Introduction
WireX® wire race bearings are designed for applications where weight savings and corrosion resistance are critical. Introduced by Kaydon Bearings in the 1970s, these bearings offer the load capacity of steel bearings with 60% less weight, making them suitable for both military and commercial uses.

Specifications
WireX bearings feature stainless steel wire raceways within aluminum or steel support rings. This design not only reduces weight but also enhances tolerance to non-rigid or out-of-flat mounting structures, minimizing increases in rotational torque. The bearings are corrosion-resistant due to their stainless steel wire and rolling elements, and anodized aluminum support rings. They are thermally compatible with support rings and mounting structures, available in sizes with outer diameters up to 165 inches and bores down to 20 inches. Typical radial and axial runouts are .010 inches, and gear teeth can be cut in the inner or outer ring.

Design Configurations
WireX bearings are available in various configurations, often custom-designed to support specific combinations of thrust, radial, and moment loads. Common designs include:

• Cross-roller (bi-angular) – alternating rollers from one axis of rotation to another.
• 2-row roller – two rows of rollers on three wires.
• 3-row roller – combinations of thrust and radial rollers.
• Custom designs – including double-row roller bearings and ball bearings.

Applications
WireX bearings are used in a variety of applications such as missile launchers, tank ground combat vehicles, shipboard guns, and light armored vehicles (LAV).

Materials and Coatings
Materials used in WireX bearings include steel and aluminum for bearing rings, 440C stainless steel for rollers, and precipitation-hardened stainless steel for wires. Coatings available include anodized (MIL-A-8625), electroless nickel (SAE AMS-C-26074), phosphate (MIL-DTL-16232), and paint (MIL-C-53039).

Seals and Lubrication
Seals are made from materials such as nitrile, neoprene, silicon, fluorocarbon, or EPDM, with styles including face-riding or garter spring land-riding. Lubrication options include MIL-PRF-81322, MIL-PRF-23827, and MIL-G-21164.

Additional Offerings
Kaydon Bearings also offers slewing ring bearings, thin section bearings, and remanufactured bearings. Slewing ring bearings are available in various configurations and sizes, while Reali-Slim® thin section bearings provide high dynamic capacity in a compact size. Remanufactured bearings are restored to perform like new with a full-year warranty.

Contact Information
For more information, Kaydon Bearings Division can be contacted at their Muskegon, Michigan, and Avon, Ohio locations, with contact details provided for inquiries.