The market is flooded with different types of bearings, each serving a unique function. To maximize efficiency in your bearings’ applications, it’s essential to know where and how each type is best used. Below is a breakdown of some common bearing types and their applications.
Bearings and Their Applications
1.Ball Bearings
Ball bearings, as the name implies, use balls to function. The small ball between the two rings enables its functionality. It is the most common bearing. It works well for radial and thrust loads but is destroyed when the load is big. Ball bearings are of 3 types:
●Deep-Groove Ball Bearings
Deep-groove ball bearings have deep raceway grooves and rings (inner and outer rings) with circular arcs slightly larger in radius than the balls. They are widely accepted because of their versatility and good performance.
● Self-Aligning Ball Bearings
Self-aligning ball bearings help correct misalignment caused by housing, faulty installation or shaft machining. They have three raceways: two for the inner ring and one spherical for the outer ring. The outer ring raceway has a center of curvature close to the bearing axis.
●Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Angular contact ball bearings are asymmetrical. They are strong enough to carry high radial-axial loads at high speed and unidirectional axial loads. They are mounted in groups of two (or more) opposite preloaded units with spacers.
Ball Bearing Applications
Ball bearings are used in making many of the items we use every day, such as bicycles, hair dryers, washing machines, fishing rods, sewing machines, DVD players, skateboards, food processors, fax machines, air conditioners, photocopiers, hard drives, fans, elevators and so on. They’re also used in the automobile industry to make engines, electric motors, steering, gearboxes, driveshafts, drivelines and transmissions.
2.Tapered Roller Bearings
Tapered roller bearings have narrower angles that allow sufficient control of thrust and radial load combinations. The bearing’s curved outer ring angle allows it to carry thrust loads.
Tapered Roller Bearing Applications
Tapered roller bearings are used in axle systems, agriculture, engine motors and reducers, construction and mining, gearboxes, railroad axle boxes, wind turbines and so on.
3.Spherical Roller Bearings
Spherical roller bearings have spherical rings. The rings are locked together, and the inner ring is placed in an axial direction. Spherical roller bearings allow rotation with low friction.
Spherical Roller Bearing Applications
Spherical roller bearings are used in pumps, gearboxes, construction and mining equipment, mechanical fans and blowers, marine propulsion and offshore drilling, pulp and paper processing equipment, and other applications.
4.Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Cylindrical roller bearings have a cylindrical rolling element that distributes the load over a large area, helping the bearing carry heavy loads. They are better suited for radial loads but cannot withstand thrust loads.
Cylindrical Roller Bearing Applications
Cylindrical roller bearings are applied in cement processing, power generation, mining, fans and blowers, power transmission, petroleum production, electric motors, crushers, gears and drives, pulp and paper processing equipment, pumps, tractor motors, etc.
Each bearing design is unique and tailored to serve in certain capacities. Expert knowledge is required to choose the right bearing. At NSAR Bearings, we offer consultation services and produce and deliver quality and durable bearings and accessories. Our services are customer-tailored; that is, you are our priority!
