Equipment that requires frictionless power transmission requires a specially chosen bearing that can handle the operating environment. The bearing selection process takes into account several points of view, from the type of load in mechanical operation to the maintenance required to ensure efficient operation.
As a bearing supplier, we have everything you need to know about choosing the right bearing for your machine application, whether you need frictionless transmission, food processing and other critical applications.
Here are the 7 deciding factors you should be aware of when choosing the right bearing:
1. The type of cargo
There are three types of loads you should be aware of before purchasing a bearing:
- Radial loads: load forces perpendicular to the rotating axis.
- Axial loads: load forces parallel to the rotating axis.
- Combined loads: load forces are radial and axial or interchangeable.
You need to be aware of the type of load, as certain rolling elements, bearing materials and raceway stiffness are suited to specific applications. Additionally, you need to take the weight of the load into consideration. Thrust bearings are better at supporting radial and combined loads, while linear bearings can support axial loads. More specifically, tapered roller bearings have the ability to withstand high radial and axial loads, making them suitable for applications across a wide range of industries.
2. Transmission speed
With systems operating at different speeds, bearings must be able to withstand these different speeds and temperatures to ensure maximum operations. Where high speeds are present, precision bearings must be installed as small misalignments in the installation or maintenance processes can cause vibration, temperature rise and subsequent downtime as larger components wear. Typically, higher rotational speeds (calculated in revolutions per minute (RPM)) are better satisfied with ball bearings, while slower transmissions are better controlled by roller elements.
3. Component temperature
The operating and operating temperature of all equipment and mechanical devices may vary, reaching maximum values of 350°C (660°F). This is an important consideration as the bearing material can deform under thermal stress; Furthermore, the lubricant can evaporate (when using an oil-based lubricant) and cause friction in the transmission. Some manufacturers have designed their bearings especially to withstand high temperature loads and drives. One such manufacturer is SKF Bearings and is a major source of components for your bearing supplier in Singapore.
4. Lubricant requirement
Bearings require a level of lubrication in the rolling element, cage and raceway to ensure that frictionless power transmission between components is a continuous process. There are three types of lubricants you should know about. Each has its own advantages and properties for machine equipment, as well as its own application and maintenance requirements.
- Lubricating grease
- Petroleum or synthetic oil-based lubricant
- Dry lubricant (solid film lubricant)
5. The sealant
for bearings Bearing sealant, also known as retaining compound, is used to reduce lubricant contamination and excessive evaporation. There are two types of core, the first is a covering known as a shield; This coating is part of the bearing and is generally made from the same materials. However, these protections can also come in the form of a rubber seal where high temperatures and load rates are not an issue during operation. The other type is the retaining compound added to the shaft of the rotating element; When the bearing is applied, the inner ring will drag a uniform bead of compound along the shaft to fill any imperfections in the assembly.
6. The maintenance program
There are three types of maintenance: preventive, predictive and reactive. All three are crucially used in operations to ensure continuous operation. However, when specific bearings are applied to the machine, renewed maintenance is required. For example, bearings that use oil-based lubricants require more frequent maintenance. Additionally, bearings purchased at a lower cost may require more predictive and preventative maintenance, resulting in a higher cost in the long term. Bearings purchased from trusted manufacturers such as SKF or INA Bearings do not require as much maintenance as non-brand bearings.
7. The wider environment
The final consideration when choosing the right bearing for your machine application from your bearing supplier is the operating environment. In aggressive environments, specific bearing materials, lubricants and shields must be used in the transmission module. There are 7 basic materials used to produce bearings:
- Carbon steel
- Ceramics
- Chrome steel
- Hybrid metals
- Polymeric plastic
- Stainless steel
Stainless steel and chromium are the most common, while ceramic bearings are high hardness, anti-corrosive, durable, light, resistant to high temperatures, low density and with reduced need for lubrication and maintenance.
Infographic: 7 factors for choosing the right bearing
Although a bearing may seem like a minor component on a larger scale of mechanical application, it plays a crucial role. Frictionless power transmission ensures efficient machine operation and where friction occurs after selecting a more suitable bearing
