How to Choose a Bearing Housing Material

Grey cast iron: the standard choice

Most pillow block and flange housings are grey cast iron. It is rigid, machines well, damps vibration and costs less than steel. Standard cast iron suits indoor machinery, conveyors and general industrial use.

Ductile (nodular) cast iron for shock loads

Where housings face impact, vibration or repeated reversing loads, ductile iron is stronger and less brittle than grey iron. It is often specified for crushers, vibrating screens and heavy conveying equipment.

Cast steel and stainless steel

Cast steel housings carry very high loads and suit welded structures. Stainless steel resists corrosion and is chosen for food, chemical and washdown environments.

Thermoplastic housings

Plastic housings are light, non-corroding and quiet. They suit light loads and clean, low-temperature applications, not heavy loads or high heat.

How to decide

Check three things before choosing:

• Match the material to the maximum load and shock the housing will see.
• Above 100 °C, check the material and grease grade together.
• For washdown, outdoor or coastal duty, choose corrosion-resistant materials or protective coatings.