Bearings
A bearing is a device that allows a round object, or part of a round object, to rotate and spin freely, while causing a reduced amount of friction between the object and a surface it rolls or turns over; however, a “bearing” can also refer to a bracing mounted on a wall, beam or other support, or an elongated opening in a window, door or wall to allow it to operate more freely. Bearings have been used since ancient times, in the form of logs, rollers and slides placed at different positions in relation to one another.
Types of Bearings
Bearings are categorized according to their universal standards, with each type being suited for a specific function or application.
These types of bearings include:
1. Ball Bearings: Ball bearings are the most common type. They are composed of two rings, inner and outer, that contain one or more rows of balls. The balls can roll freely between the two rings, allowing for smooth and efficient spinning and rotation with minimal friction.
2. Roller Bearings: Roller bearings are much like ball bearings, but instead of using one or more rows of small steel balls, they use cylindrical rollers. These rollers can handle higher load capacities than ball bearings, but require higher energy to start spinning.
3. Tapered Roller Bearings: Tapered roller bearings are similar to roller bearings but have a slightly different shape. The tapered roller is designed to reduce friction, allowing it to handle higher load capacities at a higher speed.
4. Needle Roller Bearings: Needle roller bearings are the smallest type of roller bearings. They are composed of cylindrical rollers that are characterized by their small diameter and length. These rollers are able to handle high loads at higher speeds, making them highly efficient for compact applications.
5. Thrust Bearings: Thrust bearings are designed to handle axial loads, and support linear motion. These bearings are composed of two circular race ways with cylindrical rollers or rollers and a caged retainer.
6. Linear Bearings: Linear bearings are low friction bearings that are used to guide and support linear motion. They are composed of a race way and a ball cage and can handle higher speeds than many other bearing types.
7. Radial Bearings: Radial bearings are designed to handle radial loads. They are composed of two rings, and can include one or more rows of cylindrical rollers or balls depending on the design. They are used in applications such as shafts, gear boxes and other machines where radial forces and loads are present.
8. Angular Contact Bearings: Angular contact bearings are designed to handle radial and axial loads in both directions. These bearings can support high speeds and higher load capacities. They have a specific contact angle, allowing them to operate under high loads without an excessive amount of friction.
Applications
Bearings are used in a variety of applications, from large scale industrial ones like turbines to small scale consumer grade products like skateboards and bicycles.
Industrial: Automotive, aircraft, robotics, gear boxes, machine tools, hoists and cranes, pumps, compressors, turbines and other high speed machinery all use bearings.
Transportation: Bearings are used in various areas of transportation, such as spindles, engines and gears on bicycles, cars, skateboards, roller skates and in-line skates.
Home Appliances: Many of the home appliances we use daily, such as vacuum cleaners and washing machines, use bearings to ensure more efficient and smoother operation.
Sports: Bearings are also used in different sporting equipment such as skateboards and snowboards for smoother performance.
Medical: Bearings are used in medical manufacturing, such as in knee and hip joints, as well as for medical devices and equipment like dialysis machines.
Conclusion
There are many different types of bearings that can be used for a variety of applications. The most important factor when choosing a bearing is to make sure that it is able to handle the particular load and speed requirements of the application. Furthermore, it is also important to consider the environmental conditions the bearing will operate in, such as temperature, humidity and exposure to contaminants. By selecting the correct type and size of bearing, you can ensure that your design will function reliably and efficiently.
