How to choose a bearing correctly?

As a common component, a bearing is an essential accessory for many types of mechanisms. Consequently, bearings are found in many machines and vehicles. However, there are many types of bearings, so it is worth getting to know the most common ones and be able to match them to a specific device.

How are the bearings different? First of all, the construction and the way it functions. In addition, some are designed to carry radial loads, and some are excellent for carrying axial loads. As different bearings have different possibilities, their correct selection should be the first thing we think about when planning their purchase. And the decision is not easy, so in this text we explain what types of bearings are and how to choose them properly to avoid mistakes. Below we briefly characterize the most popular types of bearings.

Rolling bearings

The elements with a wide range of applications are certainly rolling bearings. They consist of two rings - inner and outer. The first one is mounted on the shaft journal, and the stationary outer ring is located in the bearing part or sometimes in the housing. The rolling elements are located between these rings and are in contact with their raceways. As a result, they are able to initiate the rotation of the rings.

It is worth knowing that some rolling bearings are equipped with special cages that are responsible for the distance of rolling modules. Rolling bearings come in many versions. For example, as ball bearings (described later), cylindrical roller, tapered or spherical roller bearings. Moreover, due to the number of rows of rolling elements, they can be divided into single, double and multi-row.

Ball bearings

Now a few words about ball bearings. They are a subset of rolling bearings and are the most common of these. Their characteristic feature is the presence of balls - hence the name. Manufacturers of machines and devices appreciate their high durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The ball bearings are also easy to operate and achieve high rotational speeds. Their great advantage is also the fact that they can be purchased in many sizes, types and variants of construction.

Plain bearings - oil, air and dry

Now let's describe the plain bearings. Their distinguishing feature is the lack of moving intermediate parts. They are made of two basic elements: the fuselage and the shell. There is a shaft journal in the bushing and there is friction between it and the surface of the bushing. Plain bearings are used in the construction of mining machinery, agricultural machinery, as well as forklifts and photovoltaic installations. They are divided into several types, the most popular of which are oil, air and dry plain bearings.

Dry bearings do not require lubrication of the elements. They are not lubricated at all or very rarely. They are used to create connections with less stress. The airbag, on the other hand, plays a key role in air plain bearings. It keeps the distance between the bushing and the shaft. Air plain bearings are used in devices that require high precision and with low radial forces.

The last popular type are plain oil bearings. In part of their body there is oil, which, when the shaft rotates, forms a thin film between the shaft surface and the bushing. It is this film of oil that supports the shaft.

How to choose a bearing?

Different types of bearings are designed for different types of work. So before you buy this item, you should read the materials and product specifications provided by the manufacturers. In addition, it is worth buying in specialized stores, where the service can help us choose the bearing exactly to our needs. In turn, after purchase, remember that regular lubrication extends the life of the bearing.

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