Preload Clearance (Internal Fits)

At Silverthin, our expertise in preload and clearance for thin section bearings and slewing rings ensures your equipment operates at its best.

The Importance of Preload & Clearance (Internal Fits)

• Optimized Performance: The right internal fit ensures reduced friction and heat generation, leading to smoother operations.
• Enhanced Bearing Life: A well-maintained clearance can minimize wear, prolonging bearing lifespan.
• Reduced Vibrations and Noise: Proper preload can reduce operational noise and vibrations, leading to stable performance.

Preload & Clearance Approach

• Evaluation: We begin by understanding the operational demands and environment of your bearing application.
• Customized Calibration: Based on evaluations, our experts adjust the preload clearance to achieve the optimal balance for your specific needs.
• Validation: Every bearing undergoes rigorous testing to confirm its internal fit meets our stringent standards.

Preload & Clearance Services Benefits:

• Adaptability: Whether it’s a thin section bearing in a satellite or a slewing ring in heavy machinery, our services cater to diverse applications.
• Consistency: We ensure that each bearing, irrespective of its batch, delivers consistent performance thanks to precise internal fits.
• Extended Operational Reliability: With the right preload clearance, you can trust your bearings to offer reliable performance, reducing unexpected downtimes.

Bearing Internal Clearance Relationship

Radial and Axial Clearance share a relationship dependent on conformity and contact angle. This relationship will be constant within each raceway geometry offering for each series. Axial Clearances for C-Type bearings are much greater than that of a same-sized X-Type bearing.

See the graphs below which illustrate the relationship between radial and axial clearances by cross section. Please contact Silverthin Engineering for any needed calculations related to your application and design needs.

C-Type Radial vs Axial Clearance by Series 1

1    Angular contact bearings have this same relationship, but it is generally only a reference as performance of an angular contact bearing is driven by the desired contact angle.

X-Type Radial vs Axial Clearance by Series