Higher Capacity Split Roller Bearing Set To Transform Industry

Bowman Advanced Split Roller Bearings

We are delighted to officially launch our Advanced Split Roller Bearing, a next-generation solution from a leading split roller bearing manufacturer. Designed for higher load applications across heavy industries, the new Bowman ADVANCED bearing delivers up to 75% higher radial load capacity and up to 1000% greater axial load capacity in both directions.

Introducing the Advanced Split Roller Bearing

Ideal for demanding applications across mining, quarrying, power generation, material handling, marine, and other heavy-duty sectors, this high-capacity split bearing is engineered to improve equipment reliability, extend bearing life, and reduce maintenance costs.

Our Technical Director, Ian Breeze, explains the significance of this latest innovation:

“For the first time, plant builders and maintenance engineers can specify a split roller bearing that does not rely on race lips alone to accommodate axial force in high-load applications. The new Bowman Advanced Split Roller Bearing comprises two independent 3D-printed axial bearings designed to accommodate greater loads, improving system performance with less maintenance and reducing unplanned machine failure.

In fact, compared to other market-leading split bearings, the Bowman Advanced Split Roller Bearing increases bearing L10 life by up to 500 per cent.”

Surpassing All Expectations

When developing this advanced split roller bearing, our goal was to exceed performance expectations in every aspect. The bearing incorporates a patented triple labyrinth extended seal, providing a tighter seal than conventional split bearings while reducing the need for costly shaft removal, machining, or replacement. Instead, engineers can simply install the extended seal onto an unworn section of the shaft, minimising downtime and maintenance costs.

Its exceptional split roller bearing load capacity, with significantly increased radial and axial capabilities, also allows it to replace solid spherical roller bearings in rotating machinery. This enables bearing replacement times that are up to ten times faster than conventional methods.

“When space is limited, engineers often need to disconnect coupling and move equipment such as motors, gearboxes, or pumps before they can remove solid bearings,” explains Ian.

“Split roller bearings can be assembled radially around the shaft, eliminating these logistical challenges and making maintenance significantly faster and more cost-effective. To further improve installation, the Bowman Advanced Split Roller Bearing uses the rollers to lock the two cage halves together, removing the need for small clips and other locking components.

Alongside its increased radial and axial load capacity, this heavy-duty split bearing offers several installation and performance enhancements, including larger diameter clamp ring screws, stronger cartridges and pedestals, and roller pockets with grease-retaining cavities for improved lubrication.

Retrofit into Existing Housings – Even from Competing Brands

As part of the Bowman Advanced Split Roller Bearing portfolio, we offer dimensionally interchangeable retrofit products that fit directly into existing bearing housings, including those from competing manufacturers. This allows customers to quickly upgrade to a high-capacity split bearing without modifying existing equipment. Additional IoT-enabled functionality and bespoke design adaptations are also available with fast lead times.

Ian concludes:

“Bowman is a proud innovator of bearing solutions that solve real industry issues. We are the first manufacturer to create a split roller bearing capable of increasing the lifespan and performance of high-axial systems and thanks to the production benefits of 3D printing, we have been able to deliver this product to market at a price point up to 20 per cent lower than other leading split bearings.”

For more information on the Bowman ADVANCED bearing, contact our team or explore our complete range of advanced split roller bearing solutions.