SKF
Ball Bearing Units
SKF ball bearing units are complete, ready-to-mount bearing assemblies consisting of an insert ball bearing (a sealed, wide-inner-ring deep groove ball bearing) mounted in a housing that can be bolted directly to a machine frame or support structure. These units represent the most widely used type of mounted bearing, combining the versatility and speed capability of deep groove ball bearings with the convenience of factory assembly, lubrication, and sealing. The SKF ball bearing unit portfolio includes pillow block (plummer block) units for supported shaft mounting, flanged units (square, oval, round, and three-bolt bracket designs) for mounting through walls or onto flat surfaces, and take-up units for tensioning belt and chain drives. Housing materials range from high-strength cast iron to lightweight composite polymer (glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide) and pressed steel. For agricultural machinery, HVAC equipment, food processing conveyors, packaging machinery, and general industrial equipment, SKF ball bearing units deliver reliable, cost-effective shaft support with minimal installation effort.
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Multiple Housing Configurations for Every Mounting Orientation
Pillow block for horizontal shaft support, flanged for vertical wall or bulkhead mounting, and take-up for adjustable belt/chain tensioning — all from a single supplier.
Insert Bearings with Wide Inner Rings
The extended inner ring design on both sides provides improved shaft support and eliminates the need for separate spacer rings or locating shoulders in many applications.
Choice of Shaft Locking Methods
Select from set screw locking (most economical), eccentric collar locking (secure grip for consistent rotation direction), or SKF ConCentra concentric locking (high-speed, low-vibration precision).
Composite Housing Options for Corrosive Environments
SKF composite housings made of glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide resist a variety of chemicals and diluted acids, making them ideal for food processing, beverage plants, and outdoor equipment.
SKF Food Line Units for Washdown Applications
Specially designed ball bearing units with composite housings, stainless steel bearings, food-grade grease, and rounded surfaces that minimize contamination traps and withstand high-pressure cleaning.
Sealed for Life or Relubricatable Options
Choose sealed and greased-for-life units for maintenance-free operation, or units with grease fittings for applications requiring periodic relubrication in demanding conditions.
Ball Bearing Units vs. Roller Bearing Units: Application Selection
The decision between ball bearing units and roller bearing units centers on load magnitude, speed, and environmental severity. Ball bearing units excel in applications with moderate loads, relatively high rotational speeds, and relatively clean operating conditions. They are the default choice for HVAC fans, agricultural conveyors, light industrial machinery, food processing equipment, and power transmission systems with belt or chain drives. Roller bearing units, with spherical roller bearing inserts, handle substantially heavier radial and axial loads and accommodate greater misalignment. They are specified for mining conveyors, vibrating screens, heavy fans, large material handling systems, and applications where shock loads, contamination, and 24/7 operation make robustness the highest priority. The availability of both types within the SKF portfolio ensures the optimal unit can be specified for each application's unique requirements.
SKF Food Line: Hygienic Bearing Solutions for Food & Beverage
The food and beverage industry presents unique bearing challenges: frequent high-pressure washdowns with water and cleaning chemicals, strict hygiene requirements, and the need to prevent lubricant contamination of food products. SKF Food Line ball bearing units address these demands with a comprehensive design approach. Composite housings resist corrosion from water, chemicals, and acids. Stainless steel insert bearings provide corrosion resistance where the bearing meets the shaft. Food-grade greases (registered as H1 by NSF) ensure that incidental lubricant contact with food does not compromise safety. Smooth, rounded housing surfaces eliminate crevices where bacteria could harbor, and the material selection withstands the thermal cycling of repeated hot-water washdowns. End covers and back seals prevent water ingress during high-pressure cleaning, extending bearing life and maintaining hygienic conditions.