Medical Bearings

The Medical Technology sector develops advanced equipment for diagnostics, treatment, and patient care, including imaging systems (CT/MRI), surgical instruments, and prosthetics. Bearings in these applications demand exceptional precision, smooth and quiet operation, reliability, and often miniaturization to meet stringent medical standards. These critical components ensure the accurate movement and positioning vital for patient safety and effective treatment.

Home / Industries / Medical Bearings

Medical bearing applications

Bearing Solutions in Medical Devices

Surgical Robot Joints Bearings: Enabling precise manipulation for minimally invasive procedures.

Medical Imaging System Bearings: Ensuring smooth and accurate scanning and patient positioning.

Infusion Pump Mechanisms Bearings: Providing reliable, consistent fluid delivery control.

Laboratory Analyzer Bearings: Supporting accurate sample handling and movement.

Prosthetic Joint Bearings: Allowing natural and durable motion for patients.

Precision and Miniature Bearings for Compact Devices

Space is extremely limited in devices such as micro surgical instruments, diagnostic probes and portable pumps.

Small bearings, including tiny ball bearings and miniature ball bearings, are essential. For example, micro motors in electric surgical forceps and electric blades require micro bearings to ensure high speed and smooth rotation.

In addition, some micro devices and minimally invasive surgeries also require the support of small bearings. For example, micro pumps use high-precision miniature bearings to transport drugs or blood to ensure the smoothness of patients’ vital signs during surgery.

Stainless Steel Bearings, Plastic Bearings, and Ceramic Bearings

Stainless steel bearings can withstand high operating temperatures, and some models can work stably in steam sterilizers (121°C~134°C). Importantly, stainless steel materials have excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance, especially suitable for disinfection and sterilization environments common in medical devices. Additionally, some stainless steel bearings, such as those made from 316 stainless steel, are non-magnetic or very weakly magnetic, making them suitable for equipment like MRI machines and avoiding interference in magnetic field-sensitive environments.

In addition, plastic bearings are inherently corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic. They are suitable for guides, low-load components, or areas that require single-use or specific sterilization methods (except high-temperature autoclave sterilization). Components such as plastic rollers or simple pivots in guide systems are examples of plastic materials that provide functional advantages based on specific medical needs.

Ceramic bearings are also a solution for applications sensitive to magnetic fields, like MRI machines, or those requiring electrical insulation. Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or other rare ceramic compounds typically form the bearings used in medical environments.

Precision bearings in medical mobility systems

Modern prostheses need to be able to replicate the complex movements of human joints. Our precision ball bearings can help patients achieve knee or elbow movement with prosthetic limbs.

Medical exoskeletons are a type of support outside the patient’s body that helps paralyzed patients walk. They use sensors and control systems to provide auxiliary forces and use electric motors or hydraulic systems to provide power.

Ball bearings are used in rotating joints (such as shoulders and elbows).

Needle bearings are used in areas that are subject to greater pressure, such as knees or ankles.

Some heavy exoskeletons or joints that require shock absorption use plain bearings because they slide on lubricated surfaces and are shock-resistant.

In addition, spherical bearings allow multi-directional movement and are often used to mimic human spherical joints.

Have a Question?

SPEAK WITH AN EXPERIENCED TEAM MEMBER

About TFL BEARINGS

TFL Bearings (www.sdtflbearing.com), parent company of the TFL Group, was founded in Shan Dong in 1991. As a leading bearing!y supplier, we are dedicated toonal giants and individualproviding professional bearing solutions. With over 30 years of industry expertise, we have collaborated with international industry and environmental enterprises alike. We possess rich experience in various industries, tailoring optimal bearing solutions based on our clients. TFL BEARING upholds stringent quality control in production. Our factory in Ningbo is IATF16949 certified, ensuring that our bearings meet the highest production quality standards. We comply with RoHS and REACH environmental standards and undergo SGS inspections. With a dedicated automated quality testing, research, and development team; 40 fully automated production lines; an independent heat treatment plant; and 100 pieces of equipment, TFL Bearings is committed to delivering excellence. To date, we have assisted over 50 countries, and numerous businesses are our partners, providing the most currency. TFL is committed to assisting corporate clients in reducing trial and error costs, enhancing production efficiency

Inch Size Miniature Ball Bearings

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the key material options for medical bearings, and what are their advantages?

Common materials include stainless steel bearings (for corrosion resistance and sterilization, like in steam sterilizers), ceramic bearings (for non-magnetic properties, electrical insulation, and use in MRI environments), and plastic bearings (for corrosion resistance, non-magnetic needs, low loads, or specific sterilization methods).

Can medical bearings withstand sterilization processes?

Yes, the ability to withstand sterilization is crucial. Stainless steel bearings, particularly certain grades like 316, are designed to endure high-temperature steam sterilization (autoclaving) and chemical disinfection common in medical settings. Other materials like certain plastics are suitable for alternative sterilization methods or single-use applications.

How is lubrication typically handled for bearings in medical equipment?

Lubrication varies. Some bearings use specialized medical-grade greases or oils. In sensitive applications, non-lubricated ceramic bearings or self-lubricating plastic bearings or plain bearings might be chosen. Sealed bearings help retain lubricant and prevent external contamination.

Are bearings used in medical devices required to be biocompatible?

Yes, for applications involving contact with bodily fluids or implantation within the body, bearings must utilize materials and potentially lubricants that are certified as biocompatible to ensure patient safety and prevent adverse reactions.

NEWS

Why Super Precision Angular Contact Ball Bearings Deliver Unmatched Performance

Discover the unmatched advantages of super precision angular contact ball bearings that boost performance in high-demand applications. Learn more at TFL....

OUR PROCESS

Contact

Initial Contact

01

Budgeting

Specialists Review
Needs

02

Options

Our Engineers Help YouChoose The RightBearings

03

Plant Visit

Option To Visit OurManufacturing Plant

04

Delivery

Your entire order is
delivered.

05

Support

We provide ongoingproduct support

Medical Bearings

Medical bearing applications

Bearing Solutions in Medical Devices

Precision and Miniature Bearings for Compact Devices

Stainless Steel Bearings, Plastic Bearings, and Ceramic Bearings

Precision bearings in medical mobility systems

SPEAK WITH AN EXPERIENCED TEAM MEMBER

About TFL BEARINGS

Common Robotics & Automation Bearings

Metric Size Miniature Flanged Ball Bearings

Metric Size Standard Miniature Ball Bearings

Miniature Flanged Ball Bearings With Extended Inner Ring

Miniature Ball Bearings with Extended Inner Ring

Inch Size Miniature Flanged Ball Bearings