Sliding Bearing and its Shaft Washer Structure and Bearing Materials
Sliding bearings are a type of rolling bearing which utilize small rectangular bars, known as shaft washers, and small metal balls that rotate across the surfaces of the washers. The shaft washers are typically made from metal, like steel, and the balls from steel or ceramic. In some configurations, the washers can have small gaps between them, to allow a greasy lubricant, such as oil or molybdenum disulfide, to be inserted in order to reduce the friction between the washers and balls.
Sliding bearings are most often used for applications requiring high load-carrying capacity, such as heavy machinery, because the shaft washers are able to handle heavy loads without experiencing wear or damage. Sliding bearings are also able to operate at faster speeds than standard rolling bearings, due to the low friction created by the washers and ball bearings.
The shaft washers of a sliding bearing are designed to be bushings, which are shafts inserted into holes on either side of the bearing. The shaft washers also help to guide and center the bearing, as well as supporting and protecting it from wear. The material used for the shaft washers also determines the load capacity and operating speed of the bearing. For example, metal shaft washers are often used for high load-carrying applications, whereas ceramic shaft washers are used for high-speed applications.
The ball bearings that are used in sliding bearings are made from either steel or a ceramic material. Steel balls are used for low speed and low load-carrying applications, whereas ceramic balls are used for high-speed and high load-carrying applications. Steel balls also have good corrosion resistance, whereas ceramic balls have good thermal stability and can withstand higher temperatures.
In addition to the shaft washers and ball bearings, there are a few other components that are used in the construction of sliding bearings. These include the bearing races, which guide the shaft washers and ball bearings, and retainers, which hold the shaft washers and ball bearings in place. The retaining rings used in sliding bearings are usually made from nylon, plastic or metal.
Sliding bearings can be used in a variety of applications, including powertrains in automobiles, machine tools, pumps, compressors and other rotating machinery. In order to ensure that they perform as required, it is important to choose the correct combination of shaft washer structure, bearing material, and other related components. By doing so, the proper load-carrying capacity and operating speed can be achieved, and the life of the bearing extended.
