Selection Summary of Bearings
Introduction to Bearing Selection
Bearings are mechanical components that support, guide and reduce the friction of rotating parts. Therefore, the selection of bearings is very important and needs to be carefully considered. Bearing selection is not only related to the bearing type, but also to the application field, load and speed ratio. Selection of the correct bearing involves determining the appropriate combination of the various bearing types, sizes and materials. This summary is designed to provide guidance on the selection and application of common types of bearings.
Bearing Types
The most common types of bearings include: ball bearing, tapered roller bearing, cylindrical roller bearing, spherical bearing and needle roller bearing.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are the most common type of bearing and are used for rotary and axial loads. They are typically composed of two races or rings and a set of steel balls or rollers. Ball bearings are divided into two categories, single and double row. Single row bearings are composed of inner and outer rings, one set of balls and a cage to hold the balls. Double row bearings are composed of two rows of balls and a large outer ring. These bearings are used for heavier loads, and double row angular contact bearings can support combined axial and radial loads.
Tapered Roller Bearings
Tapered roller bearings are also used for rotary and axial loads. They are composed of an inner and an outer ring and a set of tapered rollers in between. The rollers are mounted in an angled array which allows the bearing to better withstand radial loads. Tapered roller bearings are used in many applications, such as automotive and power transmission.
Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Cylindrical roller bearings are composed of an inner and an outer ring, and a set of cylindrical rollers in between. These bearings are designed to handle radial loads, but can also support axial loads. They are also commonly used in automotive and power transmission applications.
Spherical Bearings
Spherical bearings are also used for radial and axial loads, but can handle larger loads than other types of bearings. They are composed of an inner and an outer race, and a set of spherical rollers between them. These bearings are particularly useful in applications where there is misalignment between the shaft and the bearings.
Needle Roller Bearings
Needle roller bearings are composed of an inner and an outer ring, and a set of small cylindrical rollers in between. These bearings can handle very high loads and are often used in transmissions and powertrains.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a bearing type, there are several factors to consider. The first step is to determine the load capacity, speed and temperature requirements of the application. Then, consider the type of bearing material to best suit the application. Finally, for certain types of bearings, there may be special considerations regarding lubrication or sealing.
In Conclusion
The selection of the appropriate bearing type is essential for the successful performance of a machine or system. The type of bearing selected must be able to withstand the load, speed and temperature requirements of the application, as well as be the most economical and practical option. This summary provides an overview of common bearing types and their application.
