The performance of bearing materials
Bearing materials need to have certain properties in order to perform their intended job in a satisfactory manner. Without these properties, bearing-related components will not perform their intended job or do so inadequately. Bearing materials need to possess certain properties such as high hardness and wear resistance, excellent fatigue strength, good machinability and low thermal expansion.
Hardness and wear resistance: The material used for bearing components must be hard enough to resist wear and damage caused by friction and loading. Harder substances will be less prone to material fatigue and degradation over time. Hardened steels and high performance coatings can provide increased bearing life when compared to standard forms of bearing materials.
Fatigue strength: As bearing components move, the constant mechanical pressure and abrasion due to the relative motion between the parts leads to accelerated wear. High fatigue strength is required to resist the pressure and keep the bearing components from wearing out quickly. Materials such as chromium steel, tungsten carbide, and nitrided steel provide exceptional strength and load bearing characteristics.
Machinability: The machinability of bearing materials needs to be good in order for them to be processed cost-effectively for use in bearing components. Materials that are easy to process and shape are extremely desirable in the bearing industry. Common materials such as alloy steel, stainless steel, and bronze are particularly good candidates for machining into bearing components.
Thermal expansion: Thermal expansion of bearing materials is extremely important because it dictates the speed at which a bearing can respond to temperature changes in its environment. Low thermal expansion materials such as bronze and graphite are often used in applications that require improved thermal stability.
Overall, bearing materials must possess certain properties in order to perform properly over time. By selecting the correct material, it is possible to extend bearing life, reduce maintenance, and improve performance. In addition, the specific properties of the material chosen will dictate the performance characteristics that can be achieved in any particular application. It is therefore necessary to select the appropriate bearing material for each application in order to ensure optimal performance.
