Sealing of angular contact ball bearings
Angular contact ball bearings are applied in many applications such as machine tools, pumps and compressors, gearboxes, and heavy industry. The purpose of these bearings is to provide radial and axial stiffness, reduce power consumption, and absorb thermal expansion and vibration. The sealing system of such bearings is essential for the effective functioning of the bearings and also for providing lubricant and dust protection.
Sealing systems for angular contact ball bearings are designed to protect the bearing from dust, water, and other environmental contaminants. There are two types of bearing seals - contact seals and non-contact seals. Contact seals totally enclose the inner and outer rings and provide the best protection against contamination and waters. Non-contact seals, on the other hand, provide protection against contamination in extreme operating conditions.
Generally contact seals carry the designation suffix 2RS, while non-contact seals are 1RS. The 2RS suffix indicates a contact seal, while the 1RS suffix indicates a non-contact seal. In both cases, the RS stands for Radial Shaft. Contact seals provide superior protection against dirt and lubricant loss, but their inner and outer rings must be matched for proper sealing.
Sealing systems for angular contact ball bearings are made from various materials such as rubber, fabric, and plastics. The choice of materials depends on the application and operating environment of the bearing. Rubber seals offer superior resistance to contaminants and water but are not suitable for high speed operations. Fabric seals provide more flexibility but are more susceptible to water contamination. Plastic seals offer good sealing performance but may not provide sufficient protection in extreme conditions.
Sealing systems for angular contact ball bearings should also be properly sized to ensure that they completely cover the inner and outer rings. Oversized seals can increase internal load, while undersized seals can cause bearing failure due to insufficient sealing. Proper sealing also prevents lubricant leaks, which can damage the bearing and increase maintenance costs.
The purpose of sealing systems for angular contact ball bearings should serve two functions: preventing contamination and lubricant leakage and also improving bearing performance. In order to ensure that the sealing system is adequate, it is important to select a design that will properly fit the application and environment where the bearing will be operating. If the seals selected are not adequate, they could easily cause premature failure of the bearing. Choosing the right seals for the application is essential for reliable and effective operation of the bearing.
