When you're searching for take-up bearings, the options might feel a little overwhelming at first. But don't worry—help is here! We’ve simplified your choices down to just two main types. These types come in various sizes, so you can find exactly what you need for your project. Let’s dive into some essential information about take-up bearings.

Why Use Take-up Bearings?

We use bearings to minimize friction where metal components meet. Friction between metals leads to grinding, which ultimately wears down the metal over time. Bearings solve this issue by allowing the two metal parts to roll smoothly across each other rather than grinding harshly together. The rollers move along the smooth outer shell, taking on the load, which allows the machinery to spin efficiently. This load taken by the bearing is referred to as the "thrust" or "radial" load.

Where Are Take-up Bearings Used? Machinists commonly rely on take-up bearings to regulate and preserve the tension in conveyor belts. You’ll also find them in a variety of products such as fans, blowers, food processing equipment, and agricultural machinery.

What Are Take-up Bearings Made From?

Take-up bearings are manufactured in three primary forms: plain bearings, roller bearings, and ball bearings. Ball and roller bearings are typically made from carbon or stainless steel, whereas plain bearings are often made from plastics or bronze. One popular plastic used is Teflon, a registered trademark of DuPont Dow. Teflon belongs to a family of plastics called PFTE, which manufacturers favor due to its heat tolerance, chemical resistance, low leaching properties, and excellent lubrication capabilities.

Plain bearings control friction in both rotary and linear applications without rollers. In contrast, ball and roller bearings are designed specifically for rotary applications.

What Does a Take-up Bearing Assembly Look Like?

A take-up bearing comprises a housing attached to a take-up frame. The bearing moves along a track or slot within the housing. Housing materials are usually cast iron, while the take-up frame is typically made of steel.

The term "take-up" refers to adjusting the belt and chain lengths to ensure consistent tension. This adjustment is crucial when the belt stretches, shrinks, or wears out during operation. The take-up assembly includes a screw that helps position the assembly at the correct point on the frame. (Note: Ensure your take-up frame is long enough to increase tension when tightening the bearing screws.) A shaft connects two take-up bearings installed on either side of the assembly. To adjust the belt tension, you simply tighten the adjusting screw until the system functions correctly.

We offer two types of take-up bearings to cater to your construction requirements. Keep in mind that these bearings come in various sizes to suit the specific projects you have in mind.

• Type-E Series: The Type-E series of take-up bearings is a heavy-duty option featuring four set screws with an expanded interior ring attached to the shaft. It uses Timken Double Taper Roller Bearings housed in cast iron, complete with a grease fitting. This model excels in both radial and thrust performance.
• UCT200 Series: This take-up bearing is a standard-duty option with a wider inner ring and two set screws for attachment to the shaft. Its cast-iron housing also features a grease fitting.

If you'd like to discuss bearings further—or any other topic—feel free to reach out to us. We maintain a vast inventory of bearings, regularly updating it with new sizes and styles. Rest assured, we’re confident we can assist with all your bearing needs.