Bearings and Bushings

Bearings and bushings support rotating shafts and reduce friction between moving parts. They are essential components in nearly every FRC mechanism.

Bearings

Bearings use rolling elements, typically balls, to allow shafts to rotate with very low friction.

Advantages:

• Very low friction
• Smooth rotation
• High efficiency
• Excellent for high-speed applications

Common FRC uses:

• Drivetrains
• Rollers and intakes
• Arms and elevators
• Gearboxes

Bushings

Bushings use a smooth surface that the shaft slides against rather than rolling elements.

Advantages:

• Simple and inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Resistant to dirt and debris
• Compact design

Common FRC uses:

• Low-speed pivots
• Lightly loaded mechanisms
• Simple rotating joints

Common Bearing Sizes

Typical FRC bearings include:

• 1/2" hex bearings
• 1/2" round bearings
• Flanged bearings

Bearings are often press-fit into plates, tubes, or bearing blocks.

Bearing vs. Bushing

• Bearing: lower friction, higher performance, higher cost
• Bushing: simpler, cheaper, and better for low-speed applications

Key Idea

Bearings provide smooth, efficient rotation for most FRC mechanisms, while bushings offer a simple solution for lower-speed or lower-load applications. Choosing the correct support method improves reliability and reduces wear.