Selection of High-Longevity Bearings
Introduction
High-longevity bearings are essential components of most rotating machinery, and as such, they need to be selected with great care in order to ensure they provide reliable and sustained operation under the most severe conditions. This article provides an overview of the criteria and considerations that should be taken into account when selecting high-longevity bearings and discusses the advantages of each type of bearing.
Types of High-Longevity Bearings
The most commonly used high-longevity bearings are ball, spherical, cylindrical and tapered roller bearings. Bearings can also be classified according to their internal design, as there are many different types of internal bearing designs that can be used to extend their longevity.
Ball bearings are the most frequently used type of high-longevity bearing, and are used in applications requiring a high degree of accuracy, such as instrumentation, electric motors and automobile transmissions. Ball bearings are usually made of steel, and are available in various sizes and ball bearing load ratings. Ball bearings can be lubricated to reduce friction, which improves their life expectancy and increases their radial load capacity.
Spherical roller bearings are similar to ball bearings, but contain additional rolling elements. These bearings are also used in high-end applications that require a high degree of accuracy, such as machine tool spindles, roller bearings and turbine shafts. The added rolling elements help to dissipate heat and reduce vibrations, which can increase the life expectancy of the bearing. The roller bearing can also be lubricated to reduce friction and improve bearing longevity.
Cylindrical roller bearings are a type of roller bearings that are much larger in size than spherical roller and ball bearings and are mainly used in applications that require high load capacities, such as conveyor systems and camshafts. These bearings are also designed to be lubricated to reduce friction and increase their radial load capacity.
Tapered roller bearings are a type of bearings that are designed for high radial load applications, such as automotive axles and gearboxes. These bearings are much larger in size than ball bearings, and are usually made from a combination of steel and brass. Tapered roller bearings are designed to be lubricated to reduce friction, which increases their life expectancy and radial load capacity.
Selection Criteria
When selecting a high-longevity bearing, several criteria should be taken into account. The first and foremost consideration is to ensure that the bearing is appropriate for the application and is able to withstand the expected load. Other considerations include bearing design, size, material, lubrication and heat treatment.
The bearing design should be matched to the application, as different designs may offer different characteristics and benefits in terms of load capacity and lifespan. For example, spherical roller bearings are typically used in applications requiring bearing accuracy, such as camshafts and gearboxes, while cylindrical roller bearings are typically used in applications requiring higher radial load capacities, such as conveyor systems.
The size of the bearing should also be taken into account, as larger bearings can generally support higher radial load capacities. Additionally, the material used to manufacture the bearing should be considered, as different materials may offer different advantages in terms of longevity and load capacity.
Finally, lubrication and heat treatment should be taken into account when selecting a bearing. Lubrication helps to reduce friction and prolong life, while heat treatment helps to improve the hardness and strength of the bearing.
Advantages
High-longevity bearings offer several advantages over other types of bearings. First, they are able to withstand higher radial loads than other types of bearings, meaning they can support heavier loads. Additionally, they are generally more accurate, meaning they can be used in applications requiring a high degree of accuracy. Finally, these bearings are usually lubricated to reduce friction and extend their life expectancy.
Conclusion
High-longevity bearings are essential components of many rotating machines and should be chosen with great care in order to ensure their reliable and sustained performance. Ball, spherical, cylindrical and tapered roller bearings are the most commonly used bearings for high-longevity applications, and several criteria should be taken into account when selecting these types of bearing, including bearing design, size, material, lubrication and heat treatment. High-longevity bearings offer several advantages, such as the ability to withstand heavy loads, accuracy and extended life expectancy.
