Ball bearings are vital components of machinery, reducing friction and boosting efficiency. But have you ever wondered how they work their magic?
What are Ball Bearings?
Ball bearings are made of steel rings and steel balls. The steel rings house the steel balls, making it easy for the rings to rotate without friction. Ball bearing mechanics are very simple but also very effective, which makes them suitable for medium radial and axial loads.
How Ball Bearings Work
Ball bearings consist of two steel rings (outer and inner rings), steel balls, spheres, and a cage. The steel rings provide a platform for the balls to roll. In between the rings are the spheres, which are fitted to allow motion. The cage holds the balls in place, preventing them from rolling over each other. The load moves from the tracks to the balls through a contact area.
Where Are Ball Bearings Used?
Ball bearings are used in so many industries as an integral part of machinery. It is widely accepted because it is cost-effective and efficient. It is used in machines that require high speed and less load.
Some of the industries that apply ball bearings include:
1.Automobile Industry:
Ball bearings power the engine, driveshaft, wheels, steering column and so on. With ball bearings in these areas, automobiles function better, friction and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, shock absorption is improved, and vehicles are more efficient.
2.Electricity
Electromagnetic induction is required to generate electricity. Ball bearings enable the movement of conductors in a magnetic field. Other industry equipment uses ball bearings, such as pumps, electric motors, compressors, hydroelectric power plants, generators, gearboxes and rotor shafts.
3.Food and Beverage Industry
In the food manufacturing industries, food items are moved from one point to another. To ensure speed and high productivity, the industry uses ball bearings to move these items from one point to the other accurately. Equipment such as food conveyors, filling machines, and so on apply the use of ball bearings.
How Do Ball Bearings Reduce Friction In Machinery?
The balls in ball bearings are smoothened to roundness. The rings are also very smooth, allowing friction reduction in machinery. Because the raceways (the surface on which the balls roll) are smooth, friction or turning resistance is brought to the barest minimum. Ball bearings require sufficient lubrication to function properly. Lubrication is required based on the usage duration and the machinery’s speed. When proper lubrication is done, turning resistance becomes very low, reducing heat and noise production. Where there are no ball bearings, the constant metal-to-metal contact produces heat and noise, eventually leading to wear and tear.
It is worth noting that ball bearings are not used on machinery requiring a high operating load. Heavy machinery like that should use roller bearings. At NSAR Bearings, we offer different kinds of bearings and accessories at pocket-friendly prices. You can order ball bearings or roller bearings and have them delivered to you in the desired quantity. NSAR Bearings delivers all over the US and beyond. We also offer OEM customization and brand cooperation processing. Our services are prompt. Check out our online store to make a purchase.