Flanged Slewing Bearings: When and Why to Use Them in Compact Rotating Applications

What Is a Flanged Slewing Bearing?

A flanged slewing bearing is a specialized type of slewing ring that integrates a flange—usually on either the inner or outer ring—into its design. The flange serves as a built-in mounting surface, allowing for simplified installation without additional mounting plates or housing structures. These bearings retain the core function of supporting axial, radial, and moment loads while offering improved alignment and space-saving benefits.

Flanged slewing bearings are especially popular in applications requiring compact structures, lightweight systems, and easy mounting. From robotics to aerial platforms, these precision components offer mechanical versatility and operational convenience.

Structural Advantages of Flanged Slewing Bearings

Flanged slewing bearings can be manufactured in multiple configurations:

Flange on Outer Ring: Easier to mount to static structures

Flange on Inner Ring: Preferred for rotating components

Dual-Flanged Design: Offers higher rigidity and symmetrical support

These bearings can be:

Gearless

Internally geared

Externally geared

Why Choose a Flanged Slewing Bearing?

Flanged slewing bearings are ideal when you need:

Compact Design

The integrated flange reduces the need for additional mounting components, saving space and weight.

Simplified Installation

No welding or complex housing required—just bolt-on mounting to existing structures.

High Positional Accuracy

Improved alignment and rigidity make them suitable for indexing or positioning tables.

Cost-Efficiency

Less fabrication required for housings or base structures translates into reduced system costs.

LDB Flanged Slewing Bearing Solutions

As a global manufacturer and supplier, LDB offers a wide range of high-quality flanged slewing bearings under its LDB-FL Series, designed to fit various industrial, automation, and energy applications.

Key Features of LDB-FL Series:

Outer Diameter Range: 200mm – 1600mm

Gear Types: External, Internal, or None

Bolt Hole Pattern: Customizable

Flange Position: Inner or Outer Ring

Materials: 50Mn or 42CrMo with raceway hardening

Sealing: Labyrinth or contact seals available

Customization Support:

CAD drawings with bolt alignment

Surface treatment options (phosphate, zinc, chrome)

Special lubricant or food-grade grease

Common Applications

Application TypeWhy Flanged Bearings Fit
Industrial RoboticsPrecise alignment in base joints
Medical EquipmentCompact and lightweight movement
Solar TrackersStreamlined structural connection
Aerial Work PlatformsLight weight, easy serviceability
Stage & Lighting SystemsSimple rotation mechanism
Food & Beverage MachinesSanitary, sealed construction

Installation Tips

Ensure bolt torque follows manufacturer specs to avoid deformation

Clean flange surface before assembly for best alignment

Use alignment pins in high-precision applications

Recheck gear mesh and preload after initial installation

Flanged Bearing vs Standard Slewing Bearing

FeatureFlanged BearingStandard Slewing Bearing
InstallationBolt-on, direct mountingRequires external mounting ring or plate
WeightLighter overallHeavier, depending on housing
Assembly TimeFasterRequires more setup
Common ApplicationsCompact/lightweight designHeavy machinery, cranes

Typical Price Range and Specifications

The price of flanged slewing bearings depends on size, flange location, and load rating. LDB offers competitive factory-direct pricing with customization support.

Size (Outer Diameter)Price Range (USD)Gear Option
200–600 mm$180 – $600Gearless or internal
600–1000 mm$600 – $1200External gear
1000–1600 mm$1200 – $2500+Custom gear profile

Supplier Note: LDB supports OEM orders, bulk purchasing discounts, and just-in-time shipping for industrial assembly lines.

Why Choose LDB as Your Manufacturer and Supplier?

Precision Manufacturing: Advanced CNC machining ensures concentricity and raceway accuracy

Material Quality: All raceways hardened to HRC 55–62

Flexible Engineering: Tailored flange size, gear ratio, and hole placement

Global Delivery: Fast shipping from China to Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia

Support Services: Drawing consultation, installation guidance, technical training

As both manufacturer and supplier, LDB delivers high-value flanged slewing bearings with reliability and responsiveness.

Conclusion

If your project requires compactness, fast installation, and precision rotation, flanged slewing bearings are the right fit. With LDB’s engineering support and high-performance product line, integrating these bearings into your machine architecture becomes simple and efficient.

Ready to get started? Contact LDB today to explore our flanged bearing catalog or request a customized quote.