Learn more about Timken

“Customers know precision roller bearings need to be protected, particularly when they operate in dirty, moist or contaminated environments,” said Jason Sejkora, principal sales engineer at Timken. “But, with so many choices available today, customers may find it challenging to select the best option. That requires a thorough understanding of the application and how the housing, seals and locks work with specific bearing types.”

Even the strongest bearing can be damaged by dirt or moisture that gets into tiny spaces between the rolling elements and raceways. Once inside, even small contaminants generate friction that can damage bearings, causing them to grind to a stop. Timken housed units provide additional layers of protection for products that must perform in challenging environments.

More: Why Do Bearings Fail?

Choosing Bearing Housed Units

Sejkora recommends a three-step process to choosing bearing housed units:

• Identify the kind of bearing.  For example, tapered and spherical roller bearings need different housings.
• Understand the working environment and application. You’ll want to choose the right combination of housing, seal and locking configuration for the specific conditions.
• Get the exact dimensions of the shaft and space available to install the housing.

Know Your Application

You probably already know process equipment and bulk material handling need housed units that can stand up to contamination and misalignment issues.  But, there are other important factors to consider:

Is access a problem?

Consider an SNT/SAF plummer split-block housed unit because the base can be bolted into place before the bearing and cap are added.

Are there shock loads and heavy contamination?

A spherical roller bearing solid-block housed unit might be the answer because the housing is built around the bearing with your choice of multiple durable seal options.

Heavy contamination and high axial loads?

Evaluate a tapered roller bearing housed unit because tapered bearings are designed to handle both axial and radial loads.

High speeds and/or light loads?

Try a ball bearing housed unit.

More: Training—Troubleshooting and Preventing Bearing, Lubrication, and Drive Failures

Main Types of Timken Housed Units

SNT/SAF Plummer Blocks

Provide excellent bearing protection with cast-iron housings and a variety of sealing options to help keep grease in and contamination out. Split-blocks combine high-performance spherical roller bearings with strong housings to meet the challenges of heavy industry, while simplifying assembly and service.

• Easy-to-remove cap for bearing inspection
• Housings may be re-used when worn bearings are replaced
• Easy to convert the bearing from fixed to float position during installation

Solid-block Spherical Roller Bearing Housed Units

Made from rugged cast steel so they are tough enough to handle extremely harsh conditions and offer protection from contaminants, particularly when used with the many available advanced primary and secondary seal options. Steel auxiliary covers are also available to create another layer of protection from harsh conditions.

• Quicker installation time than split-block housings
• One-time shaft alignment
• Multiple housing styles, locking configurations and seal options

Type E Tapered Roller Bearing Housed Units

Provide excellent performance with a significantly longer life. Also, include optimized double lip seals, corrosion-resistant housings and powerful locking collars.

• Quicker installation time than split-block housings
• Increased useful bearing life and load capacities
• Double-lip seal helps protect against contamination

Ball Bearing Housed Units

Wide variety of types and sizes to accommodate a complete range of industrial applications and operating conditions.

• Easy removal and simple replacement
• Multiple sealing options available

Improved Productivity and Uptime

Take the time to investigate the application and available options, then enjoy the benefits of improved productivity and uptime.  Particularly in rugged conditions, an investment in strong housings, seals and locking configurations will help keep your equipment running for a long time.

More: Learn more about Timken