Bearings are one of the most important components used in machinery and equipment. It is a device used to support, guide and reduce friction between moving parts. Although there are different types of bearings; rolling, thrust, linear and journal bearings all have speed restrictions that must be adhered to in order to ensure their proper functioning and longevity.
Rolling bearings are used in axles, engines, generators, blowers, and pumps. The speed limitation for the continuous running of rolling bearings is between 1500rpm and 8000rpm. If the running speed exceeds 8000rpm, the temperature of the metal sliding surface rises rapidly, resulting in damage to the bearing, resulting in premature bearing failure.
For thrust bearings, the speed limitation for continuous running is between 2000rpm and 4000rpm. It is highly recommended that thrust bearings should not be used as a support under any high-speed rotating applications as it will cause premature bearing failure if the running speed is exceeded.
Linear bearings are commonly used for linear motion applications and can generally run at speeds between 200rpm and 10000rpm. When selecting linear bearings, it is important to consider the load, durability, application, and accuracy.
Journal bearings, also known as sleeve or plain bearings, are used to support rotating shafts. The speed limitation of journal bearings should not exceed 1800rpm. If the speed exceeds this rating, it can cause increased wear, heat generation, and eventual bearing failure.
The maximum speed at which bearings can run safely can be determined by several factors such as bearing design, temperature, material compatibility, external and internal load, lubrication methods, environment, dust and pollution, vibration, speed and acceleration. Running bearings at the wrong speed can cause premature bearing failure and machine breakdowns, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
It is therefore important to ensure that the bearings are running at slow speeds to prevent overheating. Slow speeds also reduce wear, improve efficiency and extend the life of the bearing. It is best to consult the manufacturer for the recommended runtime speed for the type of bearing being used.
In conclusion, bearings are critical components in many machines and equipment, and it is important to adhere to their speed restrictions. Running the bearings with excessive speed can result in bearing failures, leading to costly repairs and resulting in machine downtime. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the manufacturer’s speed recommendations and use the bearing only within their allowable running speed limits to ensure optimum performance and longevity.
