A pivot bearing, also known as a turntable bearing or swivel bearing, is a special type of rolling bearing that is used to enable rotation or swivel movement around a fixed axis. It is often used in machines, systems and constructions where a rotatable connection is required.
A pivot bearing usually consists of an inner ring, an outer ring and a raceway in between on which the rotation takes place. It can have different designs, including ball pivot bearings, roller pivot bearings or combined bearings with balls and rollers. The choice of pivot bearing depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as load capacity, torque, precision and environmental factors.
Pivot bearings allow a component to rotate around an axis, enabling movement at different angles or continuous rotation. They are used in a variety of applications such as slewing cranes, rotating platforms, construction machinery, wind turbines, ships and many more.
The design and selection of a pivot bearing requires careful analysis of loads, speed, lubrication and other factors to ensure optimum performance and service life. Depending on the application, pivot bearings may also be equipped with seals, lubrication or special surface coatings to improve protection against contamination and wear.
Overall, pivot bearings enable low-friction rotation or pivoting motion in a variety of applications and play an important role in the transmission of loads and forces in rotating systems.
Frequently asked questions about pivot bearings
What is a pivot bearing?
A pivot bearing is a rolling bearing that enables a rotating or swivelling movement about a fixed axis. It connects two components so that they can rotate relative to each other and transmits radial forces, axial forces and tilting moments.
What is the difference between a pivot bearing and a slewing ring?
Pivot bearing is the generic term for rolling bearings that enable rotation about an axis. A slewing ring is a ready to install pivot bearing with housing rings and mounting holes. Slewing rings with large diameters often have integrated gearing for the drive.
What types of pivot bearings are there?
By rolling elements, a distinction is made between ball pivot bearings, for example four point contact bearings, and roller pivot bearings, for example crossed roller bearings or angular contact roller bearings. By design, a distinction is made between conventional rolling bearings with solid raceway rings and wire race bearings, in which the rolling elements run on inserted raceway wires.
What are the advantages of a wire race bearing as a pivot bearing?
In a wire race bearing, the rolling elements run on hardened raceway wires. The surrounding rings can therefore be made of aluminium, steel or other materials, or be integrated directly into the customer's design. This results in lightweight, space saving pivot bearings, including large diameters.
How do I choose the right pivot bearing?
The decisive factors are the load from radial forces, axial forces and tilting moments, as well as rotational speed, accuracy, installation space, weight and ambient conditions such as temperature or contamination. Franke designs pivot bearings individually to suit the requirements of the application and provides advice on selection.
Franke also manufactures bearings individually to your specifications: Individual bearing program