SantEnt: Leading independent distributor of KRW
Introduction
Kugel- und Rollenlagerwerk Leipzig GmbH (KRW) stands as a testament to German engineering excellence, specializing in the development and manufacturing of high-quality industrial rolling bearings since 1904. Renowned for its precision, durability, and a comprehensive product portfolio, KRW serves demanding applications across heavy industry, railway technology, and mechanical engineering globally. Their commitment to innovation ensures optimal performance and reliability in the most critical environments. With decades of experience and a robust global network, SantEnt is your premier partner for sourcing and supplying genuine KRW products, ensuring you receive authentic components backed by expert support.
and leave the rest to your partner in Bearings & Power Transmission
Table of content
KRW at a glance
| Founded | 1904 |
| Headquarters | Leipzig, Germany |
| Leadership | Andreas Fitzner, Andreas Poltsch, and Nico Taubert |
| Tentative Revenue | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Listed on Stock Market? | No |
| Parent Organisation(s) | Wafangdian Bearing Group Corporation (ZWZ) |
| Subsidiary Organization(s) | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Other Group Entities or Stakeholders | Not Publicly Disclosed |
History of KRW
| Year | Milestone |
| 1904 | The company is founded as "Deutsche Kugellagerfabrik GmbH" (DKF). |
| 1945 | Post-war reconstruction begins, re-establishing production in Leipzig. |
| 1990 | The company is privatised following German reunification. |
| 1993 | It is re-established as Kugel- und Rollenlagerwerk Leipzig GmbH (KRW). |
| 2009 | KRW invests in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology for large-size bearings. |
| 2013 | Becomes part of the Wafangdian Bearing Group Corporation (ZWZ). |
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KRW Product Portfolio
Ball Bearings
KRW Ball Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Deep Groove Thrust Ball Bearings, single direction, metric | Accommodate axial loads in one direction; Not suitable for radial loads; Separable design. | Cranes, Davits, and other heavy lifting equipment. | Marine, Industrial Manufacturing, and Material Handling. |
| Deep Groove Thrust Ball Bearings, double direction | Accommodate axial loads in both directions; Not suitable for radial loads; Separable design. | Rolling mills; Machine tool spindles; General industrial machinery. | Steel, Machine Tools, and General Manufacturing. |
| Angular Contact Thrust Ball Bearings, single direction | High axial load capacity in one direction; High-speed capability; High rigidity. | Machine tool spindles; High-speed pumps and compressors; Precision instruments. | Machine Tools, Oil & Gas, and Aerospace. |
| Spindle Bearings | High precision and high-speed angular contact ball bearings; Available with different contact angles. | Machine tool main spindles; High-frequency spindles; Grinding machines. | Machine Tools, Automotive, and Electronics Manufacturing. |
| Self-aligning ball bearings | Accommodate static and dynamic misalignment; Low friction; Suitable for high speeds. | Agricultural machinery; Textile machinery; Food processing equipment. | Agriculture, Textiles, and Food & Beverage. |
| Deep Groove Ball Bearings, single row, metric | Versatile; Low friction and low noise; Accommodate radial and axial loads in both directions. | Electric motors; Gearboxes; Automotive applications; Household appliances. | Automotive, Industrial, and Consumer Goods. |
| Angular Contact Ball Bearings, single row, metric | Accommodate radial and axial loads in one direction; High-speed capability; High rigidity. | Pumps and compressors; Industrial gearboxes; Electric motors. | Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Industrial Machinery. |
| Four Point Contact Ball Bearings, metric | Accommodate axial loads in both directions and a limited radial load; Compact design. | Slewing rings; Cranes and excavators; Wind turbines. | Construction, Renewable Energy, and Heavy Industry. |
Roller Bearings
KRW Roller Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings, single row, with cage | High radial load capacity and high-speed capability; separable design. | Industrial gearboxes, pumps, and electric motors. | Power Generation, Industrial Manufacturing, and Machine Tools. |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings, double row, with cage | Very high radial load capacity and rigidity; cylindrical or tapered bore. | Heavy-duty gearboxes, rolling mills, and large machine tools. | Mining, Steel & Metals, and Heavy Machinery. |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings, multi row, with cage | Four-row or more designs for extreme radial load capacity; compact. | Roll necks in hot and cold rolling mill stands. | Steel & Metals and Aluminum Production. |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings (full complement), single row | Maximum number of rollers for very high radial load capacity; for moderate speeds. | Crane sheaves, lifting equipment, and heavily loaded, slow-rotating applications. | Construction, Mining, and Material Handling. |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings (full complement), double row | Exceptional radial load capacity and rigidity; designed for slower speeds. | Heavy-duty gear drives, cranes, and rolling mill equipment. | Heavy Industry, Mining, and Marine. |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings (full complement), multi row | Maximum radial load capacity in a compact space; for low-speed applications. | Back-up rolls in cold rolling mills and heavy-duty industrial presses. | Steel & Metals and Heavy Press Manufacturing. |
