High Speed Dental Bearings
Dentists and hygienists desire handpiece equipment that allows them to perform at their peak. Dental equipment manufactures and maintenance technicians look for durability and reliability.
With dental handpieces that can operate at speeds approaching 500K RPM, the tiny, yet critical component is the high speed dental bearings. Design features must address bearing noise, vibration, and operational life.
Using ball steel of high quality is important, such as 440C stainless steel with evenly spaced carbides. Silicon nitride (ceramic) balls or titanium coated 440C stainless steel balls may be used in applications requiring high speed dental bearings.
Assembled high speed dental bearing units feature:
- machined parts ground to precision tolerances (ABEC standards)
- smooth polish and shiny finish
- full-shoulder design to prevent disassembly
Anit-friction lubricants are:
- food-safe oils and grease
- autoclave resistant
- life-extending
Phenolic and Torlon (polyamide-imide) retainers are built for the rigors of daily dental handpiece care and maintenance. A successful bearing manufacturer will provide a bearing that is forgiving under short term, lube-starved conditions until proper maintenance is performed.
Retainer designs incorporate:
self-lubrication
specialty component materials
non-contacting shields
Finding a manufacturer that has ready for use high speed dental bearings in their stocking inventory, can produce bearings with short lead times, and has a design team to meet innovative needs is the key to success.
Customization may include:
- flanges
- intricate lubrication grooves
- O-ring housings
