Causes of Bearing Failure
Bearing failure is one of the most common problems faced in the manufacturing industry and one of the most overlooked. A bearing, which is typically a cylindrical component consisting of two components, a rolling element and a stationary component, is responsible for keeping parts moving smoothly over a specified distance. When bearings begin to fail, it can affect the operation of entire machinery or industrial processes. The following are some of the major causes of bearing failure.
Insufficient lubrication is the most common cause of bearing failure. Poor lubrication leads to inadequate NSK 6203 bearing protection, resulting in premature component wear and bearing failure. Failure to perform periodic inspections of bearings and their components can also contribute to bearing failure. With periodic inspections and lubrication, it is possible to identify and correct problems early, thus extending their life.
Contamination of the bearing is another factor that can contribute to bearing failure. Contamination can occur from external sources due to air-born dust or particles, or from within the lubricant stream due to oxidation. Contamination also leads to poor bearing operations, resulting in bearing failure. The best way to address this problem is to ensure that any components close to the bearing are adequately secured to keep foreign particles away. Additionally, using high-quality lubrication additives to reduce oxidation and contaminants can also help to reduce bearing failure.
Inadequate application is another major cause of bearing failure. Poor application of the bearing can range from incorrect installation to incorrect removal of components. Incorrect installation of bearings can lead to misalignment of components or contact with other parts, increasing the contact forces between components and leading to premature bearing failure. Additionally, incorrect removal of components can also lead to bearing failure due to contamination, as introduced when components are not removed correctly.
Incorrect bearing materials can contribute to bearing failure as well. Different applications require different bearing materials, as each material provides different levels of protection and lubrication. For instance, softer bearing materials are optimal for applications with low impact and vibration. If incorrect materials are used, the bearing can become susceptible to the impact and vibration, resulting in premature failure.
Another cause of bearing failure can be improper operations or maintenance. This can include incorrect mounting and adjustment procedures, or improper maintenance such as neglected lubrication and cleaning. If these procedures are not correctly followed, it can lead to increased contact forces, resulting in bearing failure. Additionally, insufficient cleaning can lead to fluid contamination and component degradation, which can also lead to bearing failure.
In some cases, even if all the causes are addressed, a bearing may still fail prematurely. In such cases, incorrect assembly or incorrect storage can also be the cause of bearing failure. Incorrect storage can either be due to improper packaging or improper storage temperatures, both of which can cause component deterioration. Additionally, if components are incorrectly assembled, it can affect the entire assembly, resulting in premature bearing failure.
In order to prevent bearing failure, it is important to assess what factors may be contributing to the issue and make adjustments accordingly. Whether the issue is lubrication, contamination, application, materials, or incorrect operations, the causes can be addressed through proper maintenance and inspection. Additionally, examining the environment, where the bearings are located, and making sure it is free from potential contaminants and particles can help reduce the potential for premature bearing failure.
