There bearing shielding represents one of the main characteristics capable of influencing the performance of the bearing and its correct integration into the system in which it will operate. But what are the different forms of bearing shielding ? How can the bearing be protected by shielding?
Assuming that the bearing shield can vary in a technically significant way depending on the needs of the system, the application of the bearing and the type and frequency of lubrication of the same, we can certainly remember in these few lines how bearings are commonly sold in two distinct versions:
- closed shield refers to bearings in which their rolling elements are protected from external agents;
- open shield refers to bearings in which their rolling parts are exposed to external agents.
In turn, closed shield bearings can be classified into two subtypes, depending on the nature of the shield itself:
- closed “armored” shield 2z in which the bearing balls or rollers are internally protected from external agents through the use of some rings by a pair of thin metallic flanges;
- “watertight” closed shield 2rs in which the bearing balls or rollers are protected within the two rings by a pair of thin, watertight rubber flanges.
But which of the two different forms of shielding are more effective? In general, although much depends on each case, we can certainly highlight how the armored closure proves to be particularly effective, especially against dust, while the watertight closure is discreetly more effective against a wider range of external elements: as well as against dust. In fact, the bearing will also be protected against the action of other agents, such as fluids.
From the above, however, it is not appropriate to try to draw definitive conclusions about the safety and precision of bearings, in the sense of always preferring shielded ones and, in particular, those with a watertight closure . In fact, much depends on the environment in which the bearing is located, taking into account that where the environment is particularly harsh (think of an environment in which there is a large presence of dust or corrosive fluids) it will naturally be advisable to use closed bearings (and possibly with tight seal), whilst where the external environment does not require similar attention, it will be sufficient to use bearings with open shielding, where – remember – the rolling parts are exposed to the external environment.
Naturally, we can only advise you to contact our specialist consultants if clarification is required. Our team will be at your disposal, even in the pre-sales and initial assistance phase, to provide you with any useful information to define the best purchase for your reference system.
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