Self-lubricating bearings
Self-lubricating bearings are one of the key components of machinery and equipment. The bearing itself is a rotary bearing that allows the rotation of the shaft or the external force to be lost. It can also be used to bear large radial and axial forces, and transmit torque or rotation speed. Generally,it lubricates using grease or oil.
Since the number of revolutions of the bearing is very high, the friction generated during use and the pressure formed by this friction will produce heat and degrade the performance of the bearing, thus reducing its service life. Therefore, it is necessary to lubricate them, cool them and cut off the access of foreign substances from outside.
The sealing of a self-lubricating bearing is to achieve these objectives, and the purpose of this kind of bearing is to isolate and seal the bearing from the outside environment, preventing the bearing from being contaminated and damaged by dust, dirt and water.Due to the high speed of the bearing, the seal has to not only prevent contamination from the outside, but also has to prevent the lubricating fluid from leaking out, ensuring the lubrication and cooling of the bearing. Generally, the self-lubricated bearing seals are: rubber seals, non-contact seals, and lip seals.
Rubber seals are one type of seals which are commonly used in self-lubricating bearings. They are an economical solution to the sealing problem and are used with both grease and oil lubrication as well as dry applications. The rubber seal keeps the lubricant inside and prevents contaminants from entering. They are suitable for applications where dynamic loads are light and the operating speeds are low.
Non-contact seals, such as labyrinth seals, are one of the best seals for self-lubricating bearings. They consist of rings or grooves machined into the outside surface of the bearing housing. The grooves are filled with a grease that prevents contact between the inner and outer rings, thus keeping the bearings clean and free of contaminants.
Lip seals are another type of seal commonly used in self-lubricating bearings. They are made of a synthetic rubber compound and are designed to fit into a groove in the inner or outer ring of the bearing. They have the ability to retain a certain amount of lubricant, reducing leakage, and providing a good seal against contaminants.
Self-lubricated bearings are an important part of the machinery, and their seals are the only line of defense against contamination and wear. Therefore, it is important to choose the right seal for your application, as it can make the difference between a successful installation and a costly bearings failure.
