Bearings Support and Seal
Bearings are crucial components in modern machinery, and they play a critical role in allowing machines to operate as intended. They support the components of a machine, such as shafts, spindles and rollers, keeping them in place and allowing them to move smoothly. However, bearings also need to be protected from dirt, dust, water and other contaminants. This is where bearing seals come in. Bearing seals are designed to protect the bearing from environmental contaminants and extend the life of the bearing.
Bearing support is typically provided by a bearing housing structure. This consists of a pair of end plates, which are pressed together, forming a channel for the race, or inner ring of the bearing. A bearing support ring, or retaining ring, is then inserted into this channel. This not only provides the correct support and positioning for the bearing, but also helps to evenly distribute the load of the components and ensure the bearing is running correctly.
In some applications, an external seal is also required over and above the support provided by the bearing housing. This is usually accomplished through the use of a double lip seal. This type of seal is a double lip ring which is compressed between the bearing inner and outer races. This causes the edges of the seal to interlock and provide a seal between the components.
The type and size of bearing seal used will depend on the application. Generally, a wide variety of bearing seals are available, and many come in standard sizes. However, some applications may require a custom seal, due to the size or shape of the bearing race. These are typically manufactured from elastomers such as rubber, and can be simple gaskets, U-shaped seals, or lip seals. Whilst these seals will provide protection against contaminants, they need to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are providing the required protection.
In conclusion, bearings play a key role in many machines, providing the movable components with the required support and ensuring they operate correctly. In order to ensure the correct operation and support, bearings need to be sealed to protect them from dirt and other contaminants. Bearing seals can be as simple as a gasket or as complex as a double lip seal, and the selection of suitable seals is critical to ensure the correct operation of the bearing.
