When choosing a mounted ball bearing for your mechanical or industrial application, UCF, UCP and UCFL bearings are the most commonly used types. But what are the differences between them? In this article, we will analyze their differences in design, mounting methods, performance and ideal applications in detail to help you choose the right bearing unit for your needs. NSAR produces a variety of industrial bearings, click to communicate with our technicians.

What is a UCP bearing?

UCP stands for “unit with central bearing seat”.
It has a pedestal housing with a flat base and two mounting bolts.
UCP bearings are designed for horizontal shaft support and are commonly used in conveyors, textile machines and general machinery
Advantages:
Easy to install and replace
Suitable for medium loads and speeds
Suitable for a variety of industrial applications

What is a UCF bearing?

UCF stands for “unit with round flange housing”.
It has a square flange (usually with 4 bolts) and can be mounted directly to a wall or machine frame.
UCF bearings are ideal for vertical or offset mounting positions.
Advantages:
Provides strong support for radial loads
Suitable for wall-mount or front-mount applications
Prevents shaft misalignment

What is a UCFL bearing?

UCFL stands for “unit with two-bolt flange housing”.
It features an oval flange with two bolt holes, making it more compact than the UCF.
Commonly seen in lightly loaded or space-constrained applications such as packaging machines and light conveyors.
Advantages:
Compact and easy to install
Suitable for light to medium loads
Usable for small equipment and narrow mounting surfaces

Comparison Chart

Which One Should You Choose?

If you need a pedestal mounted unit for a moderately loaded horizontal shaft, choose UCP.
If you need a wall or face mount and need extra stability, choose UCF.
For tight spaces or situations with only two mounting points, choose UCFL.
Understanding the differences between UCF, UCP and UCFL bearings is critical to selecting the right bearing unit for your machinery. Each bearing type has advantages in construction, mounting and performance. NSAR offers a full range of bearing units to help you find the best solution for your project.