Bearings are a vital part of every piece of moving machinery. They play a variety of roles dependent upon design, function and operational activity. Bearings are essentially designed to reduce friction occurring between moving parts, allowing for free linear movement or free rotation around a fixed axis.

Fast and efficient bearing supplier

As a leading bearing supplier BE Transmission has structured our bearings service around the needs of our customers. We supply an extensive range of bearings, of differing designs, sizes, functions and brands.

Comprehensive stockholding means we can supply quickly and efficiently to our customers across the UK, usually within 24 hours.

We supply into industries including oil and gas, food and drink manufacturing, heavy industry, agriculture, chemicals, mining, shipping, transport and utilities.

Specialist bearing sourcing service

In addition, as an independent supplier, we offer a specialist service sourcing bearings which may be difficult to locate or even obsolete. We source bearings from around the world, enabling our customers to minimise downtime and keep plant and equipment operational.

We supply a full range of bearings designed for differing applications, including:-

Ball bearings

Ball bearings are spherical units using rolling elements to reduce rotational friction. Rolling elements ensure a reduced coefficient of friction and transmit the loads through the balls, using two or more races, of which one is stationary and the other attached to the hub or shaft.

Roller bearings

Roller bearings are cylindrical in shape, and designed to ensure reduced friction of movement. In general, roller bearings have more points of contact than ball bearings, providing increased stability and greater load capacities.

Needle bearings

Needle bearings are smaller and lighter roller bearing assemblies, generally used to reduce friction between moving surfaces operating at lower rotational speeds. These compact bearings are specified where space may be at a premium. They can offer significant technical advantages in certain applications, especially where space and weight are significant considerations. High length to diameter ratio means they can handle relatively heavy loads.

Linear bearings

Linear bearings are typically used in applications including sliding doors, 3D printers, robotics and instrumentation systems. They are designed to support a load during single-axis linear movements, providing reduced friction for sliding surfaces. Linear bearings are available as plain linear bearings or rolling linear bearings.

Pillow block/plummer block bearings

Pillow block or plummer block bearings consist of a cast iron or steel block housing a bearing. This block is mounted on a base and a shaft is passed through. The bearing then allows the inner section to rotate. The shaft is normally secured using additional set screws or locking collars.

Pillow blocks are usually specified for more lightweight applications, with plummer blocks selected for applications requiring more power and capacity.

Self-lubricating bearings

Self-lubricating bearings are impregnated with either solid or liquid lubricants. They work by transferring microscopic amounts of material to the opposite surface, creating a film which reduces friction around the moving parts. Self-lubricating bearings reduce maintenance requirements and keep frictional forces consistent throughout. They eliminate the potential for contaminants which can be present in grease and oil, which can damage the bearing’s action and efficacy.

Find out more about our bearings supply and sourcing capabilities.