
Medical & Dental

Medical & Dental
Our ISO Class 6 cleanroom gives us a distinct advantage in the support of medical applications which often require specialized greases and/or specific lubrication fill rates. In addition to medical devices, we can support dental hand-piece bearings as well as many other bio and life science platforms.
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​Download our Medical & Dental brochure here:
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Call 800.231.6480 or email sales@ibsco.com



Medical & Dental Bearing Application Solutions
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Precision Bearings for Critical Applications
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When reliability is non-negotiable, we provide high-performance medical and dental bearings designed for the strict demands of surgical, diagnostic, and dental applications. These precision components ensure smooth, quiet operation at high speeds, with exceptional durability in sterilization environments.
Applications for Medical & Dental Bearings
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Our high-performance bearings are engineered for demanding use in a wide range of medical and dental devices, where precision, cleanliness, and reliability are critical:
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Dental Handpieces (High-Speed Turbines)
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Bearings in dental turbines must support speeds over 400,000 RPM with minimal noise and vibration. We supply hybrid ceramic and miniature angular contact bearings designed to resist repeated autoclaving, reduce friction, and ensure long service life for both air-driven and electric handpieces.
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Surgical Power Tools
From bone saws to high-speed drills and reamers, surgical tools require sterilizable, corrosion-resistant bearings that can operate under high loads and vibrations. Our bearings ensure reliable operation in powered surgical handpieces, offering precise control and extended cycle life.
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Imaging Equipment
Precision is paramount in imaging systems like MRI machines, CT scanners, and ultrasound devices. Our low-noise instrument bearings reduce mechanical interference and support smooth, quiet rotation in motors, gantries, and articulated arms—often in magnetic or high-purity environments.
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Blood Pumps & Centrifuges
Used in dialysis machines, lab centrifuges, and heart-assist pumps, these applications demand bearings that can withstand continuous operation, fluid exposure, and rigorous cleanliness standards. Our full ceramic and hybrid bearings offer excellent chemical resistance, low particle generation, and high-speed stability.
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Prosthetics & Mobility Aids
From robotic limbs to wheel systems in powered wheelchairs, our miniature and deep groove bearings provide smooth motion, low rolling resistance, and durability in compact assemblies. These components support enhanced mobility and patient comfort in assistive technologies.
Types of Medical & Dental Bearings We Offer
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We supply a wide range of bearing types tailored for medical and dental use:
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Ceramic Hybrid Bearings: Silicon nitride balls with stainless steel races—ideal for high-speed, low-friction applications like dental turbines.
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Full Ceramic Bearings: Non-conductive, corrosion-resistant, and sterilization-friendly—used in high-purity environments.
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Stainless Steel Bearings: Precision-ground for resistance to corrosion and high-temperature steam sterilization.
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Angular Contact Bearings: Provide high axial load capacity and speed, used in dental turbines and surgical tools.
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Miniature & Instrument Bearings: Designed for low noise and precision, suitable for diagnostic equipment and small motors.
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Top Manufacturers We Supply
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We partner with leading bearing manufacturers in the medical and dental industry:
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Barden – High-precision bearings for surgical and diagnostic applications
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NHBB (New Hampshire Ball Bearings) – Aerospace-grade miniature and instrument bearings
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Koyo – Trusted performance for medical motors and devices
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Timken – Stainless steel and ceramic options for demanding conditions
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GRW – Specialized in micro precision bearings for dental turbines
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NSK – Hybrid ceramic bearings for high-speed dental applications
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SMT (Japan) – Miniature bearings with superior performance in sterilization cycles
Medical & Dental Bearings​
Overview Table: Bearing Types for Medical & Dental Applications
Bearing Type
Ceramic Hybrid Bearings
Full Ceramic Bearings
Stainless Steel Bearings
Angular Contact Bearings
Miniature/Instrument
Best For
Dental turbines, surgical tools
MRI, pumps, high-purity applications
General surgical instruments, diagnostics
High-load, high-speed dental tools
Imaging, diagnostics, pumps
Material
Silicon nitride balls + steel
Silicon nitride or zirconia
440C or similar SS
Steel, ceramic hybrid
Stainless or hybrid
Sterilizable
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Some
Noise Level
Very Low
Low
Medium
Low
Very Low
Speed Capability
Very High
High
Moderate
Very High
High
Comparison Chart: Full Ceramic vs Hybrid Ceramic Bearings
Feature
Materials
Corrosion Resistance
Speed Capability
Sterilization (Autoclave)
Shock Resistance
Thermal Expansion
Cost
Use Case Example
Full Ceramic
Ceramic balls and races
Excellent
High
Excellent
Lower (more brittle)
Very Low
Higher
MRI, cleanroom, fluid pumps
Hybrid Ceramic
Ceramic balls + steel races
Very Good
Very High
Excellent
Higher
Moderate
Moderate
Dental turbines, surgical handpieces
Manufacturer Capabilities Table
Manufacturer
Specialties
Sterilizable
Bearing Types
Barden
Ultra-precision, aerospace-grade medical parts
Yes
Stainless, angular contact
GRW
High-speed dental bearings, micro-precision
Yes
Hybrid ceramic, miniature
NSK
High-speed hybrid ceramic for dental tools
Yes
Hybrid ceramic, angular contact
NHBB
Aerospace, medical instrumentation
Yes
Miniature, full ceramic
Koyo
General medical equipment
Yes
Stainless steel, angular contact
Timken
High-load and corrosion-resistant bearings
Yes
Stainless, ceramic hybrid
SMT (Japan)
Dental turbines, compact high-speed bearings
Yes
Miniature, hybrid ceramic
Need Help Choosing the Right Bearing?
Use our Bearing Selector Tools (optional) or Contact Us to speak with a specialist who can help you determine the best type and brand for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q: What makes medical and dental bearings different from standard bearings?
A: These bearings are built for ultra-high precision, sterilization compatibility, and low vibration. Materials like ceramic and stainless steel are used to meet stringent cleanliness and durability requirements.
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Q: Do you offer custom bearing solutions?
A: Absolutely. We can help source or engineer bearings tailored to your medical device or tool’s exact specifications.
Q: What’s the typical lead time for medical-grade bearings?
A: Lead times vary based on the manufacturer and bearing type, but we’ll work with you to meet critical production timelines.
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Q: How do I choose between full ceramic and hybrid ceramic bearings?
A: Full ceramic is ideal for the most demanding corrosion-resistant environments, while hybrid ceramics offer a balance of performance and cost for high-speed, sterilizable applications.