An instrument bearing is a type of industrial bearing that withstands moderate radial and thrust loads at a low operating torque. General applications of instrument bearings are in compressors, electric power tools, generators, pumps, fans, material handling vehicles, automobiles, aircrafts, office equipment and turbines.

Some of the important parameters you must consider before purchasing an instrument bearing are:

1. Operating radial and thrust loads and their combined effect on the instrument bearing
2. Required dimensions for suitability to other parts of the equipment
3. Expected fatigue life of the bearing
4. Method of lubrication such as single-point, central or self lubrication

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the parameters related to the functioning of an instrument bearing

Before buying an instrument bearing, you need to understand its functioning and other relevant parameters such as loads, specifications, selection criteria, types and materials.

I recommend: Bearing Reference Center explains selection factors, methods of lubrication and basic knowledge about bearing load, friction and wear. You can also refer to the technical data by National Precision Bearing for more details including design and materials, tolerances and recommended fits for bearing and shaft.

Buy bearings from reputable instrument bearing manufacturers

Once you understand and analyze your requirements, start searching for available instrument bearings with different instrument bearing suppliers.

I recommend: AST Bearings provides a variety of instrument bearings including aircraft instrument bearings. Dynaroll is a reliable manufacturer of metric instrument bearings. Del-Tron Precision offers linear instrument bearings. Pacamor Kubar sells instrument ball bearings. SKF Group is a pioneer manufacturer of various types of industrial bearings including instrument bearings.

Buy instrument bearings from retailers

You can purchase instrument bearings from online retailers. Compare specifications and prices of the product before buying.

I recommend: You can buy ball and roller bearings, lubricated bearings and specialty bearings at BDI Worldwide. Applied.com is another online source to buy a bearing. Retailers like Globalspec and Thomasnet help you to find a suitable instrument bearing by providing different filtering criteria such as specification, type of bearing and bearing material.

Order a custom instrument bearing

For non-standard applications, consult custom bearing manufacturers. The customization is costlier than standard products, but it would give you an exact instrument bearing for your requirement.

I recommend: Metallized Carbon Corp., a reputable carbon-bearing manufacturer, provides custom instrument bearings. W.M. Berg offers customization services for complex applications. Pacific Bearing supplies customized self-lubricating bearings. Schaeffler Group is one of the leading customized instrument bearing manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the bearing and shaft alignment while installing an instrument bearing.