Classification of Rotary Motion Bearings
Rotary motion bearings are broadly classified into two main groups according to the type of motion: the thrust bearings, which accept and support axial forces, and the radial spherical bearings, which accept and support radial forces. The design of the bearings and the type of material used for them vary according to the application.
The thrust bearing is a bearing that supports axial loads. This type of bearing is usually used in large pieces of machinery, such as turbines and large engines, which rotate at high speeds. The design of the thrust bearing will depend on the application and can come in different forms. Examples of thrust bearing designs are deep groove ball bearings and tapered roller bearings. Deep groove ball bearings are the most commonly used type and are made from a combination of steel and bronze, while tapered roller bearings have a conical shape and are typically made from steel.
Another type of bearing is the radial spherical bearing. These bearings are used in applications involving rotation, such as in fans and pumps. They are made from a combination of steel and bronze and have a concave interior surface. This allows them to accept and support radial loads, which are exerted perpendicular to the bearing axis.
Radial spherical bearings can also come in the form of needle bearing and bushing, both of which are constructed differently and used for different applications. Needle bearings feature an inner and outer race that contain a series of cylindrical rollers. These bearings are typically used in automotive applications. On the other hand, bushings are typically used in applications involving lower loads and speeds and consist of a sleeve and an inner liner, which offer support and prevent wear and tear.
Rotary motion bearings can also be split into two further categories depending on the type of load they are designed to support. Plain bearings are usually solid cylinders of metal or plastic that are used to support axial and radial loads. They are typically used in machines such as pumps and turbines, where there is not much room for bearings that take up a large amount of space. Roller bearings, on the other hand, are constructed from multiple rollers and are used to support heavy loads. They are typically used in applications involving heavy machinery, such as cranes or elevators.
Rotary motion bearings are a crucial component in any machine or system that involves rotational movement of components. Depending on the application, different types of bearings may be required. Thrust bearings and radial spherical bearings are the two main types, which may be further classified into needle bearings, bushings, plain bearings and roller bearings. Regardless of the type of bearing used, it is essential to choose one that can adequately support the loads and speeds of the application.
