Load Capacity of Thrust Ball Bearings with Seat Rings
Thrust ball bearings with seat rings are a form of thrust bearing designed to provide high axial and radial rigidity, as well as high load capacity. These bearings have a compact, cost-effective design and are used in various applications, such as heavy equipment, automotive, offshore, aviation, and marine.
Ball bearings are composed of rolling elements between two flat, circular races. They are bearings that rely on contact between the balls and the races to distribute contact forces throughout the bearing. In thrust ball bearings, the inner race and the outer race are generally made of hardened steel, and the load is distributed between the two rings.
The bearing has two contact points, one each on the inner and outer races, where loads are transferred between the two races. The inner race is attached to the mating surface, such as a gear or shaft, while the outer race is supported by the housing. Typically, a ball or roller cage is inserted between the two races to achieve smooth radial and axial motion.
A ball thrust bearing is designed to withstand axial forces only, whereas a bearing with seat rings is designed to both axial and radial loads. This is the main difference between a traditional ball bearing and a bearing with seat rings. A ball bearing is more narrow and has more limited radial load capacity, whereas a bearing with seat rings is wider and has higher radial load capacity.
The cage that holds the balls of the bearing is supported by the inner race and seat rings. The seat rings provide additional radial rigidity and reduce wear on the balls and races, which increases bearing life. In addition, the seat rings help ensure precise alignment of the inner race with the mating surface, eliminating clearance under load and improving damping characteristics. The rings also provide a path for lubricants to reach the bearing surface, which can help reduce wear and increase bearing life.
The load capacity of a thrust ball bearing with seat rings is typically higher than that of a traditional ball bearing. This is due to the additional stiffness provided by the seat rings and the increased contact area between the rings and the races. The load capacity of a thrust bearing with seat rings is also higher than that of a bearing without seat rings.
In conclusion, thrust ball bearings with seat rings are a form of thrust bearing designed to provide high axial and radial rigidity, as well as high load capacity. The bearing is composed of two races that are typically made of hardened steel and a ball or roller cage inserted between them. The cage is supported by the inner race and seat rings, which provide additional radial rigidity, improved damping characteristics, and a path for lubrication to reach the bearing surface. The load capacity of a thrust ball bearing with seat rings is higher than that of a traditional ball bearing, and the load capacity of a thrust bearing without seat rings.
