If you are in the food or automation industry, you would have heard the term — flange bearings. If not, read through as this articulation shall guide you through the specifics of flange bearings. From its working to its application, let us go through this special type of bearings in detail.
What are flange bearings?
Before anything else, know that flange bearing is not an individual type of bearings in itself. Like how ball bearings arrive in two kinds — sealed or open, they are also available in plain or flanged.
Therefore, flange bearings are not considered a product variant. But, bearings and bushes suppliers view flanged bearings as a design variant.
A flange is no more than an extension or a lip on the external ring of the bearing. This extension is designed to assist delicate bearings in their mounting and positioning.
How do flange bearings work?
Flange bearings work in association with other bearing types. The flange design assists in the mounting, positioning, and operating of miniature bearings.
When the application requires the locking up of bearings at a specific position, flange bearings are used.
When the shaft axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface, heavy loads are trouble to contend with. Normal individual bearings fail to keep up with the axial load. Hence, for any axial load or push, the flange will prevent the bearing from moving along.
This use can be observed in the automobile industry where there is a lot of vibration. Using flanged bearings, proper bearing positioning is ensured in automobiles.
This is the ideal use case of flanged bearings as per any bearing manufacturing company.
Different styles in flange bearings
There are three major types of flanged bearings:
- 2 bolt flange bearing
This type involves the bearing having two holes for mounting, one on each side. These bearings are either wing or diamond-shaped.
Usually known as flangettes, the holes for mounting the bearing maintain a straight axial line. This runs directly through the bearing axis.
These are used to provide mechanical support to medium load sizes and shaft speeds.
- 3 bolt flange bearing
These bearings have three holes for mounting arranged in two ways. Either, they are arranged radially around the bearing axis or on a triangular flange. In the former, the holes are at a distance of 120° from each other. However, in the latter, the triangular flange is offset from the bearing axis.
These are used in light to medium loads within the auto and agricultural fields.
- 4 bolt flange bearing
And rightfully so, these bearings have four holes for mounting. They are located radially around the bearing axis.
Four flanged bearings either have round or square housings.
These bearings feature a solid base with a wide inner ring, to capacitate heavy-duty applications.
Materials used
Flanged bearings are a specialized group and are comparatively expensive. Likewise, to withstand high volume and heavy loads, bearing manufacturers use sturdy and rigid materials.
For the best quality flanged bearings, the following materials are used:
- Metal-polymer
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel
- Fiber-reinforced composite
- Thermoset plastic
Applications of flange bearings
Flange bearings are used in a variety of industries. The range of volume and load, they accommodate, allows them to be used in different industries.
- Automobile industry,
- Elevator systems,
- Food processing machinery,
- Textile,
- Agricultural machinery,
- HVAC,
- Conveyor systems,
- Power transmission and many others.
Now you know the working process of flange bearings, different types, materials used, and applications. Moving on, let us understand the operating temperature for flanged bearings.
The permissible operating temperature is limited by:
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Housing material
For composite materials, from – 20° C to 80° C is admissible.
Temperatures up to 100° C are manageable for a brief period.
Other materials like cast iron and stainless steel do not limit the operating temperature.
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Seals
For bearing seals, temperatures from – 40° C to 100° C is optimal.
However, they can withstand up to 120° C for small bursts of time.
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End covers
The end covers of the bearing have a maximum operable temperature of 100° C.
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Cost
Know that flange bearing is a specialized kind of bearings. Hence, they are more expensive than other bearings. To further the life of these bearings, lubrication is the key.
For bearings of these standards, quality is of paramount importance. Low-quality flange bearings can derail the entire operation. Also, replacing them shall add to the costs.
Therefore, when planning to purchase flange bearings, buy them from the best sellers. Not all bearings and bushings suppliers can deliver quality and at affordable costs.
Conclusion:
One of the very few who deliver both is Hi-Bond, India’s leading bearings and bushes suppliers. We are the market leaders with 30 years of experience in bearing manufacturing. You receive bearings that are crafted with precision and tailored to your needs.
