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Medical & Dental

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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:

​Medical & Dental brochure

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Call 800.231.6480 or email sales@ibsco.com

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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:

  • Ceramic Hybrid Bearings: Silicon nitride balls with stainless steel races—ideal for high-speed, low-friction applications like dental turbines.

  • Full Ceramic Bearings: Non-conductive, corrosion-resistant, and sterilization-friendly—used in high-purity environments.

  • Stainless Steel Bearings: Precision-ground for resistance to corrosion and high-temperature steam sterilization.

  • Angular Contact Bearings: Provide high axial load capacity and speed, used in dental turbines and surgical tools.

  • 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:

  • Barden – High-precision bearings for surgical and diagnostic applications

  • NHBB (New Hampshire Ball Bearings) – Aerospace-grade miniature and instrument bearings

  • Koyo – Trusted performance for medical motors and devices

  • Timken – Stainless steel and ceramic options for demanding conditions

  • GRW – Specialized in micro precision bearings for dental turbines

  • NSK – Hybrid ceramic bearings for high-speed dental applications

  • 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.

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