Slew Ring Bearings | FAQs
What is a Slew Ring Bearing, and how does it work?
Slew Ring Bearings consist of an inner and outer ring, each with bolt-hole patterns for straightforward mounting. These bearings utilize either traditional ball bearings or sliding pads to enable smooth, intermittent rotation, and are engineered to withstand substantial radial, axial, and moment loads.
What are typical applications for Slew Ring Bearings?
Slew Ring Bearings excel across a diverse array of industries, supporting applications from light to heavy loads. They are essential in solar panels, small wind turbines, medical devices, robotics, precision machinery, radar antennas, jib cranes, and much more.
What are Slew Ring Bearings made of?
Slew Ring Bearings are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, steel, polymer, chrome, and aluminum, to suit diverse application needs. At PBC Linear, we provide traditional ball bearing slewing rings crafted from durable steel, as well as maintenance-free, self-lubricating slewing rings featuring corrosion-resistant aluminum rings. The self-lubricating Slew Ring Bearings also feature a polymer sliding pad which comes in standard, FDA-grade, high temperature, or ESD material to facilitate rotation.
How do I choose the right Slew Ring Bearing for my application?
Begin by choosing between our ball bearing slewing rings and self-lubricating slewing rings. The ball bearing series is ideal for applications demanding high rigidity and load capacity, while the self-lubricating series excels in low-maintenance environments and offers reliable performance without the risk of catastrophic failure. Once you've selected the right series, determine your load requirements and choose the size that best meets the demands of your application.
What are the benefits of ball bearing vs self-lubricating Slew Ring Bearings?
Ball Bearing Slewing Rings deliver exceptional stiffness, high load capacity, and durability, making them perfect for heavy-duty applications. Our Self-Lubricating Slewing Rings, on the other hand, are maintenance-free and oil-free, ideal for both cleanroom environments and debris-laden conditions, where their design prevents debris from seizing the bearing and eliminates the risk of catastrophic failure. Additionally, these self-lubricating rings offer a more cost-effective solution without compromising performance.
How should I install a Slew Ring Bearing?
For optimal installation, carefully align the bearing and tighten the bolts in a cross-star pattern, gradually increasing torque in stages—30%, 80%, then 100%. Once installed, check both the bolt tension and bearing clearance to ensure proper alignment. For comprehensive installation guidelines, please refer to our Slew Ring Bearing Catalog.
Do Slew Ring Bearings require regular maintenance?
Self-Lubricating Slew Ring Bearings from PBC Linear are designed for maintenance-free operation, utilizing polymer sliding pads instead of traditional ball bearings. In contrast, traditional Slew Ring Bearings require lubrication every 100 hours in slower applications, along with regular checks on bolt tension, torque, and tilt (clearance). For full maintenance guidelines, refer to our Slew Ring Bearing Catalog.
What is the lifespan of Slew Ring Bearings?
Lifespan varies based on factors such as load, rotation speed, environmental conditions, and whether regular maintenance is performed. High-quality slew rings, such as those offered by PBC Linear, are engineered to provide long service life in demanding applications.
What is the difference between four-point contact and cross-roller Slew Ring Bearings?
Four-point contact bearings, such as the MT Series from PBC Linear, support moderate to heavy loads with a single row of balls and are typically used in applications requiring high rotational stiffness. Cross-roller bearings, with rollers instead of balls, provide higher precision and load-handling capacity but require more maintenance. Contact PBC Linear if your application requires a roller Slew Ring Bearing.
Can I customize Slew Ring Bearings for my application?
Yes. Contact PBC Linear application engineers to discuss custom materials, tooth profiles, and more.