Thin-ring bearing: Maximum performance in the smallest space

Rodriguez has more than 250 different types of thin-ring bearings in the REALI-SLIM® series. (Image: Rodriguez GmbH)

When compact design, lightweight construction, and maximum stability are required, Rodriguez's Kaydon Thin-Ring Bearings are the perfect solution. They combine a slim, lightweight design with robustness. Whether miniaturization, space-saving, or weight reduction – Thin-Ring Bearings are ideal for demanding applications.

For decades, Rodriguez has successfully offered over 250 different Thin-Ring Bearings from the REALI-SLIM® series by the manufacturer Kaydon. Compared to conventional bearings, these space-saving precision components impress with weight and space savings of up to 80%, without compromising performance or accuracy. Due to these properties, they are used in demanding fields such as aerospace, medical technology, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, as well as in oil and gas industries, satellite and radar systems, packaging, and machine tools.

Slim Cross-Section – High Performance

In Thin-Ring Bearings, more and smaller rolling elements distributed over a larger surface than in standard ball bearings ensure high load capacity and stiffness. The large bore diameter saves weight and allows the passage of air and hydraulic lines, wiring, or shafts. The consistently slim cross-section across all sizes enables the use of hollow shafts instead of solid shafts. In four-point contact bearing designs, for example in stainless steel, a REALI-SLIM® Thin-Ring Bearing can often replace two standard ball bearings.

As an even more compact solution, Rodriguez offers ULTRA-SLIM® Thin-Ring Bearings. These corrosion-resistant and vacuum-compatible lightweight bearings consist of stainless steel rings and ceramic balls. With diameters ranging from 35 to 200 mm and an exceptionally small cross-section of only 2.5 to 3 mm, they impress with their space-saving design. The bearings are available as Type C (deep groove ball bearings), Type A (angular contact ball bearings), and Type X (four-point contact bearings).

Metric and Hybrid Thin-Ring Bearings

Thin-Ring Bearings in metric design facilitate calculations and, like all Thin-Ring Bearings from the company, are characterized by their low weight and small cross-section. For use in vacuum or cleanroom environments, corrosion-resistant hybrid Thin-Ring Bearings with ceramic balls are particularly suitable.