Ball bearing distributors provide a wide array of bearings that are used within almost every type of mechanical equipment. The bearings are placed between any two moving pieces of machinery so that they will not rub against each other. Instead, the parts come into contact with the ball bearings, thus reducing or even eliminating the amount of friction that would have been produced. A ball bearing supplier will have all the products you need to keep industrial equipment operating properly, which will, in turn, extend the longevity of these machines.

Establishing an ongoing relationship with ball bearing suppliers or manufacturers is advantageous for both companies. They will gain a loyal customer and you will have a regular provider of all the bearing products you need. A business owner who intends to deal with producers and distributors of industrial bearings for the long term should first consider the following:

1. Does the distributor work with a variety of bearing manufacturers?

2. Will you be making small or bulk orders from companies that supply bearings?

3. Can the bearing distributor you want to deal with supply you with every type of bearing you require?

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Deal with bearing distributors that stock metal-based products

Metal is the most common material that bearings are made from. Most distributors or manufacturers of ball bearings create bearings out of solid steel or other metals in a wide variety of styles. Companies that only require metal-based bearings should turn to manufacturers or distributors that specialize in this field.

I recommend: Contact the people at AST Bearings or ACL Distribution to inquire about working with them.

Work with bearing suppliers that provide non-metal items

The equipment your company uses may require bearings made out of plastic, ceramic or other materials. In this case, you will need to deal with an industrial bearing supplier that maintains a full stock of these products.

I recommend: Request quotes for products supplied by AP Technologies, Quality Bearings & Components and SLZ Ball Bearing to see which one works best with you.

Find a ball bearing distributor that sells specialty products

There are several types of bearings available. Your company's equipment may only require a particular style of bearing, so you will need to establish a business relationship with a supplier that can provide you with exactly what your machinery needs. Connect with distributors or ball bearing manufacturers that produce tapered, hanger, pivot or angular bearings.

I recommend: Wafangdian Guoli Bearing Manufacturing creates tapered bearings. DT Components sells hanger bearings. Obtain pivot bearings from Riverhawk, and angular bearings from the Dalton Bearing Service.

Deal with ball bearing companies that can customize your order

Some machinery requires specific components that must be machined to exact specifications. When your equipment needs a bearing that is not available, you must turn to a custom manufacturer that can produce what you are looking for. Partner with a company that can produce these items in a short time and for a reasonable rate.

I recommend: Have your custom orders processed by Barden/FAG or Kilian Manufacturing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Try working with bearing distributors that provide wholesale prices for bulk orders.
• •  Deal with multiple industrial bearing suppliers before making a decision about a long-term partnership.

Ball bearing suppliers are the design engineer's best friend. Bearing manufacturers are able to bring you the type of bearing you need from just about anywhere in the world, often at a wholesale price. What's more, the right bearing distributor can also help you with bearing maintenance tasks such as lubrication, failure analysis and managing inventory.

Companies that supply bearings keep your own business on track. It's amazing how something so small can keep your industrial equipment running so smoothly. But what if one breaks? That's where bearing suppliers and bearing distributors come in. You need a reliable source for such a vital piece of equipment.

Some things to consider when shopping online among the wide variety of bearings distributors:

1. The equipment's operating conditions. Consider how long your machines are running, as well as how fast.

2. Performance level and life expectancy of the bearings. Depending on the operating conditions, you'll need a solid bearing that won't give out.

3. Type of design based on the function of the bearing. Seek out ball bearing manufacturers with a number of models to ensure you find the one you need.

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Think global with bearing distributors, but shop local

Looking for good ball bearing distributors? Start in your own backyard first. Many worldwide ball bearing distributors who offer products from countless international suppliers also keep numerous locations here in the United States.

I recommend: Bearing distributor BDI Worldwide allows you to shop by location, while Kaydon provides a map that allows you to find locations by state.

Choose bearings suppliers by bearing type

Linear, needle, pillow-block--whatever the bearing type, there's an industrial bearing supplier for it. Companies that supply bearings almost always offer a gamut of bearing options, while some do keep their product lines more focused on one particular bearing type.

I recommend: The Bearings Reference Center allows you to shop by bearing type. Click on the bearings section of the AST Bearings website for a whole list of various bearing types and brands.

Size does matter with ball bearing manufacturers

No matter the size, bearing manufacturers will be able to accommodate you. Ball bearing distributors determine the ball bearing size and configuration you need based on the load your bearings will handle and reliability of operation you're looking for.

I recommend: Pacamor Kubar bearings allows you to shop for bearings by size online, and Bearing Works puts up full size charts for every bearing series offered.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the materials ball bearing suppliers offer. A ball bearing made with the right material for your industrial needs will last longer and keep from rusting.
• •  Be sure to ask your ball bearing distributor about proper lubrication practices for your bearings-following the right schedule based on the type of bearing and the work it's doing will ensure your bearing equipment's long life and maximum efficiency.

