Pillow blocks are usually referred to the housings which have a bearing fitted into them and thus the user need not purchase the bearings separately. Pillow blocks are usually mounted in cleaner environments and generally are meant for lesser loads of general industry. 

The fundamental application of both types is the same which is to mount bearings safely enabling their outer ring to be stationary while allowing rotation of the inner ring. The housing is bolted to a foundation through the holes in the base. Bearing housings are either split type or unsplit type. Split type housings are usually two piece housings where the cap and base can be detached, while certain series are one single piece housings. Various seals are provided to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the housing. Thus the housing provides a clean environment for the expensive bearings to freely rotate, hence increasing their performance and duty cycle.

Bearing housings are usually made of grey cast iron. However various grades of metals can be used to manufacture the same.




Different types of bearing housings

1)Pillow blocks – these include UCP, HCP, UCLP, UKP, UCPX, and UKPX. 

These mounted bearings are used when support for a rotating shaft axis is required. Their design enables them to support the shaft in operations where the mounting surface is parallel to the shaft axis. 

2)Flange type– includes UCF, HCF, UKF, UCFX, UKFX, UCFU, UCFC, UKFC, UCFS, UCFL, UKFL, UCFT. 

The flange type bearing housing comes in various shapes and styles such as square, round, and rhombus flange types. 

3)Take-up units type - UCT, HCT, and UKT. 

These bearing housings have an inner surface which is concave sphered hence the bearing used has a convex sphered outer surface. They are designed to permit moderate initial misplacement. Widely used in conveyor chains and conveyor belts. A sliding slot at the side of the housing facilitates the free movement of the unit. 

4)Cartridge type – UCC, HCC, and UKC.

This type of bearing housing has a cylindrical outer perimeter hence the bearing outer bore is spherical. The entire unit allows free movement in the axial direction and is self-aligning. This type can be used as free side bearings for long shafts because they are capable of accommodating shaft expansion or contraction due to temperature differences. Also suitable where there is adjustment of the axial direction is required. 

5)Light duty types  SAFD, SBFD, SAFW, SBFW, SALF, and SBLF. 



Pillow block application:

Pillow block used for agricultural machinery , transportation systems or construction machinery , textile machinery , ceramics machinery