psl® thin section bearings – Compact design for demanding applications

thyssenkrupp rothe erde Slovakia thin‑section bearings - marketed under the psl® brand - are engineered to deliver maximum performance in compact, weight‑sensitive applications. Designed with exceptionally thin cross‑sections and engineered for high stiffness, low friction, and precise running accuracy, they are the ideal solution for applications where every millimeter and every gram matters.


Their compact design makes them perfectly suited for advanced robotics, medical technology, aerospace mechanisms, semiconductor handling systems, optical and measurement equipment, and other high‑performance machinery. Whether used in lightweight rotating assemblies, precision motion stages, or space‑constrained drive systems, our thin‑section bearings provide reliable, smooth, and efficient operation across a wide range of demanding industries.

Our solutions

Angular contact ball bearing (Type A)

Radial contact ball bearing (Type C)

4-point contact ball bearing (Type X)

Main characteristics of thin-section bearings

Very thin cross‑section (space saving)

  • The defining feature is an exceptionally small radial cross‑section compared to standard bearings.

  • Enables compact designs where the bearing envelope is tightly limited (robot joints, gimbals, rotary stages).

Low weight & low inertia

  • Less material means lower mass and often lower rotational inertia.

  • Benefits dynamic systems (faster acceleration/deceleration, reduced motor size or energy demand).

High precision / running accuracy

  • Commonly specified for tight runout, high rotational accuracy, and smooth motion.

  • Especially important in positioning systems (optics, metrology, semiconductor/automation handling).

Good stiffness in a compact package

Thin‑section designs can achieve high stiffness-to-space ratio, particularly with:

  • suitable bearing type (angular contact / four‑point contact),

  • controlled clearance or preload,

  • and rigid surrounding structure.

Multi‑direction load capability (depends on bearing type)

Thin‑section bearings are available to suit different load cases:

  • Radial loads (deep groove, some angular contact)

  • Axial loads (angular contact, four‑point)

  • Moment/tilting loads (four‑point contact, paired angular contact sets)

Low friction / low torque options

Many thin‑section ball bearings are selected for low starting torque, low running friction, and quiet operation—ideal for precision drives and instruments.

Wide variety of configurations

Common TSB configurations include:

  • Deep-groove thin‑section ball (general purpose, low torque)

  • Angular contact thin‑section (higher axial capacity & stiffness; often used in pairs)

  • Four‑point contact thin‑section (axial both directions + moment in a single bearing)

Variety of material selection

  • Rings:  100Cr6 – 1.3505 – SAE 52100

  • Balls: 100Cr6 – 1.3505 – SAE 52100 / Si3N4 (Ceramic)

  • Cages: Brass / Nylon