Bearings

Description

Bearings are essential structural parts that allow confined relative motion between two moving parts and thus reduce friction. The bearings permit axial rotation, linear motion, spherical rotation, and hinge motion. The load applied on the bearing is either radial load or thrust load. Ceramic, glass, sapphire, plastic, steel, bronze are the common materials used for manufacturing bearings. Also, bushings are sometimes used in place of bearings to reduce cost and/or complexity.

Types of Bearings

The most common types of bearings include the following:

• Sliding bearings – otherwise called as bushings or bushes are cylindrical linings that are designed to lessen friction, reduce wear inside the hole, restrain and constrict motion of the mechanical parts
• Rolling-element bearings - Here the load is carried by inserting round elements amidst two pieces example ball bearings, thrust bearings, etc
• Jewel bearings – Here the load is carried by systematically rolling the axle a little off-center
• Fluid bearings – Here the liquid or gas carries the load
• Magnetic bearings -  Here the magnetic field carries the load
• Flexure bearings – Here the motion is sustained by a load element that bends
• Bushings – Related loads are typically carried by a combination of the bushing itself as well as the lubricant, either oil or grease.

 Advantages

• Less friction
• Minimal wear and tear
• High speed operation
• Used for higher loads
• Magnetic bearings require less maintenance
• Jewel bearings have several advantages such as miniature size, high polish, hardness, shock resistance, low friction, close tolerances, etc

 Specifications

While bearings are made, some common specifications are considered to enhance efficiency. They are listed below:

• Material used
• Shape and size of the bearing
• Load capacity and type of load
• Stiffness
• Friction
• Speed
• Diameter and weight
• Lubricant viscosity
• Motor horsepower
• Operating temperature

Applications

• They are chiefly used in the agricultural machines for handling different loads and capacities
• They are mainly used in mining equipment to facilitate handling of high loads
• They are also widely used in the automobiles and electrical home appliances industry