Bearings for steel and metallurgical industry: rolling mills, overhead cranes and roller conveyors

Bearings for steel and metallurgical industry operate under severe conditions: heavy loads, impacts, high temperatures, variable speeds and presence of scale, water and dust. Therefore, selecting the correct bearing is critical to avoid unplanned downtime and ensure production continuity.

At MR Accesorios Industriales, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, we supply bearings and transmission components for this sector. We work with recognized brands such as SKF, FAG, LINK-BELT and TIMKEN, and we advise you to choose the right model according to the application.

Below, we review the main equipment in the metallurgical industry and the bearings they typically use, along with example codes you can request a quote for.

Rolling mills transform steel into sheets, profiles or bars using rolls that apply enormous compression forces. The bearings of work and backup rolls must withstand very high radial loads and, in some cases, considerable axial loads.

For these applications, spherical roller bearings and cylindrical roller bearings are mainly used. Spherical roller bearings, such as 22325 or 22361 from SKF, compensate for misalignment and support combined loads. Cylindrical roller bearings, such as N3055 from SKF or SL182226 from FAG, offer high radial load capacity and allow axial displacement.

Four-row bearings or machined cages are also used for maximum robustness. If you need to replace a rolling mill bearing, send us the code or dimensions and we will quote the alternative.

Overhead cranes in the metallurgical industry move heavy loads such as ladles, ingots or coils. Travel wheels and hoisting tackles require bearings that withstand radial and axial loads, with high reliability and low friction.

Spherical roller bearings are often used in crane wheels, as they tolerate mounting misalignment and structural deflections. For example, 20222-MB from FAG or 22318 from LINK-BELT are typical options. For hoisting tackles, axial and radial bearings are combined according to the design.

In addition, SNL split housings, such as SNL 211 or SNL 216 from SKF, facilitate the mounting and maintenance of these bearings on long shafts. We also supply covers and accessories for these housings, such as TS 34 or TS 52 from SKF.

Roller conveyors move sheets, billets or semi-finished products along the production line. The rollers rotate at moderate speeds but withstand constant radial loads and sometimes impacts from falling material.

In these equipments, ball or roller bearings are used depending on the load and roller diameter. For medium loads, deep groove ball bearings such as 6217 from LINK-BELT are common. For higher loads, cylindrical roller bearings such as 5326 from LINK-BELT or SL183018 from FAG are used.

Proper lubrication is key: high-temperature greases or oils as appropriate. We also supply greases and lubrication systems for these applications.

SNL split housings are the most used mounting base for insert bearings in the metallurgical industry. They allow quick mounting and dismounting of the bearing without disassembling the entire shaft, reducing maintenance times.

In our catalog you will find SKF SNL housings, such as SNL 211 and SNL 216, and a wide range of covers and accessories: blind covers, seal covers, locking rings and adapter sleeves. For example, TS 34 and TS 52 from SKF, or LO519 and VR317 from TIMKEN.

These components are critical to protect the bearing from contamination and retain lubrication. If you are assembling a complete housing, we quote the assembly according to the shaft diameter.

In addition to bearings, roller chains are used in steelmaking to drive conveyors, roller tables and other mechanisms. Chains must be robust and resistant to wear from dust and high temperatures.

We supply roller chains of various series and pitches, suitable for heavy loads. Also couplings to connect motors to gearboxes or shafts, absorbing misalignments and vibrations.

If you need to replace a chain or coupling, send us the photo or code and we will indicate the compatible alternative.

Lubrication is essential in the metallurgical industry: high temperatures, extreme loads and contamination require special greases or high-viscosity oils. Inadequate lubrication is a frequent cause of premature bearing failures.

We work with greases and lubricants from recognized brands, suitable for high temperatures, impact loads and humid or dusty environments. We advise you on the selection according to the application: rolling mill bearings, crane wheels, etc.

We also supply lubrication accessories such as grease nipples and automatic systems. Ask us about the right grease for your equipment.