Rolling Bearings
Rolling bearings are machine elements which are used to reduce friction occurring in machines and to transmit motion and, if needed, to accept radial or axial forces. The rolling elements form a contact area between the rings which have internal clearance and high load capacity.
Rolling bearings can be divided into two types, radial and axial bearings. Radial bearings are designed to support radial loads. Axial bearings are designed to support axial, or thrust, loads. Axial bearings also allow limited angular-momentum loads.
Rolling bearings usually consist of two rings, an inner ring (including an inner surface, or raceway), an outer ring (including an outer surface, or raceway) for housing the rolling elements and a cage for containing and spacing the elements. Depending on the bearings design, carriages and one or more rows of rolling elements can be mounted between the two raceways.
In many applications, rolling bearings must operate in the presence of dirt, water, and various chemicals. In order to combat the effects of these foreign substances, roller bearing designs need to ensure a surface that is both smooth and resistant to wear. To this end, bearings are typically made of materials that are highly corrosion-resistant, such as chrome steel, stainless steel and special plastics.
There are numerous types of rolling bearings and each kind out of them has its own specialized use. This classification is based on their inner diameter and the actual load capacity, operation and design. The types of rolling bearings include deep groove bearings, tapered bearings and the like. The most common type of rolling bearing is the ball bearing that is used in many applications, from hard drives to wheel hubs.
These bearing designs are available in a wide range of sizes, accommodating different types and sizes of loads, for use in virtually any location, from automotive engines and other small machines to platforms and heavy machinery. Indeed, the majority of machines have at least one component that uses some form of rolling bearing technology.
Depending on their application, rolling bearings may also feature a combination of characteristics that help to better preserve and extend their working life. This includes features such as dustproof, waterproof capabilities to protect against wear.
Whether they are used in a variety of industries such as the mechanical, automotive, aerospace and the medical industry, rolling bearings are the highest quality parts that are used to build machines. Each component displayed on the bearing will guarantee the machine will work properly. As such, these bearing components can last longer and reduce costly maintenance.
In conclusion, it goes without saying that rolling bearings are an integral component of machines and devices running in various industries across the globe. Their ability to effectively reduce friction, while also providing support and reaching a variety of loads, makes them an essential component of many designs and machines.
