What are Slewing Rings?
Slewing rings are a type of bearing that can handle axial, radial and moment loads. They are used in a variety of applications such as cranes, excavators, wind turbines and more. Slewing ring barrings have the appearance of a roller or ball that has two or more centric rings. In order to aquire the right slewing ring bearing for your next project, one should consider multiple factors such as the weight of the load you plan on adding onto the barring, the frequency of oscillating movements that the barrer should be expected to withstand, and the torque that is going to be applied to the gears of your system or application.
Most importatly, you should consider the manufacturer you plan to actually purchase your bearings from. Working alongside the right manufacturer will ensure that the process that goes into crafting your barrings will encompass the right materials and features that are fit for your specific needs. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll explore the top ten slewing ring bearing manufactures in the world that can help assist you with your next project.
1. IMO Group
One of the top slewing ring bearer manufacter in the world is t he IMO
Group. This company specializes in producing large diameter anti-friction bearings and ready-to-install self-contained slew drives. They have been supplying satisfied customers with slewing rings and slew drives that meet their needs perfectly since 1988.
The IMO Group offers a product called the slew drive. This drive is able to replace slewing rings that need to be combined with a wide range of parts. Using the drive can help those using a slewing rings save time from the frustrating task of mounting different parts of their barrings together.
2.Igus
Igus is a German manufacturer with more than 50 years of experience.The company is known for high-performance polymer bearings and motion components.
lgus’s bearings are said to be made out of material that is 80% lighter than steel and thus costs 40% less than traditional bearings.The company’s slewing ring bearings are resistant to temperatures up to 392°F.
3.ThyssenKrupp
Thyssenkrupp Rothe Erde is a global leader in heavy-duty large-diameter slewing bearings.The company specializes in producing bearing for industries that encompany industrial engineering and steel production.
Accoriding to their website, ThyssenKrupp is able to provice segmented bearings with a diameter of up to 25,000 mm.
ThyssenKrupp houses production facilities worldwide and specifically in regions such as Asia, Europe and America.
4.NSK Global
This is a Japanese based company that specializes in producing bearings that are built to be able to withstand intense force and moment loads that encorporate wide diameters.
The company’s slewing ring barrings are stated to be able to facilitate grease replenishment to reduce friction and wear with a clean supply of lubricant.
NSK’s team of designers are able to custom fit their customers bearing to specific preferences.Bearings are able to be designed with internal, external, or no integrated gearing.
5. Kaydon Bearings (SKF Group)
Kaydon, part of the SKF Group, is a well-known manufacturer of slewing ring bearings for cranes, hoists, wind turbines and robotics.Key series include HS and MT series.
HS series bearings have rectangular cross-sections that are able to provide twice the load capacity as apposed to other bearings.
HS slewing ring bearings range in size from 20″ to 47″ (500 mm to 1,200 mm).
6.TWG Dover
TWG Dover is a global supplier of winches, hoists, and integrated drive systems.Slewing bearings are supplied as part of their lifting and rotating solutions.
The companies’s bearings have the capacity to measure up to 6 feet in diameter and have bending movement up to 3M ft-lbs (4MNm).And the bearing can be customized to come with internal, external, or no gear teeth.
7.Schaeffler Group (FAG / INA)
Schaeffler is a top global automotive and industrial supplier, with premium slewing bearing solutions under FAG and INA.This manufacturing company produces bearings for the automotive, aerospace, and industrial industry. They pride themselvles on on creating slewing ring barrings for products that include engines, transmissions, and chassis applications.
When it comes to producing parts for large systes like wind turnbines, the Schaffler group places their barrings through advance calculations and simulation programs to ensure that the components are working at the most optimum level.
8. La Leonessa
La Leonessa is a top Italian slewing ring manufacturer, widely recognized in the construction, marine, and wind energy industries. It offers a comprehensive range of single-row, double-row, and triple-row roller slewing bearings, and is known for high-quality gear cutting and advanced heat treatment that ensure bearing durability and precision. Additionally, it has strong custom capabilities to tailor solutions to customers’ specific needs.
9.NTN Corporation
NTN Corporation is a major Japanese bearing manufacturer that offers a complete lineup of slewing ring bearings suitable for construction and industrial machinery. It boasts stable product quality and high load capacity, and provides custom gear designs and sealing solutions to meet diverse customer needs, supported by a global service and support network.
10.ANTEX
ANTEX is an established manufacturer with over 50 years of experience in producing forged rings and slewing bearings. It provides internal-toothed, external-toothed, and non-toothed slewing rings, with outer diameter ranges of 699 mm – 2840 mm for internal gear, 720 mm – 2640 mm for external gear, and 474 mm – 2500 mm for non-tooth slewing rings.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked into the top ten slewing ring bearing manufacturers in the world. Making sure to be open to the manufacturer you choose when informating them of the requirements,specifications, and budget for the
barrings needed for of your next project will ensure that they will have the right information they need to be able produce your high-quality parts.




