The bigger, the better? The new PRT-04

Anna-Theresa Schneider | 27. March 2020

In a world in which “the bigger, the better” is often used thoughtlessly, we will show you that this is not at all the case when it comes to our products. Our latest innovation in the area of PRT proves that small, compact components can really deliver.

In developing PRT-04, we paid special attention to maintaining weight capacity despite slimming. That is why we have analysed and measured the degree to which the PRT-01’s load capacity is actually exhausted in realistic applications. It turns out that the Version 01 slewing ring ball bearings are rarely used to their full load capacity and that the new PRT-04 only slightly reduces load capacity, so it is entirely sufficient for most applications.

This insight has prompted us to work even harder on refining the 04 version to make it what it is today. We have retained proven components such as our maintenance-free polymer sliding elements, the heart of our products. The adaptations in the design of the follow-on model provide more flexibility of use than ever before.

The new, practical spacer ring makes the PRT-04 easy to install and eliminates the need for new relief grooves or recesses for moving parts. The PRT-01 is also easy to install and has many accessory parts, such as positioning stops, manual clamps and motor couplings. Both versions can be driven with a belt profile or a spur gear profile for automated applications.

Here’s a tip you should remember:

The PRT is not symmetrical. The PRT’s collar clamp has intentionally been kept very slim, so the screws that hold all the rings together have limited purchase. If you should want to mount something on the PRT, make sure that the screws are long enough to pass through the entire assembly and provide sufficient purchase.

Lighter, more compact, more cost-effective

The PRT-04 is not only 60% lighter than its predecessor, the PRT-01, but also so compact that more than 50% of installation space can be saved. The new model is ideal for applications which the PRT-01 could not be considered for previously because of its parameter limitations. The PRT-04 also costs 25% less. If no particularly great loads are necessary, the PRT-04 is generally sufficient and is therefore the better choice. Our experience shows that the PRT-04 is completely adequate despite its slightly lower load capacity.

In sum, while the PRT-04 is much smaller than its predecessor, the PRT-01, its performance in most applications is as good, and both its price and weight are lower.

Our slewing ring bearing product group, PRT, is used as a ready-to-install solution for many pivoting and turning applications. The newest member of the family is PRT-04. And it is not just attractive: it is 60% lighter than its predecessor, the PRT-01, and so compact that more than 50% of installation space can be saved. The new model is ideal for applications which the PRT-01 could not be considered for previously because of its parameter limitations.