Thin section bearings have very small cross-sections relative to their diameters. This allows designs with smaller design envelope and lower mass, while achieving high rigidity and running accuracy. In contrast to the rolling bearing series standardised in accordance with DIN ISO, in which the cross-section increases with the bearing diameter, all sizes of thin section bearings of one series have the same cross-section.

A larger cross-section can be selected in a graduated way and thus a thin section bearing with high load carrying capacity can be used without having to alter the shaft diameter.

Light and compact designs can be achieved with thin section bearings.

Thin section bearings are available as deep groove ball bearings, four point contact bearings and angular contact ball bearings.

The main areas of application are in handling devices, industrial robots, textile and printing machinery, medical and optical equipment and aerospace engineering.