The SKF company Kaydon has developed a series of thin-walled Reali-Slim bearings that are used in industrial robots for various purposes.

The need for bearings for robotics continues to grow. Light and compact bearings that are not afraid of contamination are necessary for this area. Lower weight allows robots to maximize load capacity and reduce inertia, improving the response of the device and optimizing energy costs.

Kaydon has more than 75 years of engineering development experience and is now one of the world leaders in the production of high-precision bearing assemblies for robots used in industry, medicine, oil production, defense and aerospace.

Reali-Slim thin-walled bearings with low cross-sectional height are increasingly used in robotics to save space and weight. For example, Reali-Slim KA020CP0 is 83% lighter and 85% more compact than standard 6010 bearings.

Reali-Slim bearings do not increase in cross-section with increasing shaft diameter, while they provide accuracy and dynamic load-carrying capacity.

They are available in various types - radial, radial-thrust and four-point contact bearings. The latter perceive combined radial, axial and torque loads; they can replace two angular contact bearings, simplifying the overall design of the robot.

For the best combination of low torque and high stiffness, Kaydon offers preloaded duplex pairs to eliminate the need for adjustment with plates. Super duplexes are also available, with one common raceway (external or internal), and two parts with balls for applications requiring greater rigidity.

Kaydon thin-walled bearings are available in over 400 sizes and configurations. Popular options for use in robots include a stainless steel version and a special lubricant for working in vacuum. Kaydon also manufactures turntables, which are used in the hinge pivot robots. They provide exceptional rotational accuracy, payload and long life, offering comprehensive solutions (with holes for setscrews, seals, gears, etc.) that help save on materials and assembly.