WHY AISI 316 STAINLESS?
KMS Bearings Inc. manufactures radial ball bearings utilizing type 316 stainless  which provides superior corrosion resistance when compared to conventional 440 stainless bearings. AISI 316 is more resistant to atmospheric and general corrosive conditions than any of the other standard stainless steels. 316 stainless is widely used in the food and medical industries. Bearings produced from this type of steel can run in liquids or can run dry at slow speeds.

Eight Good Reasons to use them

BEARING CONSTRUCTION
Machined semi-precision rings, polymer cages, and grade 100 type 316 stainless balls are used in the manufacture of KMS Stainless Ball Bearings. This type of bearing is intended primarily to reduce friction and permit free movement of turning parts. They are best suited for moderate loads and slow speeds.

MATERIALS
RINGS:
AISI 316 stainless, non-magnetic, unground semi-precision.

BALLS:
Standard balls are AISI 316. When necessary, other types of balls are available on a special order basis.

BALL RETAINER (CAGE):
Standard ball retainers are acetal. For increased chemical compatibility polypropylene can be provided. When higher heat capability is required, bearings can be manufactured with either a high temperature polymer cage or without a cage.

SHIELDS/SEALS:
Open design is standard. Polymer shields and seals can be provided on a special order basis.

LUBRICATION:
KMS supplies the bearings with a light proprietary oil that reduces friction and noise, and is non contaminating in most applications. When necessary, special order lubricants can be provided.

TEMPERATURE: 180°F
For higher temperature capability consult KMS.

Eight Good Reasons to Use Them:

1. SUPERIOR CORROSION RESISTANCE:
Most bearings failures today are caused by corrosion. A KMS 316 stainless bearings can be utilized in environments destructive to conventional units.

2. CAN BE WASHED DOWN:
They can be washed down without the penalty of having to re-lube to prevent rust.

3. CAN RUN IN LIQUIDS:
Due to the materials used our bearings and housings can run in liquids.

4. MADE FROM FOOD + MEDICAL GRADE MATERIALS (FDA + NSF)

5. CAN RUN DRY IN SLOWER SPEEDS:
AISI 316 Stainless do not require oil or grease for corrosion protection. Therefore, if the speed and load are low there is no need for lubrication.

6. NON MAGNETIC STAINLESS
Austenitic stainless steels, like AISI316, usually are not considered to be magnetic materials.^[1] The basic composition of the metal is a 18-8 chromium-nickel with molybdenum additive.

7. HYGIENIC:
Bearing from AISI 316 Stainless and are naturally clean because they do not corrode or require lubrication in certain applications.

8. HIGH HEAT CAPABILITY:
316 Stainless bearings fitted with high temperature polymer cage or without a cage in a full complement construction, can run at higher temperatures ranging from 180° F to 1000°F. Contact KMS for details.

Reference:

1. Boyer, Howard E., and Timothy L. Gail, eds. Metals Handbook Desk Edition. Ohio: American Society for Metals. 1985