In industrial mechanical systems, the ease of installation and the stability of a bearing unit are just as critical as the bearing itself. Mounted Bearings (also known as housed units) consist of a bearing—typically a ball or roller type—pre-installed in a durable housing. This design allows for direct bolting to machine frames or surfaces, eliminating the need for complex internal housing machining.
As a professional bearing factory and bearing manufacturing company in China, UKL Bearing Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Wuxi) provides an extensive range of mounted ball bearings and mounted roller bearings. Our units are engineered for quick installation and exceptional reliability, providing technical support for global industries in demanding environments.
Understanding the Difference: Ball vs. Roller Units
Choosing between a ball or roller-mounted unit depends on your application’s load and speed requirements. At UKL, we optimize both designs for maximum performance.
- Mounted Ball Bearings: These are typically based on deep groove ball bearings with a sphered outer diameter. They are ideal for high-speed, light-to-moderate load applications and can accommodate moderate static misalignment.
- Mounted Roller Bearings: Utilizing spherical or cylindrical rollers, these units are built for heavy-duty radial and axial loads. They are the standard for mining, construction, and heavy-duty conveyor systems where durability is the priority.
Technical Classification: Housing Types & Configurations
UKL offers various housing styles to fit different mounting orientations and space constraints.
| Housing Style |
Common Name |
Best For |
Typical Application |
| Pillow Block |
UCP / SN Series |
Horizontal support surfaces |
Conveyor drives, fans, blowers |
| Flange Block |
UCF / UCFL Series |
Vertical or perpendicular surfaces |
Mixers, packaging machinery |
| Take-up Unit |
UCT Series |
Tensioning applications |
Belt conveyor tensioners |
| Cartridge Unit |
UCC Series |
Precise cylindrical bore mounting |
Agricultural machinery |
The UKL Advantage: Precision Manufacturing in China
Since 2020, UKL Bearing Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has combined its modernized production base with 15 years of OEM/ODM export experience to provide world-class housed units.
1. High-Strength Housing Construction
The performance of a mounted bearing depends heavily on the housing. UKL uses high-grade Cast Iron (HT200) or Ductile Iron for standard industrial use, and Stainless Steel or Thermoplastic for food-grade and corrosive environments. Each housing is precision-machined to ensure a secure fit for the bearing insert.
2. Advanced Sealing Systems
Contamination is the primary cause of failure for mounted units. Our bearings feature multi-lip seals (such as R-seals or flingers) that keep grease in and dust out. For extreme environments, we offer specialized triple-lip seals that provide an airtight barrier against moisture and grit.
3. Integrated Production & Heat Treatment
Unlike many suppliers, UKL manages the entire manufacturing process—from forging and annealing of the bearing inserts to the final automated assembly. Our heat treatment process ensures the bearing raceways possess the hardness required to handle the vibrations and shock loads common in mounted applications.
4. Global Expertise and Customization
Serving clients across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, we offer both metric and inch-size units. With our OEM/ODM capabilities, we can customize grease types, housing colors, and locking mechanisms (Set Screw, Eccentric Collar, or Tapered Adapter Sleeve) to meet your specific equipment requirements.
Applications Across Global Industries
Our high-performance mounted bearings are the trusted backbone for:
- Agricultural Equipment: Planters, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
- Food & Beverage: Washdown-resistant conveyor lines and bottling plants.
- Mining & Construction: Heavy-duty aggregate conveyors and screeners.
- Material Handling: Airport baggage systems and automated warehouse sorting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the advantage of using a “Pillow Block” mounted bearing?
A pillow block (or plummer block) is designed to support a shaft that runs parallel to the mounting surface. The main advantage is the ease of installation; the unit is simply bolted down, and the spherical outer ring of the bearing allows it to self-align with the shaft, compensating for minor mounting inaccuracies.
2. When should I upgrade from mounted ball bearings to mounted roller bearings?
If your application involves heavy shock loads, vibration, or extreme weights (such as in mining or timber processing), mounted roller bearings are necessary. They provide significantly higher load-carrying capacity and a longer service life under harsh conditions compared to ball units.
3. How does UKL ensure its mounted bearings are washdown-resistant?
For the food and chemical industries, we provide stainless steel housings or specialized thermoplastic units paired with stainless steel bearing inserts. These are designed with smooth surfaces to prevent bacteria buildup and use food-grade lubricants that resist high-pressure water jets.
4. What are the different shaft locking methods available?
UKL offers three primary locking styles:
- Set Screw: Simple and effective for most applications.
- Eccentric Locking Collar: Best for shafts that rotate in one direction.
- Tapered Adapter Sleeve: Provides a 360-degree grip, ideal for high-speed or high-vibration environments.
5. Does UKL provide replacement inserts for existing housings?
Yes. As an integrated manufacturer, we produce a full range of replacement inserts (UC, SA, SB, UK series). Our inserts are designed to international standards, making them compatible with most standard industrial housings globally.