US Synthetic Bearings Site

Radial Bearings

Our PDC bearings carry the radial, or side loads, in down-hole drilling tools.  Currently, tool manufacturers are using tungsten carbide or other metal radial bearings.  PDC bearings offer a more abrasive resistant bearing with the potential to increase tool life, reliability, and side load carrying capacity. 

PDC radial bearings from US Synthetic are comprised of two components: a rotating bearing ring and a non-rotating bearing ring.  The non-rotating ring is often fixed to the tool housing and the rotating ring is typically attached to the tool drive shaft.  The bearing rings are comprised of PDC inserts that are radially spaced around the outside diameter of the inner ring and around the inside diameter of the outer ring. 

Our radial bearings deliver:

• LIFE - longer tool life
• LENGTH - compact and robust design
• LOAD - increased load capacity

Radial loads in the tool generally results in frictional heat generation in the bearing.  Although the coefficient of friction in our radial bearings (.05 to .08) is low compared to that of metal-type bearings, it is still necessary to remove the heat generated by friction.  Heat dissipation is normally accomplished using a fluid flowing through the bearings.  In down-hole drilling tools, the drilling mud serves as the radial bearing coolant.   

The customer success of our radial bearings has primarily focused on down-hole drilling tools; however, there are a number of applications outside of drilling and the oil and gas industry that shows great potential.  

For more information on US Synthetic radial bearings and down hole drilling components, contact us today or read more about our technology advantage.