Torque, load and life are all important terms when talking about roller bearings.
Torque is a measure of the rotational force necessary to rotate a shaft and is usually specified in inch-pounds. Higher torque levels indicate greater rotational resistance and can ultimately cause excessive bearing wear and failure. Another factor affecting torque is friction. Friction is caused by the relative motion between two solid surfaces in contact. In order to reduce friction, proper lubrication must be used.
Load is a measure of the forces acting on the bearing and is specified in pounds. If the load is too high, it can cause bearing failure due to fatigue. The radial and axial loads, taken together, constitute the dynamic load capacity of the bearing.
Life is the amount of time a rolling bearing can operate before it needs to be replaced. In order to determine the life of a rolling bearing, it is important to consider the dynamic load capacity, speed and operating environment of the bearing. In general, higher speeds lead to lower bearing life but there are other factors, such as lubrication, temperature and contamination that can also affect bearing life.
In order to extend the life of a rolling bearing, it is important to use the correct type of bearing for the application, to properly lubricate and maintain it, and to keep an eye on the load and speed of the bearing. With the correct care and maintenance, rolling bearings can provide long and reliable life.
