Bearing removal simplified following SealMaster redesign

The new feature is available in both a medium 2 7/16-in.-and-up and standard 2 11/16-in.-and-up shaft sizes.

Regal Beloit Corp. launched the Time Saving axial groove in bore feature to the SealMaster Large Bore Performance Gold Line mounted ball bearing.

The new feature is available in both a medium 2 7/16-in.-and-up and standard 2 11/16-in.-and-up shaft sizes. The Time Saving axial groove in the inner ring bore allows for easier bearing removal, Regal Beloit says. This design provides clearance from the burr created by the setscrew used to lock the bearing to the shaft, which makes removal difficult and can cause damage to the shaft during removal.

This feature has no impact to ball path roundness, load and speed rating, strength or bearing performance, the company adds.

“Through years of customer discussions, onsite installation and removal observations, it was evident that the burr created by the setscrew had a significant impact on the time required to remove mounted bearings,” says Ian Rubin, director of marketing for bearings at Regal Beloit. “With time being a very valuable commodity in plant operation, we recognized the importance of developing a solution that reduces downtime and lost production, in turn potentially saving thousands of dollars.”

In addition to the time and related costs saved during bearing removal, the design reduces damage to the shaft, Regal Beloit adds. A reduction in damage to the shaft not only reduces the cost associated with repairing the shaft before reuse, but it can eliminate the cost of having to replace the shaft.