Bearing distributors sell a large variety of small components that are an important part of almost every piece of mechanical equipment. They keep this equipment running properly by acting as a supportive guide for every part of the machinery that oscillates or slides back and forth. Bearings are circular tools that are placed between two moving surfaces so they do not rub against each other in order to reduce or eliminate the friction that would otherwise occur. Ball bearings extend the life of most any machine and keep them running properly.

A ball bearing supplier keeps a wide variety of these useful devices in stock. Most of them are relatively inexpensive, but the many different types of bearings all have differing prices. There are several factors to keep in mind when comparing the costs of bearing suppliers:

1. What type of material do you want the bearings to be made from?

2. Do you need bearings for axial or radial loads?

3. Will you be making bulk orders from ball bearing suppliers?

4. Can the ball bearing distributors you are working with supply you with every type of bearing you require?

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Examine the pricing and costs of bearing distributors that offer metal ball bearings

Manufacturers of ball bearings base their prices on the style and width of their metal based products. They range from about $2 to more than $15 for larger sizes. These bearings are generally double sealed and able to carry axial- and radial-based loads.

I recommend: Order single row metal bearing products from Reid Supply or Rexnord Industries.

Buy products from bearing manufacturers that use other materials

Bearings are also made out of plastic and ceramic. The price range is dependent on the size of the component and what it is made out of. Plastic bearings cost anywhere between $3.89 and $15.77. Ceramic bearings have a higher price range from $10 for lower-end models to $450 for deluxe mounted bearings.

I recommend: Buy plastic bearings from KMS Bearings or Quality Bearings & Components. Order ceramic bearings from NationSkander California.

Purchase different styles of bearings from distributors of industrial bearings

There are several types of bearings, and each one is designed for a specific job. Whether you are looking for tapered, pivot or angular bearings, it is important to compare the pricing and costs of bearing distributors to be certain you are getting the best deal possible. Tapered bearings are thinner at one end and have a price range of about $4.95 to $34.95. Pivot bearings have one end attached to the machinery and the other free to rotate. They come in kits that have a price range of about $25 to $70. Angular bearings sit at a 15-, 25-, 30- or 40-degree angle to provide an exact fit. Find them for ranging from $20 to more than $400 depending on the type you need.

I recommend: Order a tapered bearing from NationSkander California. Find a pivot bearing kit from Dennis Kirk. BC Bearing is a bearing distributor that sells angular and other products from a variety of ball bearing manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Turn to a wholesale ball bearing distributor for the best possible price.
• •  Inquire about the pricing and costs of bearing distributors for custom made bearings.
• •  Try working with several different ball bearing companies to find the one that best suits your needs.

Bearing distributors provide a wide range of bearings to be used in all manner of industries. If your business is in need of bearings, it would be wise to brush up on the key terminology associated with bearings distributors. As you seek out the specific bearings that you need from a bearing distributor, take the time to learn the meanings of the following terms: ball and roller, mounted, lubricated, specialty, antifriction and assemblies. Once you master these key terms, selecting the right bearings for your business will be a simple procedure.

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Ball and roller

Ball and roller bearings utilize two grooved tracks to aid in movement. However, ball bearings are spherical in shape, while roller bearings are either conical or cylindrical.

I recommend: RBC Bearings Aerospace provides an in-depth description of its ball and roller bearings.

Mounted

Mounted bearings are bearings set in fixed housings that are mounted in place and usually used in industrial machinery, such as packaging machinery and conveyor systems.

I recommend: Learn all about mounted bearings and their specifications from Boston Gear.

Lubricated

A lubricated bearing is one that is coated in grease or oil. Most lubricated bearings employ the use of shields to prevent the grease from escaping and to protect the bearing from the build-up of dirt.

I recommend: Water & Wastes Digest provides a comprehensive description of several types of lubricated bearings.

Specialty

Specialty is a term used to describe any bearings that are made to custom order. Customizable features of specialty bearings include materials, coatings, shield designs and sizes.

I recommend: Pacamor Kubar Bearings (PKB) provides a description of what makes a specialty bearing.

Antifriction

Antifriction bearings are used in applications where little friction is needed. Also known as rolling contact bearings, antifriction bearings are divided into two configurations: axial ball and roller bearings.

I recommend: eFunda provides an expanded explanation of antifriction bearings.

Assemblies

Assemblies refer to the entire system of hardware surrounding a bearing. This can include a shaft, housing, flange and/or gear. Bearing assemblies are made of several materials including graphite carbon, die-cast aluminum and plastic.

I recommend: Read all about grounded, ungrounded and integrated bearing assemblies at Oconomowoc Manufacturing.