Bearings are mechanical components with a cylindrical, conical, spherical or hemispherical inner and outer surface, which provide a rolling motion and reduce the frictional resistance between moving parts. They are used in a wide range of applications, such as automotive, aeronautical, mining and medical equipment.
A bearing’s primary function is to enable the load to rotate as freely as possible, allowing it to move and maintain a stable plane of rotation. Bearings also act as a link between components, allowing for the transfer of loads or forces, as well as preventing misalignment.
In the main, bearings support four types of load; radial loads, thrust loads, combination loads and axial loads. Radial loads are generated from each axis of rotation and thrust loads can be generated in several ways. The combination loads are generated when the bearing is subjected to both radial and thrust forces at the same time and axial loads are generated when there is an offset between the bearings and the shaft.
Radial loads are the most common type of load that a bearing must be able to withstand and these loads will depend on how the bearing is mounted. To withstand radial loads, the bearing must be able to fit snugly and securely without excessive lateral movement. This is generally ensured through the use of elongated inner and outer retaining rings.
Thrust loads are generated when forces are applied along the axis of rotation. This could be caused by deceleration, when stopping a machine, or during the acceleration of a moving surface, such as a wheel. Large thrust loads can cause substantial damage to a bearing, so a larger contact area, including retaining rings and shields, may be necessary in order to protect them from extreme conditions.
Combined loads are generated when both radial and thrust forces are present. The majority of bearings are designed to be able to cope with these forces, but in extreme cases mechanical components can break down.
Axial loads are generated either directly or indirectly from a shaft and bearings are designed to cope with these loads more effectively than any other type. These loads transfer from the shaft onto the bearing, so it is important that the bearing is correctly sized and mounted, thereby ensuring that the shaft can rotate freely.
In order to correctly install a bearing and ensure it operates correctly and effectively, it is important to consider the bearings size, material and type, as well as the type of load it is exposed to. The size of the bearing must be compatible with the application, while the materials and type of bearing must be tailored to suit the specific environment or application.
To sum up, bearings play an important role in many industries, providing support and stability to a variety of rotating components. They are designed to specifically handle radial, thrust, combined and axial loads, as well as function as a link between two components, allowing for the transfer of forces. When fitting a bearing, it is important to consider the size, material and type, as well as the type of load it is exposed to, to ensure correct installation and effective operation.
