Rolling Bearing Terminology (8)
Inner Ring: Inner ring is the part of rolling bearing, which is fixed on the shaft of the machine. It is the stationary feature of bearing.
Outer Ring: Outer ring is the part which normally rotates which carries the roller elements.
Cage: This is a ring-shaped protective device that sits between the rolling elements and the inner and outer rings to retain them under the load.
Interference Fit: This is the force fit provided between the shaft and the inner ring while assembling bearings.
Pre-load: This is basically a compressive force maintained between the inner and outer rings by adjustment of bearing assembly conditions. It also helps to minimize the deformation.
Axial Clearance: This is basically the distance between outer and inner rings of bearing along the axis. It helps to reduce the bearing temperature.
Radial Clearance: This is basically the distance between the bore of outer and inner rings. It helps to reduce the damage caused by shock loads.
Separable Bearing: This is the bearing construction in which the inner and outer rings can be independently assembled and mounted on the shaft.
Endplay: This is the difference between the axial dimension of the bearing and the approximate axial dimension of the particular shaft.
Seat Adjustment: This is the operation for checking, correcting and adjusting the distance between the shaft and bearing seat.
Lubrication: This is the method of adding lubricants around the surfaces of the rotating parts of the bearing to reduce friction and wear between the running surfaces.
Seal: This is a protective cover or a gasket for the bearing unit or for the rolling elements which helps to keep the lubricant within the bearing and keeping out any dust and dirt.
Heat Treatment: This is the mechanical and thermal process which is used to change hardness, toughness, and other physical properties of the bearing material.
