What Are Flange Bearings?

 

The purpose of a bearing is to reduce friction between moving parts. They get their name from the fact

that they bear force and load, but there are a number of different types of bearings and each type

accomplishes this in different ways. By using bearings in the manufacturing of machinery, the need for

maintenance is reduced because parts don’t wear out as quickly as if they were coming into direct

contact with each other. One common type of bearing we manufacture at Atlas Bronze is the flange

bearing.

Defining a Flange Bearing

Flange bearings are a very simple type of bearing that has a lip (or flange) on one end. Also known as

flanged bearings, these bearings are mounted with two, three, or four bolts. Because they are

mounted, they have more stability, giving them the ability to support heavy loads when the shaft axis

is perpendicular to the mounting surface. The flange holds the bearing securely in place, preventing it

from falling, shifting, or slipping even when axial push or load are being applied. 

Without a flange, the bearing would likely become displaced, causing the machinery to stop or

malfunction. Flange bearings allow for smooth operations.

Uses for Flange Bearings

Flange bearings are used for many industrial applications, including conveyors, textile manufacturing,

food processing, HVAC belt drives, airport baggage handling systems, combines, and hay balers.

They are also commonly used in cars, trucks, and other vehicles; because engines are a high

vibration environment, flange bearings are ideal because they are bolted in place. In addition, flange

bearings are able to withstand the higher temperatures of engines that cause thermal expansion that

could potentially displace other types of bearings.

In short, any application that involves high vibration, heat, or large axial loads are applications where

flange bearings might be a good fit.

Flange Bearing Types

Flange bearings are typically three inches in diameter or less and their shape depends on how many

bolts are used to mount them. A flange bearing with four bolts is used in heavy duty applications and

the flange is usually round or square. Three-bolt flange bearings have a flange shaped like a triangle,

while flange bearings with two bolts are usually a diamond shape.

Flange bearings are made with a wide range of materials, including plastic, composite material, steel,

bronze, metal-polymer, and other metals and metal alloys. There are flanged plain bearings, flanged

ball bearings, flanged roller bearings, and flared needle roller bearings.

You may choose to use oil-impregnated flange bearings, which reduce the need for maintenance and

lubrication because they release oil from small pores when they are in use and then reabsorb the oil

into the pores when at rest. There are other types of flange bearings that require occasional

lubrication to remain in working condition.

Learn More About Atlas Bronze Flange Bearings

To find out more about Atlas Bronze flange bearings, contact us at 1-800-478-0887 to speak to one of

our sales representatives about our selection. Our team of experts will guide you through the process

of choosing the right flange bearing for your application.