Every day, robotic technology is pushed another step further. The robotics industry has been a staple in manufacturing since robotic arms were introduced to automotive lines back in the ‘60s – and the innovation hasn’t stopped.

These days, robotics manufacturers have identified a new avenue to help people across the country: UV disinfection robots. MIT has already partnered with Ava Robotics to design a robot that uses UV light to disinfect warehouses and other spaces. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this technology has massive potential. Of course, these UV disinfection robots need the right bearings to turn a great idea into a realized opportunity.

3 Key Factors for UV Disinfection Robot Bearings

Without the proper bearings, a robot would be a motionless pile of materials. UV disinfection robots use bearings to spin, turn, and enable any other function required to move about a space and complete a cleaning cycle.

As with other robotics applications, certain bearing solutions are better fits than others for UV disinfection robots. Let’s break down some key reasons why thin section bearings are a go-to bearing solution for robotics.

Weight and size

It’s no secret that thin section bearings offer big benefits in small packages. The size difference between thin section bearings and other bearing styles offers some key advantages to any robotics applications with space constraints or weight restrictions.

To start, smaller parts require less room. A thin section bearing can help you accommodate tight spaces without having to sacrifice on performance. Additionally, thin section bearings don’t need to change cross sections as bore sizes increase. This helps you save additional space within your applications.

Another key benefit is that thin section bearings are notably lighter than other part solutions. This reduction in weight can not only help you make robots lighter, it can also help reduce the amount of friction created during use and improve the long-term efficiency and reliability of your applications.

Ample load-carrying capabilities

Despite their size, thin section bearings are more than capable of carrying the load for your UV disinfection robots. Thin section bearings come in multiple styles to help you accommodate different types of loads.

• Type A
• Type C
• Type X

In addition, thin section bearings can be duplexed to accommodate any situations that have more load requirements than normal. Given the diminutive nature of the parts, this allows you exchange extra performance for not much additional space and weight.

Design flexibility

Some level of part customization is common for many robotics applications. Whether your need special clearances, loads, or materials, there are multiple design options available to match your performance and environment needs. If a standard part doesn’t meet your specific needs, you can invest in custom thin section bearings that modify one or more of the following features:

• Multiple cage options
• Multiple shield and seal options
• Materials selections
• Custom sizing
• Duplexing

Invest in the Best Bearings for Your Robotics Applications

There are many bearing solutions available, but it takes the right one to best serve your performance and budgetary needs. At SSB, our experts can work with you to identify the best, most cost-effective bearings for UV disinfection robots and any other robotic applications. Use our online product builder to select the parts you need or contact us today to talk to our experts about a custom thin section bearing solution for your application.

No matter whether they’re for combat, surveillance, or some other type of task, bearings made for military applications need to perform. Between tough environments and demanding designs, military organizations must find bearings that not only meet exacting part requirements, but also surpass them. Fortunately, quality thin section bearings are up to that task for many different military applications.

What are Thin Section Bearings Used for in Military Applications?

Thin section bearings are a natural fit for a variety of military needs. One area of need that’s grown considerably over the years is custom bearings made for robotics. Military robots perform a wide range of tasks – bomb defusing, scouting, etc. – and these applications require thin section bearings to meet performance and space needs.

In addition to robotics, thin section bearings offer solutions for military applications ranging from miniguns and turrets to cameras mounted on various structures and helicopters. If it requires smooth, efficient, and powerful performance in a small package, thin section bearings are a natural choice for the military.

Specific Pain Points for Military Bearings

As mentioned before, space and weight are typically at a premium for military applications. In addition to these issues, there are a variety of other specific needs that military applications require, each of which can play a big role in finding the right bearing supplier.

Special bearing options

Some level of part customization is typical for bearings used in the military market. Lots of parts require special clearances or loads, while other may need different balls or cages to meet performance and environment needs. As a result, it’s important to find a supplier that offers the following bearing options:

• Multiple cage options
• Multiple shield and seal options
• Materials for corrosion resistance
• Custom sizing
• Duplexing
• Custom marking/private labeling

DFARS compliance

Any business that wants to work with the Department of Defense (DoD) needs to be DFARS compliant. DFARS – also known as the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement – is a specific set of rules that dictate how entities in the U.S. government procure goods and services.

When it comes to material goods like thin section bearings, DFARS dictates that the raw materials used in these products come from domestic or specific, DFARS-approved countries. This can limit part options, as bearings made with materials from non-DFARS countries like China will not comply with DoD rules and prevent them from buying your products. As a result, the thin section bearings you invest in should be DFARS compliant for any business related to the DoD or other government organizations.

Turnaround times

Who doesn’t want their parts as soon as possible? The military market is no different, which means that it’s always good to compare turnaround times for bearings, especially if they’re being custom designed. Fortunately, thin section bearings are typically manufactured more quickly than other bearings styles, with lead times that average six to eight weeks for standard sizes. This allows you to get the parts you need sooner so you can get your products to market or avoid additional downtime depending on your application.

Work with SSB for Your Military-Grade Bearings

It takes a good bearing supplier to find the best solutions for your military applications. SSB provides quality bearing products that are made in the U.S. and are DFARS compliant (CAGE # 704Q7). Whether you need a standard or custom thin section bearing, our experts can work with you to understand your specific needs for your military applications. Contact us today to have SSB help you solve your next bearing project.