Many times a bearing is mounted into another part, such as a plastic pulley, sprocket, wheel or a mounted block. Utilizing the design concept of a plastic bearings, KMS Bearings, Inc., can integrate the mating component as the raceway of the bearing, ie: pulley as the outer ring, or the shaft as the inner ring. The end result is fewer parts, reduced assembly time, and overall lower cost.

For an example of actual integrated plastic race ball bearings click on special bearings and for an animated graphic of product integrating click on design flexibility.

plastic bearings become completely non magnetic when fitted with either polymer, glass, or non magnetic 316 stainless balls. They are ideal for use where there can be no magnetic distortion.

[plastic bearings] are naturally clean because they do not corrode or require lubrication. They are ideal for wash down applications and clean room environments. Plastics have the inherent ability to dampen vibrations. Add lubrication and they become virtually silent.

Plastics absorb shock loads better than metal due to their elastic nature. Many conventional radial ball bearings fail due to brinelling of the raceway, ie: balls denting the raceway. There are three reasons steel bearings require lubrication; to reduce friction, dissipate heat and resist corrosion. Plastic, by nature, does not corrode. Due to the design of plastic bearings, there is no metal to metal contact, resulting in less friction; therefore dissipating heat becomes less critical.

plastic bearings run freer and naturally have low inertia due to the low coefficient of friction between plastic and stainless. Two other factors contributing to low inertia are the ability to run without grease and being lighter in weight.Engineers often hesitate to use nsk Bearings in their designs, because they have trusted steel bearings for years or they just don't think plastics can handle demanding applications or environments. Plastic Bearings, however, can endure extreme temperatures, heavy loads and high speeds. Some other benefits to Plastic Bearings are listed below. 

Plastic Bearings can often lead to more freedom from maintenance. Their resistance to dirt, dust and chemicals make plastic bearings a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Plastic Bearings can reduce costs up to 25%. They can be highly wear resistance, with a low coefficient of friction and can replace more expensive alternatives in many applications. Plastic Bearings also do not typically need lubrication unless steel balls are used in combination with plastic races. Plastic bearings are designed to maintain a low coefficient of friction over the life of the bearing. Compared to steel bearings, which can become pitted and increase the coefficient of friction, plastic bearings many times last longer. And finally, timken Bearings can be used in wash-down applications, salt water and harsh chemicals without compromising performance. Water can even be considered as a lubricant for plastic bearings.