| Tapered Roller Bearings, single row, metric | Accommodates combined radial and axial loads; separable cup and cone. | Automotive wheel hubs, industrial gearboxes, and agricultural machinery. | Automotive, Agriculture, and General Industrial. |
| Tapered Roller Bearings, single row, matched | Two single-row bearings matched for a specific preload or clearance. | Pinion shafts and machine tool spindles requiring high precision and stiffness. | Machine Tools, Automotive, and Power Transmission. |
| Tapered Roller Bearings, double row | High radial and bi-directional axial load capacity; available in TDO and TDI types. | Heavy-duty gear drives, hoisting equipment, and rolling mill machinery. | Mining, Construction, and Steel & Metals. |
| Tapered Roller Bearings, multi row | Four-row designs for extreme combined load capacity; high stiffness. | Work roll and back-up roll necks in rolling mills for heavy industry. | Steel & Metals and Heavy Manufacturing. |
| Spherical Roller Bearings, metric | Self-aligning; two rows of rollers for high radial and moderate axial loads. | Vibrating screens, conveyors, paper machines, and industrial fans. | Mining, Pulp & Paper, and Construction. |
| Barrel Roller Bearings | Single row of barrel-shaped rollers; self-aligning; high radial load capacity. | Gearboxes, cranes, and applications with potential shaft misalignment. | Material Handling, Agriculture, and General Machinery. |
| Cylindrical Roller Thrust Bearings, single direction | High axial stiffness and high shock load capacity in one direction. | Extruders, crane hooks, and industrial gearbox main shafts. | Plastics, Material Handling, and Heavy Industry. |
| Cylindrical Roller Thrust Bearings, double direction | Accommodates heavy axial loads and shock loads in both directions. | Machine tool rotary tables, drilling rigs, and large vertical spindles. | Machine Tools, Oil & Gas, and Marine. |
| Tapered Roller Thrust Bearings | Accommodates very heavy axial loads and peak loads; high stiffness. | Oil and gas rotary tables, extruders, and heavy-duty crane swivels. | Oil & Gas, Plastics Manufacturing, and Heavy Machinery. |
| Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings, metric | Self-aligning; accommodates very high axial loads and moderate radial loads. | Vertical shaft applications like water turbines and ship propulsion systems. | Power Generation, Marine, and Mining. |
Application-optimized Bearings
KRW Application-optimized Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| High-Precision Rolling Bearings | Extremely tight manufacturing tolerances (P4, P2); high rotational accuracy and speed capability. | Machine tool spindles, robotics, printing machinery, and precision measuring equipment. | Machine Tools, Robotics, Semiconductor, and Aerospace. |
| Current-insulated Bearings | Oxide ceramic coating on rings prevents electrical current damage. | Electric motors, generators, traction motors for railway vehicles. | Railway, Power Generation. |
| Hybrid Bearings | Steel rings with ceramic rolling elements; higher speeds, lower friction, electrical insulation. | High-speed motors, vacuum pumps, aerospace applications. | Aerospace, Medical Technology. |
| Wheelset Bearings for Railway | Robust, sealed units; designed for long maintenance intervals and high reliability. | Freight cars, passenger coaches, locomotives, trams. | Railway & Public Transport. |
| Coated Bearings | Special coatings (e.g., black oxide) for corrosion resistance and improved performance. | Marine environments, food processing, chemical plants | Marine, Food & Beverage, Chemical. |
| Support Roller Bearings | Thick-walled outer ring; designed to run on a track; with or without axial guidance. | Cam drives, conveyor systems, and linear guidance systems. | Material Handling, Automation, and General Machinery. |
| Self-Aligning Cylindrical Roller Bearings | Combines cylindrical rollers with a spherically ground outer ring; accommodates misalignment. | Applications with high radial loads and potential shaft deflection or housing distortions. | Papermaking, Steel & Metals, and Industrial Gearboxes. |
| Rolling Bearings made of Special Materials | Bearings made from stainless steel, plastic, or other non-standard alloys for specific properties. | Corrosive (chemical, water) environments, food processing, or non-magnetic applications. | Food & Beverage, Medical, Chemical Processing, and Electronics. |
Components
KRW Components
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Rolling Elements | High-quality balls and rollers made from bearing steel for custom applications. | Bearing repair, specialized machinery, R&D projects. | MRO, Custom Engineering. |
| Cage Assemblies | Stamped/machined steel, brass, or molded polymer; guides and separates rolling elements. | Retaining rolling elements, reducing friction and wear, lubrication reservoir. | Automotive, Industrial Machinery, and Aerospace. |
| Thrust Bearing Washers | Hardened steel rings; precision ground raceways; includes shaft and housing washers. | Act as raceways to support axial loads in thrust needle or ball bearings. | Automotive (transmissions), Industrial Gearboxes, and Lifting Equipment. |
| L-section Rings | Asymmetrical L-shaped bearing rings; made from high-strength bearing steel. | Forms the inner or outer ring in thin-section or slewing ring bearings. | Robotics, Medical Devices, Aerospace, and Defense. |
Rolling Bearing Accessories
KRW Rolling Bearing Accessories
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Clamping Sleeves | Slotted steel sleeve with a lock nut and locking washer; simplifies mounting. | Securing bearings with a tapered bore onto a cylindrical shaft. | Industrial Machinery, Agriculture, and Conveyor Systems. |
