Bearings | Ball Bearings | Types of Ball Bearings | Function of Bearings

What is Bearing?

Bearing is a term used in various engineering and mechanical contexts. It refers to a device that allows for relative motion between parts and helps to reduce friction between moving parts. Bearings can be found in machines, vehicles, and other mechanical systems and typically support rotary or linear motion. There are different types of bearings, including ball bearings, roller bearings, and sleeve bearings, each with its own design and specific use case.

 

Meaning of Bearing?

Bearing is a term that refers to the mechanical device used to support and guide rotating or moving parts in a machine or structure. It helps to reduce friction and wear between the moving parts, allowing them to rotate or move smoothly and efficiently. Bearings can support both rotary and linear motion and come in various forms, such as ball bearings, roller bearings, and sleeve bearings. The type of bearing used depends on the specific application and the requirements for load-bearing capacity, speed, accuracy, and reliability.

 

Types of Ball Bearings:

Ball bearings are a type of rolling element bearing that use balls to maintain separation between the moving parts of the bearing. There are several different types of ball bearings, including:

1. Deep groove ball bearings: These are the most common type of ball bearing and are suitable for high speeds, radial loads, and low thrust loads.

2. Angular contact ball bearings: These bearings can handle both radial and thrust loads and are commonly used in applications such as machine tool spindles, pumps, and motors.

3. Self-aligning ball bearings: These bearings are designed to correct misalignment between the inner and outer race, making them ideal for applications with shaft deflection or misalignment.

4. Thrust ball bearings: These bearings are designed to support axial loads and are commonly used in applications such as speed reducers, transmissions, and pumps.

5. Miniature and instrument ball bearings: These bearings are used in small devices and are designed to operate at high speeds with low friction and minimal heat generation.

6. Stainless steel ball bearings: These bearings are made from stainless steel and are suitable for use in corrosive environments or where hygiene is a concern.

Function of Ball Bearings:

Ball bearings are designed to reduce friction and provide smooth, low-resistance motion in rotating shaft applications. They function by using balls that are confined between two circular rings called races, with the balls rolling between the races to reduce friction and provide a smooth motion. Ball bearings are used in a variety of applications, including electric motors, fans, pumps, and gearboxes, to help reduce friction and improve efficiency.

 

Application of Ball Bearings:

Ball bearings are used in a variety of applications that require rotational motion, such as in motors, pumps, and gearboxes. They are also commonly used in conveyors, printing presses, and medical equipment. Ball bearings are known for their low friction, low noise, and high speed capabilities. They are ideal for applications that require high precision, reliability, and low maintenance. Some examples of industries where ball bearings are widely used include automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and construction.

 

Example of Ball Bearings:

Ball bearings are used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Electric motors
2. Power tools
3. Automotive wheel bearings
4. Hard disk drives
5. Fans and blowers
6. Agricultural and construction equipment
7. Sports equipment (e.g. skateboards, inline skates)
8. Industrial machinery
9. Conveyor systems

Ball bearings are used in these and many other applications because of their ability to handle both radial and axial loads, their low friction, and their durability.

Types of Ball Bearings -

1. Single Row

2. Double Row

3. Angular Contact

4. Ball Thrust Bearing

Bearing is Designed to ( Function of Bearings )

- Reduce Friction

- Support a Load

- Guide moving parts like Wheel, Shaft, Pivots

Support of Load 

A Shaft will try to push the bearing in the same direction in which the load moves.

Three Types of Load

1. When the Load/Pressure is applied at 90° ( Right Angle ) to the shaft ie. Radial Load.

[ Load (Down) on the bearing ]

2. When the Load/Pressure is applied Parallel to the shaft ie. Thrust Load/Axial Load.

[ Load (Side ways) on the bearing ]

3. When the Load/Pressure is applied at angle to the shaft ie.  Angular Load.

[ Load (Down Side ways) on the bearing ]

Direction of Load

1. Radial Load

A Radial Load is Pushes Down from the Outer Race inward to the Ball, Cage, Inner Race at the Centre of the Bearing.

2. Thrust Load / Axial Load

Thrust Load is Applied on the Inner Race of the Bearing from Slideways Direction.

3. Angular Load

Angular Load is Applied at Angle on Corn of Inner Race of the Bearing.

QUALITY CONTROL

MATERIAL

Bearings are made from high Bearing Steel of the Grade SAE - 52100 for Races and Rolling elements.

CRCA, EDD quality steel for Cages.

HEAT TREATMENT

Bearing Races & Rollers Are Hardened And Tempered With 60 ± 2 HRC.

GRINDING

Bearings are manufactured with Standard Dimensions and tolerance as per international standarcds. Races and Rolling elements are super ground to get best finishing and very low roughness average value

QUALITY

Quality of bearings is maintained by exercising rigid quality control at each and every stage of manufacture, from raw material to the finished products.