Pillow Block vs Flange Bearing
Compare pillow block, flange and take-up housings by mounting surface, bolt count and adjustability to see which UCP, UCF, UCFL or UCT unit fits.
The four housing styles differ in how they mount, not in the insert bearing they take. Compare them below, then check the mounted bearing overview for how to choose between them in more detail.
Four housing types compared
| Housing | Mounting surface | Bolts | Adjustable | Typical location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow block (UCP) | Flat frame, parallel to shaft | 2, in line | No | Open frame above a conveyor or shaft run |
| Flange, square (UCF) | Wall or plate, shaft passes through | 4 | No | Wide plate or machine side wall |
| Flange, oval (UCFL) | Wall or plate, shaft passes through | 2, in line | No | Narrow plate, such as a conveyor side rail |
| Take-up (UCT) | Slides inside a take-up frame | 2 (frame-mounted, not through the housing) | Yes, along the frame | Conveyor tail pulley, belt or chain tensioning |
Example at one size (25 mm bore)
| Model | Housing | Mounting bolt | Base-to-centre height / mounting width |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCP205 | Pillow block | M10 | 36.5 mm centre height |
| UCF205 | Flange, square | M10 | 97 mm bolt-hole length |
| UCFL205 | Flange, oval | M14 | 130 mm bolt-hole length |
| UCT206 (30 mm bore, smallest take-up on this site) | Take-up | Frame-mounted | 102 mm centre height |
All four take the matching insert bearing for the bore size — see insert bearing for UC, SB and SA sizes.
Conclusion
Start from the mounting surface on the machine: flat and open favours a pillow block, a wall or plate the shaft passes through favours a flange (square if there is room for four bolts, oval if the surface is narrow), and a shaft that needs to move for belt or chain tension needs a take-up frame. Send the application and shaft size to sales@fuli-bearings.com or use the request a quote form for a confirmed match.
FAQ
When should I use UCFL instead of UCF?
UCFL (two-bolt, oval base) suits a narrow mounting surface, such as a conveyor side plate, where there is not enough flat width for the four-bolt UCF pattern. UCF (four-bolt, square or round base) suits a wider plate or wall and generally gives a stiffer mount for the same size.
Is a take-up unit just a pillow block that slides?
The insert and the general idea are the same, but the housing is shaped to slide inside a take-up frame rather than bolt flat, so the shaft position can be adjusted to tension a belt or chain. A take-up unit cannot simply be swapped for a pillow block of the same size without the matching frame.
Can I convert from one housing type to another on the same machine?
Only if the mounting surface is changed to match — a flange needs a surface the shaft passes through, a pillow block needs a flat frame parallel to the shaft. The insert bearing itself (UC, SB or SA) is common to all housing types in the same size, so only the housing needs replacing.