| Withdrawal Sleeves | Slotted steel sleeve with an external taper; facilitates bearing dismounting. | Mounting and dismounting bearings with a tapered bore on cylindrical shafts. | Paper Mills, Mining, and Material Handling. |
| Grooved Nuts | High-strength steel nuts with external grooves; used with locking devices. | Securing bearings on a shaft or clamping sleeve; prevents axial loosening. | Automotive, Power Transmission, and Heavy Machinery. |
| Lockclips | Formed wire or stamped metal clips; snap into grooves on shafts or in housings. | Axially locating and securing grooved nuts and other components. | General Engineering, Machine Tools, and Gearboxes. |
| Safety Plates | Stamped steel plates with tabs; also known as lock washers or tab washers. | Locking grooved nuts into position by bending a tab into a nut groove. | Manufacturing, Automotive, and Railway. |
Customized Bearing Solutions
KRW Customized Bearing Solutions
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Customised rolling bearings | Special dimensions, materials (ceramic, stainless steel), lubricants, or internal geometry. | Equipment with extreme temperatures, high speeds, or unique space/load requirements. | Aerospace, Medical Technology, Motorsport, and Robotics. |
| Integrated complete bearing packages | Pre-assembled, ready-to-mount units including bearings, housing, seals, and sensors. | Wheel hub assemblies, machine tool spindles, and conveyor rollers for simplified installation. | Automotive, Machine Tools, Railway, and Material Handling. |
| Application-optimized bearing solutions | Performance simulation and selection of the ideal bearing configuration for a specific task. | Enhancing efficiency in electric motors or increasing the reliability of wind turbine gearboxes. | Wind Energy, Industrial Automation, and Food & Beverage. |
Bearing Basics
KRW Bearing Basics
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Lubrication of Bearings | Use of grease, oil, or solid lubricants; includes manual and automatic lubrication systems. | Reducing friction and wear, heat dissipation, corrosion prevention, and contaminant sealing. | Virtually all industries, including Automotive, Manufacturing, and Aerospace. |
Housings
KRW Housings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Split plummer block housings | Two-piece housings (cap and base); easy mounting/dismounting of pre-assembled shafts. | Supporting bearing arrangements on conveyor systems, fans, and long shafts. | Material Handling, Agriculture, Pulp & Paper, and Mining. |
| Customized housings | Housings designed to non-standard dimensions, materials, or with integrated features. | Equipment with unique space constraints, extreme loads, or specific environmental needs. | Aerospace, Food & Beverage, Medical, and Heavy Industry. |
| Material selection according to requirements | Housings made from cast iron, ductile iron, cast steel, or stainless steel. | Selecting housing material to handle corrosion, high/low temperatures, or heavy loads. | Chemical Processing, Food & Beverage, Marine, and Steel Mills. |
High-precision Parts
KRW High-precision Parts
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Highest Accuracies | Components (balls, rollers, rings) made to top precision classes (P2, ABEC 9); exceptional dimensional and rotational accuracy. | Calibration and reference equipment, gyroscopes, and master spindles for ultra-precision machinery. | Metrology, Aerospace & Defense, Medical Technology, and Semiconductor Manufacturing. |
Acquisitions & Group Companies
Wafangdian Bearing Group Corporation (ZWZ)
In 2013, KRW became a member of the Wafangdian Bearing Group Corporation (ZWZ), one of China's largest and most established bearing manufacturers. This strategic integration provides KRW with access to a vast global sales network and significant resources for growth, while ZWZ benefits from KRW's prestigious German engineering heritage and expertise in high-precision, specialized bearings.
Stay updated with KRW
Learn more about KRW's:
- Latest Innovations.
- Product Developments.
- Company News.
And so much more, on the link below!
Why choose SantEnt for your KRW requirements?
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Vast Inventory, Global Sourcing & Competitive Pricing
With over 60,000 bearings in stock and strong relationships with manufacturers and distributors, SantEnt ensures no KRW product is out of reach. Our extensive collaborations within our supply chain allow us to secure the best prices for KRW products, which we pass on to you. Additionally, we are Authorised Distributors of Schaeffler, FAG, INA, FYH, Optibelt, and Dodge. -
Genuine Products Guaranteed over Decades of Trust
Established in 1977, SantEnt is a third-generation family business built on a foundation of trust and expertise. Our leadership team combines deep industry knowledge with modern engineering, technology, and business management education. This unique blend allows us to deliver 100% genuine products and professional services to our growing global customer base across 60+ countries. -
Robust Technical & After-Sales Support
We understand the critical nature of your operations. Our responsibility begins long before a sale, with expert technical support to help you identify the precise KRW part for your application, preventing costly failures. After your purchase, we remain your dedicated partner, offering support for warranties, installation guidance, and proper storage to maximize the life and performance of your components.
and leave the rest to your partner in Bearings & Power Transmission
