Ball bearings used in dental highspeed handpieces reduce rotational friction to allow the spindle/chuck assembly in the turbine cartridge (and the bur, when inserted) to spin at speeds from 250,000 to 500,000 rpms. This makes the highspeed dental turbine one of the fastest rotating devices in the world.
The highspeed ball bearing is comprised of:
A. Outer ring or outer race B. Inner ring or inner race C. Cage or retainer or separator D. Balls E. Shield
Common dental ball bearing designs
Angular contact
Radial or deep-groove
Angular Contact
Outer ring has full shoulders and inner ring has a relieved and unrelieved shoulder. Features symmetrical cages that enhance performance and extend bearing life as each ball is fully supported and completely surrounded by the cage. Must be axially preloaded with springs or o-rings to ensure contact with the full unrelieved shoulder.
Angular Contact vs Radial Ball Bearings
Angular Contact
Quieter operation and longer life
Higher cost
Should be handled by experienced technician
OEM preferred design
Radial Contact
Widely available
Lower cost
Easy to handle and install
Repair and third-tier manufacturer preferred
Balls
The balls roll between the inner and outer rings and can be made of steel or ceramic-hybrid.
Cage
Also called retainer or separator. Secures ball position between the 2 rings. It can be made of various materials (e.g. PAEK, Torlon, Phenolic). When the cage breaks, the bearing fails.
Cage Materials
PAEK
PPS
Discontinued
Phenolic
Torlon
XTRAlon
Deep-groove
See Radial
Extend High Speed Dental Bearings
Extend high speed dental bearings provide the highest quality performance made to match or exceed the OEM specifications. With premium features like angular contact cages, ceramic balls and upgraded lubricants the Extend bearings is your go to for high end dental handpiece bearings replacement.
German manufactured
Unique designs to match OEM-bearings used in premium model high speed handpieces
Next-gen angular contact designs incorporate special features to match or exceed OEM performance
Available only with ceramic balls
New generation cage material for maximum life, sustained autoclave resistance, and optimized performance under marginal lubrication
Infused with premium lubricant developed for high end, high speed dental handpieces
Supplied as singles
Inner ring or inner race
Inner portion of the ball bearing made of steel that press fitted onto the spindle/chuck and rotates along with the balls and the spindle/chuck assembly.
Outer ring or outer race
The balls roll between the inner and outer rings and can be made of steel or ceramic-hybrid.
Perfection High Speed Bearings
Our Perfection high speed bearings were designed to offer the perfect balance between high quality build and reliability with a cost effective price point. They feature a PAEK (black) cage that are stronger and resist the sterilization process better than our older bearing design. With steel or ceramic options as well as a discount when buying in 10-packs these bearings are perfect for most high speed dental handpiece repairs.
German manufactured
Specifically designed for general use in high speed dental handpieces
Common design, radial (deep groove) for easier handling and installation
Available with either stainless steel or ceramic balls
New generation PAEK cage for longer life, high sterilization resistance, and acceptable performance in poor maintenance environments
Limited items with phenolic cage based on specific application requirements
Infused with special lubricant developed for high speed handpieces
Supplied as singles or in 10-piece multipacks at a lower per piece price
Separator
See cage
Shield
Helps prevent debris from entering the bearings and helps keep lubricant in.
Welded Slinger
Reduces suckback and minimizes debris entering bearing (need technical details about how many points of attachment and how better vs pressed slinger).
XTRAlon
Helps prevent debris from entering the bearings and helps keep lubricant in.
XTRALube
Lubricant developed by GRW that optimizes lubrication conditions for highspeed applications ensuring adequate lubrication for the lifetime of the bearing.