What is a Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing?
What is a Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing?
A Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing is a type of rotary bearing designed to handle axial, radial, and moment loads using a single row of balls arranged at a 45° contact angle. The “four contact” name comes from the way each ball makes contact with the raceways at four points, allowing it to efficiently manage combined loads in multiple directions. Think of it as a multitasker: it’s compact, lightweight, and ideal for applications needing smooth rotation with moderate load capacity. Unlike cross roller bearings (which use cylindrical rollers), this design relies on balls, making it better suited for higher-speed, lower-friction scenarios.
Types of Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearings
Standard Four Contact Ball:
Basic design with no gears, used for general rotation tasks.
Gear-Integrated:
Internal or external gear teeth cut into the bearing’s inner/outer ring for direct motor or gearbox coupling.
Flange-Mounted:
Includes mounting flanges for easy attachment to machinery.
Sealed vs. Open:
Sealed versions have rubber or metal shields to block contaminants.
Open types allow custom lubrication but require frequent maintenance.
Lightweight Alloy:
Aluminum or titanium alloy raceways for weight-sensitive applications (e.g., drones).
Key Features of Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing
High Load Efficiency:
Handles combined axial, radial, and moment loads in a single row.
Low Friction:
Ball bearings create less resistance than rollers, enabling smoother, faster rotation.
Compact Design:
Slimmer profile compared to cross roller bearings – perfect for tight spaces.
Cost-Effective:
Simpler construction than multi-row bearings, reducing manufacturing costs.
Speed-Friendly:
Better suited for higher rotational speeds than roller-based slewing bearings.
Customizable:
Options for gear teeth, seals, preload adjustments, and mounting holes.
Applications of Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing
Industrial Automation: Robotic arms and rotary tables in assembly lines.
Medical Imaging: CT scanners and X-ray machines requiring smooth, quiet rotation.
Solar Trackers: Adjusting solar panel angles with minimal energy loss.
Packaging Machinery: High-speed rotary feeders or labeling systems.
Aerospace: Drone gimbals and satellite antenna positioning.
Material Handling: Conveyor turntables in warehouses.
Price Range
Prices depend on:
Size: Small bearings (100–200mm diameter) start at ~
150.Largeindustrialunits(1,000mm+)cancost5,000+.
Material: Stainless steel versions cost 25–40% more than carbon steel.
Precision: High-precision grades (for medical/optical use) are 2–4x pricier.
Gears: Adding gear teeth raises the price by 20–30%.
Brand: European/Japanese brands (SKF, NSK) are premium; Chinese suppliers offer budget options.
Example: A mid-sized (400mm) standard four-contact ball bearing costs
800–1,500.
Lifespan of Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing
Lifespan varies based on:
Load Conditions: Running at 70–80% of max load rating extends life.
Lubrication: Proper grease intervals prevent wear – neglect cuts lifespan by 50%+.
Environment: Dusty/wet conditions require sealed bearings to avoid corrosion.
Installation: Misalignment causes uneven ball contact and premature failure.
Typical Lifespan:
Industrial automation: 7–10 years.
Medical equipment: 10–15 years (low-load, clean environments).
Solar trackers: 12–20 years (slow rotation, minimal stress).
How to Choose the Right Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing
Follow these steps to avoid regrets:
Calculate Your Loads
Axial Load: Vertical force (e.g., a rotating platform holding weight).
Radial Load: Sideways force (e.g., a conveyor belt pulling horizontally).
Moment Load: Tilting force (e.g., an off-center camera on a drone gimbal).
Pro Tip: Use software or supplier-provided formulas to model combined loads.
Speed vs. Load Trade-Off
High Speed: Choose bearings with low-friction seals and precision-ground raceways.
High Load: Opt for larger ball diameters or higher-grade steel.
Environmental Factors
Contaminants: Sealed bearings with IP65+ ratings for dusty/wet environments.
Temperature: Standard bearings handle -30°C to +120°C. Extreme temps need specialty grease (e.g., silicone-based).
Corrosion: Stainless steel or coatings (zinc-nickel) for salty/chemical exposure.
Gear or No Gear?
Gear-Integrated: Saves space if driving directly with a motor/gearbox.
Unglazed: Simpler and cheaper if rotation is driven externally (e.g., belts).
Mounting Requirements
Hole Patterns: Match bolt holes to your machine’s design – CAD files help!
Shaft Fit: Check tolerances for inner/outer ring diameters.
Flanges: Simplify installation but add weight – skip them if space is tight.
Precision Needs
Backlash: Critical for robotics? Look for preloaded bearings (negative clearance).
Runout: ≤0.02mm for smooth operation in optical or medical systems.
Maintenance Strategy
Sealed Bearings: “Fit and forget” for hard-to-reach spots (e.g., solar trackers).
Open Bearings: Allow custom lubrication but require regular greasing.
Budget vs. Quality
Budget Picks: Okay for non-critical, low-load tasks (e.g., DIY projects).
Mid-Tier: Reliable for most industrial uses (e.g., conveyor systems).
High-End: Mandatory for aerospace/medical where failure = catastrophe.
Supplier Red Flags
No load rating documentation.
Vague material specs (e.g., “high-carbon steel” without certifications).
Unwillingness to provide samples or testing data.
Test Before Committing
Run a sample under real-world conditions to check noise, heat, and smoothness.
For critical apps, request a bearing’s L10 life calculation (theoretical lifespan).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Dynamic Loads: Static load ratings don’t account for movement – always check dynamic capacity.
Wrong Seal Type: Using rubber seals in high-temperature environments (they melt).
Overlooking Preload: Too much preload increases friction; too little causes play.
Mismatched Materials: Pairing a steel bearing with an aluminum frame without insulation causes galvanic corrosion.
Single Row Four Contact Ball Slewing Bearing Supplier
LYRA Drive is a professional slewing bearings ,slew drive, slewdrives and gears manufacturer provides customizedslew bearing, drive and gears.For application-specific engineering solutions, contact LYRA to discuss technical specifications and implementation strategies.