 

 

Choosing the right pillow block bearing for your application is critical to ensuring optimal performance and service life. The environment, load and size of the mounting shaft are major factors in selecting the appropriate pillow block bearing. In environments where contaminants are a concern, a solid bearing housing with some sealing may be the best choice. High capacity loads or harsh environments may require heavy duty pillow block bearings or even plummer housings. For light loads, a standard pillow block with a bore size matching the mounting shaft may be sufficient. Popular for its highly calculated and balanced engineering design which has been successful in the industry for quite some time. Pillow block bearings feature a straightforward design that requires little or no effort to install and provides high performance and durability. Pillow block bearings are mainly used in less industrialized environments. Please consider the following factors when selecting a pillow block bearing: 

load requirements

Determine the magnitude and type of loads the bearing will encounter. This includes radial and axial loads. Make sure the selected bearings can handle the expected loads without premature failure.

Shaft speed

Consider the rotational speed of the shaft. Different bearings have specific speed limits and exceeding these limits can cause overheating and damage. Select bearings that can operate within the required speed range.

Environmental conditions

Evaluate the environmental factors present in the application environment, such as temperature, humidity, and contaminants. Choose bearings with appropriate seals or guards to prevent these conditions.

Shaft size and fit

Make sure the pillow block bearing is compatible with the shaft dimensions and fit requirements. Proper shaft alignment and fit are critical to smooth bearing operation and service life.

Pillow block bearing maintenance

Proper and regular maintenance is critical to maximizing the performance and service life of your pillow block bearing. Please follow these guidelines.

Correct alignment

Ensures precise alignment between shaft and bearing housing. Misalignment can lead to increased friction, premature wear and failure.

lubricating

Lubricate bearings regularly with recommended grease or oil. Lubrication helps reduce friction and prevent excessive heat build-up.

Periodic inspection

Schedule regular inspections to check for signs of wear, damage or contamination. Promptly replace any worn or damaged parts.

 

 
FAQ
 
 

Q: What is a pillow block bearing?

A: A pillow block usually refers to a housing with an included anti-friction bearing, wherein the mounted shaft is in a parallel plane to the mounting surface and perpendicular to the center line of the mounting holes, as contrasted with various types of flange blocks or flange units.

Q: What is the difference between a roller bearing and a pillow block bearing?

A: Spherical-roller pillow block bearings are superior when dealing with high loads and loads that require tolerance to shock; however, they have limited speed capabilities. Cylindrical-roller bearings are bearings with high radial capacities and moderate thrust loads.

Q: What is the difference between pillow block and flange bearings?

A: Pillow block bearings can support shafts running horizontally, vertically or at an angle – as long as the block is mounted on a surface running the same way. Flange block bearings are essentially the right-angled equivalent. Flange block bearings support shafts that are perpendicular to the mounting surface.

Q: What is the function of a bearing block?

A: The pillow block bearing aids in positioning, mounting and operation, these are commonly installed at the outer end of the shaft to provide low-friction, smooth rotary movement of the shaft.

Q: How strong are pillow block bearings?

A: Pillow Block Bearings is usually made of aluminum that offers high loading carrying capacity and heat conductivity. On the other hand, pressed steel is used in low load carrying applications yet it offers high performance with precision.

Q: Can pillow block bearings take axial load?

A: Pillow block housings made of cast iron or stainless steel, accommodate at least the same dynamic and static loads as the incorporated insert bearings. They can also endure peak loads or varying axial loads.

Q: How do I choose a pillow block bearing?

A: Determining the correct pillow block bearing for your application, requires reviewing 5 aspects. The shaft diameter, shaft height, shaft size, maximum speed, and maximum load capacity. It's important to remember that maximum load capacity will fluctuate based on the maximum shaft speed.

Q: Do pillow block bearings spin?

A: Pillow block bearings are pedestal-like units consisting of a mounting frame and an enclosed bearing. The mounting frame supports fasteners, whereas the bearing supports a rotating shaft.

Q: Can pillow block bearings be mounted vertically?

A: These types of bearings can be used on vertical, horizontal and inclined surfaces. Mounted/pillow block bearing units eliminate the need to purchase and assemble several different components, cutting down on time and cost.

Q: What are pillow block bearings used for?

A: Pillow block bearings support shafts that run parallel to the mounting surface. This makes them a very simple but vital part of conveyor systems, industrial fans, farm equipment, jib cranes, car washes, and much more.

Q: Are pillow block bearings sealed?

A: Pillow block bearing units are designed for quick, easy, and safe mounting. They are sealed and pre-greased at the factory making them ready-to-use. Multiple sealing solutions and greases (including food-grade greases) are available for specific application requirements.

Q: What is the difference between plummer and pillow block bearings?

A: Plummer blocks and pillow blocks have a similar design and both use the same types of bearing. They do differ in respect to their applications. Pillow blocks are used for more lightweight applications and plummer blocks are used to transfer high power and support heavy industrial loads.

Q: How many types of bearing blocks are there?

A: The two most common bearing block types are pillow blocks and flange blocks. The main difference between the two is the orientation of the shaft to the mounting surface. Pillow block bearings, which are sometimes called plumber bearings, support shafts that run parallel to the mounting surface.

Q: What is the difference between ball bearing and pillow block bearing?

A: Load ratings for roller pillow blocks are typically much higher than for recirculating ball bushings of similar size. But with the top roller being the primary load-bearing element, roller pillow blocks can only support loads in one direction.

Q: How much weight can a pillow block bearing hold?

A: High Performance: Roller pillow blocks offer dynamic load ratings that range from 800 to 12,500 pounds, and a low coefficient of friction that helps to achieve speeds up to 25 feet/second.

Q: What is the load direction of the pillow block bearing?

A: Pillow block housings are intended for loads acting perpendicularly to the support surface. If the housing is supported over its entire base and the loads are purely perpendicular, permissible loads are limited only by the bearing (Product selection process / Product size).

Q: Should I grease new pillow block bearings?

A: A common rule of thumb for pillow block bearings is filling the housing from one third to two thirds full of grease, depending the speed and temperature. To ensure thorough lubrication, completely pack grease between and around all rolling elements and the cage assembly.

Q: Are all pillow blocks self-aligning?

A: A bearing or pillow block can have both features (self-alignment and compensated ID), or neither one.

Q: How do you install pillow block bearings on a shaft?

A: Using a Spanner or Drift & Hammer, rotate locknut clockwise by the number of turns shown in Table 1. Remove lock plate located on the face of the locknut. Turn locknut counter clockwise until bearing will freely slide onto the shaft. Slide bearing to the desired position on the shaft.

Q: Do you grease pillow block bearings?

A: Pillow block bearings are important components in machinery, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing friction. However, having the correct amount of grease is essential for their optimal performance and longevity.

We're professional pillow block bearings manufacturers and suppliers in China, specialized in providing high quality customized products. We warmly welcome you to buy or wholesale high-grad pillow block bearings for sale here from our factory. Contact us for more company information.

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