Features
- Frictionless
- Backlash Free
- Self Centering
- Repeatability
- Simple Installation
- Low Hysteresis
- Vacuum Applications
- Stock Items
- No Lubrication
- No Maintenance
- Indefinite Life
Uses
- Gimbals
- Tensioners
- Positioners
- Lever Actuators
- Sensors
- Optics
- Semi-Conductor
- Medical
- New Designs
- Continuous R & D
- Samples Available
Features
- Frictionless
- Backlash Free
- Self Centering
- Repeatability
- Simple Installation
- Low Hysteresis
- Vacuum Applications
- Stock Items
- No Lubrication
- No Maintenance
- Indefinite Life
Uses
- Gimbals
- Tensioners
- Positioners
- Lever Actuators
- Sensors
- Optics
- Semi-Conductor
- Medical
- New Designs
- Continuous R & D
- Samples Available
Cylindrical, Limited Rotational Bearing
The versatile pivot bearing can function as a simple oscillating unit or as a highly sensitive critical element, catering to diverse application needs.
- Known for its high radial and axial stiffness
- Available in low, medium, or high torsional spring rates
- Typically supports maximum deflection angles of +/-30°
- Torsional stiffness ranges from .0003 Lb-In/degree to 7.8023 Lb-In/degree
- Custom configurations available
Custom Alterations
Custom Bearings To Fit Your Needs
C-Flex Bearing Company offers a wide range of custom alterations to our standard pivot bearings. If a standard bearing does not meet your application’s needs, explore our available modifications to find a suitable option.
Versatile Applications
C-Flex bearings excel in applications requiring accuracy without backlash, friction, or wear, such as gimbals and gauge sensors where precise position measurement or force sensing is critical. They are ideal for workhorse applications, supporting heavy loads for years, like in vibrating hoppers.
Lever actuators and tensioners also benefit from these bearings. Additionally, optical and magnetic read/write heads gain from the constant, predictable spring rate, which is immune to the issues of starting versus moving torque.
We offer custom designs for applications requiring greater angular travel (up to +/-50°), heavy load capacities (over 1600 lbs.), and special materials such as Hast X and Titanium. Additionally, we cater to high-volume, low-cost production needs to meet diverse customer requirements.
Versatile Applications
C-Flex bearings excel in applications requiring accuracy without backlash, friction, or wear, such as gimbals and gauge sensors where precise position measurement or force sensing is critical. They are ideal for workhorse applications, supporting heavy loads for years, like in vibrating hoppers.
Lever actuators and tensioners also benefit from these bearings. Additionally, optical and magnetic read/write heads gain from the constant, predictable spring rate, which is immune to the issues of starting versus moving torque.
We offer custom designs for applications requiring greater angular travel (up to +/-50°), heavy load capacities (over 1600 lbs.), and special materials such as Hast X and Titanium. Additionally, we cater to high-volume, low-cost production needs to meet diverse customer requirements.
Advantages
The advantages of cross-flexure bearings are well-documented, particularly in replacing ball bearing pivots in optomechanical applications. One notable example is the scanning mirror assembly of a mass spectrometer, where C-Flex bearings have demonstrated superior performance. These bearings support two mirrors that scan laser beams across samples for analysis. Their lubrication-free, frictionless movement is perfect for environments where lubricant outgassing could contaminate optics, and they prevent wear-related movement errors during continuous limited rotation, ensuring precise and reliable operation.
How Does It Work?
The bearing consists of two stainless steel sleeves held in position by three leaf springs on two planes, eliminating friction as the sleeves do not contact each other. The springs provide self-centering pivotal action, requiring no lubrication or maintenance. An additional sleeve option is available for central mounting, creating a double end bearing with two pivotal arms (sizes AD to JD).
Life Expectancy of C-Flex Pivot Bearings
The torsional spring rate and load capacity of C-Flex bearings is dependent upon length, width, and thickness of the internal flat spring beams. High angles of rotation require thin springs to reduce bending stress and thereby result in low torsional spring rates and correspondingly small load capacities.
Cycle Life of C-Flex Pivot Bearings
The cycle life of C-Flex bearings is based upon the fatigue limit of the materials utilized for the spring beams. Bending and load stresses are considered in determining performance ratings which will statistically result in an infinite cycle life. The flexure design is suitable for a variety of materials such as stainless steels of the martinistic or precipitation hardening variety: inconel, hastelloy, and beryllium copper among others.
Technical Data
Get Started!
Ready to learn more about our products or place an order? Fill out the form below to inquire about obtaining C-Flex bearings. Our team will promptly respond with the information and assistance you need to get started. We look forward to helping you find the perfect solutions for your applications.
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