Pillow Block Bearings

What is a pillow block bearing?

A pillow block bearing consists of a mounting bracket, otherwise known as a pillow block, that houses a bearing component. These bearing types are used in light-load applications with low torque. Configured to be bolted securely to a foundation, the shaft and inner ring are left free to complete their necessary rotations.

Pillow blocks are most often made from grey cast iron or cast steel, and they come in two different types– split and unsplit. In split pillow blocks, the cap or housing element can be separated from the base, and in unsplit, the pillow block is made from one, solid piece of cast iron. Pillow block bearings are known for their balanced design and their general success across various uses. They boast a straightforward configuration that delivers high performance and reliability, while also being simple to install. Pillow block bearings, or housed bearings, come self-contained, greased, and ready to work.

Pillow Block vs. Plummer Block Bearings

Pillow block bearings are sometimes also referred to as “plummer block bearings,” however, there is a minor difference between these two bearing types. Plummer block bearings are used in environments where high performance and high load capacity are critical– such as mining, heavy manufacturing, and construction– while pillow block bearings are used in less industrial settings.

Pillow Block Bearing Types

There are several different types of pillow block bearings, each featuring a slightly different design and intended for various applications. The primary purpose of pillow block bearings is to provide support for a rotating shaft. These intelligently-crafted bearings boast balanced designs and are known for their high performance.

Standard Ball Bearings– Engineered to be friction-free, standard ball bearings are great for carrying large loads and superior performance. Smooth motion and optimal performance come from this design in which a cage aligns the ball bearings which are held in place within inner and outer rings.

Plain Ball Bearings– Most often fashioned from a bronze and metal alloy, plain ball bearings are frequently used in linear types of applications, where they can handle large loads while still maintaining optimal performance. They require lubrication to function properly.

Needle Roller Bearings– Needle roller bearings are smaller in size than their counterparts, the roller bearings; however, the two types operated similarly with an integrated cylinder-shaped roller.

Roller Bearings– Similar to needle roller bearings, roller bearings are larger, yet still engineered with the same cylindrical design between inner and outer rings.

If you are in the market for any variety of pillow block bearings, let the helpful team at ProSource help you find what you need. Fafnir is one of our top brands for bearings and pillow block bearings in particular. This company operates under the globally popular Timken umbrella, creating a fine line of products that are engineered to meet the ever-changing needs of their various customers worldwide. Get in touch with the ProSource team today, and let us find the pillow block bearings and other parts you need so you can keep your focus on their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can pillow block bearing be used in light-load applications with low torque? Yes, these bearing types are perfect for these applications.
• What is the difference between split and unsplit pillow blocks? In split pillow blocks, the cap or housing element can be separated from the base, and in unsplit, the pillow block is made from one, solid piece of cast iron.
• How many pillow block bearing types are there? Standard ball bearings, plain ball bearings, roller bearings, and needle roller bearings.
• How are regular roller bearings different than needle roller bearings? Roller bearings are larger, yet still engineered with the same cylindrical design between inner and outer rings.
• When are plain ball bearings used? Frequently plain ball bearings are used in linear types of applications, where they can handle large loads while still maintaining optimal performance.
• What is your recommended brand for pillow block bearings? Fafnir is one of our top brands for pillow block bearings. This company operates under the globally popular Timken umbrella.
• Are pillow blocks used in mining, heavy manufacturing, and construction? Plummer blocks are more frequently used in those fields. Pillow block bearings are used in less industrial settings.
• What are pillow blocks made out of? Pillow blocks are most often made from grey cast iron or cast steel