PRT-04 Modular Construction Kit for Slewing Ring Bearings

The iglide® PRT-04 is a ready-to-install slewing ring bearing for rotary, pivoting and turntable motion. It may also be described as a slew ring, rotary bearing or turntable bearing.

Instead of metal balls or rollers, PRT-04 uses replaceable iglide® polymer sliding elements between two rings. This produces smooth, dry-running rotary motion without added grease. The bearing also serves as the foundation of the PRT-04 Modular Construction Kit, which includes options for locking, indexing, driving, mounting, monitoring and limiting rotation.

Correct PRT-04 installation begins with a flat, sufficiently rigid mounting surface and the proper screw connection. The mounting surface should have a recommended flatness of 0.05 mm around the screw connections and a minimum surface hardness of HBW 50 at maximum load. Fasteners must pass through both rings of the PRT slewing ring, and the specified tightening torque depends on the screw size.

The PRT-04 mounting instructions provide the surface, fastening and tightening requirements for installing the completed slewing ring in a machine or structure. The separate PRT-04 assembly instructions show how to install the iglide® sliding elements, join the ring components and properly fasten the bearing during initial assembly or servicing. Always use the instructions for the exact PRT-04 size and configuration being installed.

Yes. The PRT-04 uses maintenance-free, self-lubricating sliding elements that operate dry without added grease or oil. This removes routine relubrication points and can reduce ongoing maintenance on machinery and equipment.

Grease-free operation is also useful around dust, dirt, fibers or product debris because there is no exposed lubricant for contaminants to stick to. When the sliding elements eventually wear, they can be replaced instead of replacing the complete rotary bearing assembly.

The PRT-04 is a strong choice when an application needs more than basic rotary movement. Its main advantage is the PRT-04 Modular Construction Kit, which allows the slewing ring bearing to be configured with locking, indexing, clamping, travel limiting, position monitoring, mounting and drive options.

This makes PRT-04 especially useful for compact machinery, packaging equipment, material handling systems, automation and adjustable fixtures where space, weight and flexibility all matter. Depending on the configuration, it can support manual or motor-driven rotation, fixed or adjustable positioning, internal or external gearing, remote release and specialized material options for cleanroom, ESD or FDA-compliant applications.

Other PRT series may be better when maximum rigidity, minimum installation height or the lowest initial cost is the main priority. PRT-04 stands out when a design needs a compact, maintenance-free rotary bearing that can be expanded or adapted as the application develops.

Compared with an equivalent PRT-01, the standard PRT-04 is up to 60% lighter, requires approximately 50% less installation space and can be around 20% more cost-effective.

PRT-01 remains the stronger option when its greater load capacity and rigidity are required. PRT-04 is generally preferable for mid-duty rotary applications where reducing weight, footprint or cost matters, especially when the design also needs modular PRT accessories.

PRT-04 is a strong fit when a machine or product needs compact, controlled rotary motion with room for customization. Common reasons to choose it include:

• Limited installation space or moving weight
• Locking or indexing at repeatable positions
• Adjustable angular travel
• Manual or motor-driven rotation
• Accessories that may be added later
• Cleanroom, ESD, FDA-compliant or PTFE-free materials

These capabilities make the PRT-04 rotary bearing system useful in packaging machinery, automation, robotics, assembly equipment, material handling and adjustable fixtures.

The PRT-04 Modular Construction Kit includes several groups of options:

• Locking and indexing: Snap positions, positive locking, precise locking, remote release and locking status monitoring
• Holding and travel control: Manual clamps, adjustable angle stops, extended rotation limiters and digital angle readouts
• Drive options: Internal gearing, external gearing and drive pins
• Mounting accessories: Adjustment levers, mounting rings, spacer rings and additional fastening options
• Material options: Aluminum, stainless steel, FDA-compliant, ESD, cleanroom and PTFE-free configurations

Availability varies by PRT-04 size and configuration.

Yes. PRT-04 locking and indexing options allow a rotating component to stop at repeatable positions or remain fixed at a selected angle.

Available solutions include snap-in detent positions, positive locking mechanisms, precise locking, remote cable release and electronic monitoring of the locking pin. A manual clamp can also hold the slewing ring at a freely selected position rather than using predefined indexing points.

These options are useful for assembly fixtures, operator panels, adjustment systems, indexing tables and other applications that require controlled, repeatable positioning.

The PRT-04 can use an adjustable angle stop or rotary travel limiter to prevent movement beyond defined points. This can protect cables, hoses, sensors, guards and nearby machine components from excessive rotation.

The standard angle stop allows the permitted pivoting range to be adjusted for the application. A separate PRT-04 configuration supports adjustable stopping points over 360 degrees and can accommodate extended rotary travel. A digital readout is also available when an operator needs to see the current angle directly on the bearing.

Yes. A PRT-04 can support motor-driven rotary motion through internal gearing, external gearing or a drive pin.

An externally toothed ring can connect to a timing belt or mating gear. Internal gearing places the gear teeth inside the slewing ring opening, which can help create a more compact drive arrangement. A drive pin can connect the bearing to a coupling or separate drive system.

The complete system may also require a motor, gearbox, belt, pinion, coupling and controls based on the required speed, load and positioning accuracy.

The PRT-04 is used in applications that need compact, grease-free and controlled rotary movement. Common application areas include:

• Packaging and food processing machinery
• Material handling and factory automation
• Robotics and assembly equipment
• Inspection and positioning fixtures
• Medical and laboratory equipment
• Cleanroom and semiconductor systems
• Machine tools and operator panels
• Furniture, displays and adjustable workstations

Its modular design is particularly useful when a standard turntable bearing or rotary bearing also needs locking, travel control, position feedback or a drive connection.

Start with the application’s motion, load, size and environmental requirements. Important details include:

• Manual or motor-driven rotation
• Continuous rotation or limited pivoting
• Axial, radial and off-center loads
• Required inner and outer diameters
• Available installation height
• Operating speed and frequency
• Locking, indexing or angle-stop requirements
• Exposure to dirt, moisture, chemicals or cleaning
• FDA, cleanroom, ESD or PTFE-free requirements

The PRT Expert Tool can compare suitable slewing rings and calculate expected service life. CAD files and technical drawings should then be reviewed to confirm mounting dimensions and accessory clearance.