Plummer block units and pillow block bearings, are pedestal mounting bearing housings and consist of a mounting block which houses a bearing. The block is fixed to a base and a shaft is inserted which lets the inner part to rotate. To obtain a tight fit, the inside of the bearing is usually a little bit bigger than the shaft and set screws or locking collars can be used to secure the shaft. Plummer blocks and pillow blocks have a similar design and both use the same types of bearing but they do differ in respect to their applications. Pillow blocks are used for more lightweight applications and plummer blocks are used to transfer high power and support heavy industrial loads.

Plummer blocks and pillow blocks are designed to safely mount a bearing which lets its outer ring to not move but allows the inner ring to rotate. The housing is bolted by holes in the base and the bearing housings can be either split type (two piece housings) or solid type (single piece housings). Sealings provide dust and other contaminants from getting into the housing which allows the bearing to rotate in a clean space whilst retaining lubrication  (grease or oil) which helps increase its performance. Pillow block bearings can also contain different types of bearings which include ball, roller and tapered.

Plummer blocks and pillow blocks come in various sizes and they are usually made from cast iron or cast steel. At RS we stock a range of reliable and easy to install plummer blocks or pillow block bearings as well as bearing accessories to meet all your bearing solution requirements which allows machines and equipment to be used over and over for a long period of time.

Applications

Plummer blocks and pillow blocks are also referred to as a housed bearing unit which means that they are self-contained and greased and ready to be installed on your equipment. They are used in mechanical power transmission systems to support hafts and couplings and if installed properly they can last for a long time without the need to replace them. They are also available in various sizes to suit a wide range of applications including:

• Packaging equipment
• Conveyor systems
• Agricultural equipment
• Construction plant
• Heat treatment equipment