Bearings & Seals

Bearings are an essential part of any machinery, in fact, they are a fundamental component that make machines work. Bearings help to reduce friction within two rotating objects, thus ensuring that they rotate smoothly within a machinery by supporting the main rotating shaft shaft or pipe. Bearings form the main part of machinery within automobiles, airplanes, motors, generators, and even every-day household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, fans and more. RS is one of the largest bearing distributors and suppliers offering a wide range of bearings, seals, and bearing kits to fit a range of commercial and domestic applications.

Bearing seals play the dual role of preventing contaminants from reaching and affecting the machine parts, while at the same time, ensuring that lubricants and oils do not leak out of the parts. Seals are an inseparable part of every bearing because they ensure that the bearings stay well lubricated, and keep running smoothly free of contaminants like dust and other particles. Below are the broad types of bearings and seals used in the machine industry.

Types of Bearings

Bearings can be classified into two main types: ball bearings and roller bearings. Roller bearings consist of two attached rings with a set of metal balls running inside their rims. Ball bearings are solid metal spheres that rotate fast, which are suitable to use in machines such as large pumps and compressors. Roller bearings are available in the following types: Cylindrical rollers, needle rollers, tapered rollers, and symmetrical barrel rollers. The use and application of each of these roller bearings depends on the type of machinery and load required to ensure smooth rotation of the various parts.

Types of Seals

Seals are the elements which ensure the durability and functionality of the bearings remains optimum. Similar to the bearings, the choice of seals used would depend on the bearing and the application required within the specific machine. Seals are available in the following broad categories: non-rubbing seals, rubbing seals, gap seals and labyrinth seals.

We are your online bearing distributor and supplier with a wide stock of bearings and seals needed for various applications. We are also suppliers of high quality bearing accessories, gasket sheets, and more. Get in touch with us for more guidance and information on bearings and seals products.