How to Choose the Correct Sentinel™ Series Housing

NTN’s Sentinel Series is a premium line of corrosion-resistant mounted ball bearing products developed for the harsh conditions of the food & beverage industry. The entire Sentinel Series line features insert bearings constructed from 440C stainless steel with integral bearing seals.

For housing materials, the customer is presented with two options to choose from – PBT thermoplastic, or 304 stainless steel. Sentinel Series units with either of these housing materials provide the following features for outstanding performance in a wide variety of conditions:

• Robust mounting support for the precision insert bearing
• Smooth surface and solid mounting base without cavities for prevention of contaminant capture, mold growth, etc.
• Excellent resistance to a variety of chemicals
• Available with separate covers for additional contamination resistance (closed, or open ended with seals)

This raises the question, which housing material is the appropriate choice for your particular application needing a corrosion-resistant bearing unit? Outlined to the right are some factors to consider when making a determination between NTN Sentinel Series housing materials.

Thermoplastic Housing Considerations:
• Economy – Thermoplastic is the more economical choice where conditions permit its use
• Color – The white color of the Sentinel Series thermoplastic housing facilitates ease of visual inspection in cases where this is particularly critical
• Enhanced Cover Seal – A premium spring-loaded seal is incorporated into the open ended cover

Stainless Steel Housing Considerations:
• Strength – Maximum long-term durability under heavy or shock loaded applications
• Optimum Food Safety – No chipping, flaking, or peeling of housing material (best choice for installation directly over food)
• Additional Chemical Resistance – Excellent resistance to sulfuric, nitric, and acetic acids

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