A new range of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) compliant ball bearing units has been launched offering users enhanced performance in general use applications such in material handling, agriculture and food and beverage industries.

SKF has released a new, competitive range of JIS compliant ball bearing units for the European market that builds on the success of the company's recently launched JIS compatible UC offer for Asia. The new UC range is supplied as standard with two types of locking systems, a well proven sealing design and superior machined features, and will be available with full after-sales support through SKF's global distribution network.

UC bearings offer optimised protection against contaminants and washdown in comparison to similar competitor product offers. The locking mechanisms make the UC range an ideal choice for material handling conveyors, where their excellent locking strength and resistance to contaminant ingress ensures a longer, lower maintenance- service life. Other prime applications for these bearings include air handling systems, packaging machines and fitness equipment.

UC ball bearing units offer high levels of protection against contaminants due to a well proven sealing system, which comprises an integral single-lip inner seal and an external deflector fitted to the inner ring to maximise the sealing function.

In addition, the units are designed with a 120 degree angled grub screw locking system (*) for applications that require an even more precise shaft balance at higher speeds, or where vibration may be an issue.

Unlike some competing products, the UC bearing housings feature solid bases and feet to minimise the possibility of contaminant build-up; this is particularly important where cleanliness is an application consideration. Moreover, to comply with prevailing Health & Safety regulations, or to improve protection against the ingress of contaminants in particularly dirty working environments, UC flanged and take-up units can be supplied with optional polypropylene end covers.

A variety of housing styles is offered, including pillow block, short base pillow block, flanged (square, oval or round formats with two-, three- and four-bolt mounting options), and take-up (for linear motion applications). In addition to the UC cylindrical bore with 120 degree angled grub screw arrangement (*), an alternative tapered bore with adapter sleeve is also available in this new series.

The new SKF UC JIS compliant range has rolled out in February 2019, with full availability across the range, either from stock or via special order, by March 2019.