BEARING

The main purpose of bearings is to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact between two elements that are in relative
motion. This prevents friction, heat generation and ultimately, the wear and tear of parts. It also reduces energy
consumption as sliding motion is replaced with low-friction rolling.

The basic function of bearings is principally to reduce mechanical friction. Reducing friction means:

1. machinery will run more efficiently

2. there will be less frictional wear, extending the operating life of the machinery
3. preventing abrasion burn, avoiding mechanical breakdown

Bearings also contribute to lower energy consumption by reducing friction and allowing the efficient
transmission of power.

Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are one of the most common types of bearing classes used. It consists of a row of balls as rolling
elements.
Ball bearings provide very low friction during rolling but have limited load-carrying capacity. This is because of the
small area of contact between the balls and the races.

Advantages of ball bearings:

 Good wear resistance

 Do not need much lubrication
 Provide low friction, thus little energy loss
 Long service life
 Easy to replace
 Small general dimensions
 Comparatively cheap
 Can handle thrust loads

Disadvantages of ball bearings:

 Cannot handle large weights

Outer race Inner Race Bearing Element cage

Roller Bearings
Rolling element bearings contain rolling elements in the shape of balls or cylinders. Rolling element bearings are
used to facilitate the free movement of parts in rotational motion.
Roller bearings contain cylindrical rolling elements instead of balls as load-carrying elements between the races. An
element is considered a roller if its length is longer than its diameter
Since they are in line contact with the inner and outer races (instead of point contact as in the case of ball bearings),
they can support greater loading.

Advantages of roller bearings:

 Easy maintenance
 Low friction
 Can take high radial loads
 Tapered roller bearings can withstand high axial loads
 Great accuracy
 Used to adjust the axial displacement
 Low vibrations
 Higher load capacities than ball bearings
 Can withstand high axial loads

Plain Bearings
A plain bearing is the simplest type of bearing.
Plain bearings are used for rotational, sliding, reciprocating or oscillatory motion.
Thrust Bearing

Thrust ball bearings, composed of bearing balls supported in a ring, can be used in low thrust applications where
there is little axial load. Cylindrical thrust roller bearings consist of small cylindrical rollers arranged flat with their
axes pointing to the axis of the bearing. They give very good carrying capacity

Thrust bearings are rotary bearings that are designed specifically to support an axial load.

Thrust Roller bearings Thrust Ball Bearing

Maintenance Of Bearings
Bearings play a significant role in the free and unrestricted movement of mechanical parts or components,
Here are seven tips for bearing maintenance to help ensure a longer lifespan

1. Handle with care

Bearings are delicate enough to get damaged quickly. As such, it is very important that they are
stored horizontally in a clean and dry environment with their packaging intact. Do not expose them to
any airborne contaminants, as even a tiny speck of dirt can cause premature failure. Never hammer
or pound them, or apply a direct force on it or its outer ring, which can cause damage to the rolling
elements, resulting in misalignment. The most important thing to remember is to never remove
bearings from their packaging until ready for use.

2. Check the bearing housing and shaft

Whenever a bearing is used for mounting, it is crucial that the housing and shaft are inspected for
any sort of physical condition or damage. Always use a soft cloth to wipe the surfaces clean and
make sure any nicks and burrs are removed.

3. Mount the bearings correctly

The method used to mount the bearings depends on the type of bearing. For example, bearings with
cylindrical bores are generally mounted through a press fit method. Bearings with tapered bores can
be mounted directly on tapered or cylindrical shafts with the use of tapered sleeves. However,
pressure should be applied only with a press fit because without it the raceways can become
damaged.

4. Avoid preheating or overheating

The maximum heating allowed on the bearings depends on the heat treatment of the material. If they
are heated above the permitted limit, they can permanently deform or soften the bearing steel,
lowering load carrying capacity and resulting in a failure. Always heat the bearings using induction
heaters, and never with an open flame.

5. Always use the proper tools

Specialized tools like bearing pullers, bearing fitting tool kits, oil injector kits, hydraulic nuts, or
induction heaters should be used in the mounting and dismounting processes. These tools ensure
the smooth process of mounting or dismounting, in order to minimize the risk of damage.

6. Avoid corrosion
It is crucial that you should not expose bearings to the presence of water for a long time, as it will
lead to rust and corrosion. It will also cause the premature failure of the bearings, which can affect
the machine performance and productivity. As a result, it will increase your operating costs. Also,
make sure to wear gloves when handling bearings. Perspiration can also lead to rust and corrosion.

7. Proper lubrication
If you want to have a prolonged life of your bearings, it is crucial that they should be properly
lubricated. The correct lubricant depends on the environmental conditions, temperature, speed and
load. In this case, it is advisable that you should follow your manufacturer’s recommendations.