What is a 4-Point Contact Ball Slew Bearing?
What is a 4-Point Contact Ball Slew Bearing?
A 4-point contact ball slew bearing is a specialized type of slewing ring bearing designed to handle combined axial, radial, and moment (tilting) loads simultaneously. It features a single row of balls arranged in a raceway with a unique 4-point contact geometry, where each ball contacts the inner and outer rings at four distinct points. This design allows it to support complex load combinations while enabling smooth rotational motion.
Commonly used in applications requiring high load capacity and compact design, these bearings are critical in heavy machinery and rotational systems.
Key Features of 4-Point Contact Ball Slew Bearing
High Load Capacity:
Supports axial, radial, and moment loads due to the 4-point contact geometry.
Ideal for applications with dynamic or variable loading.
Compact Design:
Single-row ball configuration reduces space requirements.
Smooth Rotation:
Low friction and precise motion control.
Versatility:
Can replace dual-row bearings in many applications, simplifying design.
Durability:
Hardened raceways and high-quality steel (e.g., 42CrMo4) for wear resistance.
Optional seals for dust/water protection (IP ratings).
Pre-Lubricated:
Grease-filled for minimal maintenance.
Applications of 4-point contact ball slew bearing
4-point contact ball slew bearings are used in industries requiring rotational motion under heavy loads:
Construction Equipment:
Cranes, excavators, concrete pumps, and tunnel boring machines.
Renewable Energy:
Wind turbine yaw/pitch systems.
Material Handling:
Robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and turntables.
Medical Imaging:
CT scanners and MRI machines.
Aerospace:
Satellite antenna positioning systems.
Price Range 4-point contact ball slew bearing
Prices vary based on size, load capacity, and customization:
Standard Models:
Small bearings (e.g., 200mm diameter):
200 – 200–800.
Medium-sized (500mm–1m diameter):
1,000–1,000–5,000.
Large/Custom Designs:
Over 2m diameter or specialized materials:
10,000–10,000–50,000+.
Factors Affecting Cost:
Material grade (e.g., stainless steel vs. standard carbon steel).
Precision requirements (e.g., P5/P4 tolerance).
Add-ons: Gear teeth, sensors, or corrosion-resistant coatings.
How to Select a 4-Point Contact Ball Slew Bearing?
Consider these factors during selection:
Load Requirements
Calculate axial (Fa), radial (Fr), and moment (M) loads.
Operating Conditions
Speed: Ensure the bearing’s maximum RPM matches application needs.
Environment:
Corrosive environments → Stainless steel or coatings.
Extreme temperatures → Special lubricants/heat treatment.
Size and Mounting
Match the bore diameter, outer diameter, and height to the system’s space constraints.
Verify bolt hole patterns and flange compatibility.
Precision and Rigidity
High-precision applications (e.g., robotics) require bearings with P4/P5 accuracy grades.
Certifications
For critical industries (e.g., wind energy), ensure compliance with standards like ISO 6336 or AGMA 9005.
Supplier Support
Choose manufacturers offering finite element analysis (FEA) for load validation and custom solutions.
Example Selection Workflow
Define Loads: Calculate Fa, Fr, and M.
Determine Size: Based on load calculations and space limits.
Material/Coating: Select based on environmental exposure.
Add Features: Gear teeth, sensors, or seals if needed.
Validate: Request load-life simulations from the supplier.
Supplier of 4-point contact ball slew bearing
Luoyang Slewing Bearing Co., Ltd. (Lyra Drive) is a professional one-stop slewing device manufacturer majored in design and development, customized production, sales and service on slewing bearings and slewing drives. If you are looking for 4-point contact ball slew bearing, feel free to contact us.