What Is A Bearing?
A bearing is a mechanical component used between two parts of a mechanical system that permits rotational as well as linear motion. A bearing is mainly aimed at reducing friction and enhancing the overall performance of the mechanical system.
What are different types of mechanical bearing?
Bearing manufacturer mostly concentrates on the nature of the movement and the purpose of the bearing while designing and then manufacturing a bearing. Bearing design and its production depends on the various types of functions which it can serve or the varied load, radial or thrust it can bear.
Things to Remember About Bearing Maintenance
Every mechanical component of a system requires appropriate maintenance to ensure its continued operation and to increase its overall performance in order to serve its rightful purpose. Bearing manufacturer ensures that the end-users are aware of the basic criteria that need to be catered to while performing bearing maintenance. The things you must remember about Bearing Maintenance –
- Handle with Care – Bearings are basically very fragile and precision components of a mechanical system. Bearing manufacturer ensures that the bearings are packed properly with “fragile” tag on them so as to allow the end-user to know about its handling controls. Bearings must not be kept open since any impurities can cause premature bearing failure. It is important that proper care is taken while transporting or handling a bearing. Any crack, bursts or scratches can result in poor performance ultimately leading to failure. Bearing manufacturer ensure that the end-user is aware of proper handling, treatment, and usage of mechanical bearings
- Scrutinize the Housing and Shaft of The Bearing – Prior to mounting a bearing ensure that the shaft and the housing are free from any form of damage. Detailed cleaning of the surfaces to ensure no contaminants is extremely important. Bearing Manufacturer specifies the end user to verify the physical form of the shaft and housing before mounting the bearing.
- Appropriate Mounting Methodology– Bearing Manufacturer specifies the end-user to adopt appropriate methodology while mounting a bearing. Mounting a bearing depends on the type of the bearing and the type of fit.
- Cylindrical bearings are mounted using a press fit method
- Tapered bearings are mounted on tapered or cylindrical shafts using tapered sleeves
- It is extremely important that the right methodology is adopted while mounting a bearing since the incorrect method can damage the bearing and cause failure.
- Avoid Over or Direct Warming – The permissible heating temperature of the bearing depends on the annealing and quenching properties. Heating a bearing above the permissible temperatures as listed by bearing manufacturer, can cause softening and deformation of the bearing steel. This reduces the loading bearing capacity and ultimate failure of the bearing. Also, bearings should always be heated using induction heaters.
- Stop Corrosion – Bearings are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture or water. Corrosion leads to early bearing fatigue thereby cause poor performance of the machines. It is important that while handling a bearing you must wear proper gloves and prevent transpiration on the bearing.
- Appropriate Lubrication – Lubrication of any mechanical component is extremely essential. Bearing manufacturer provides the list of the most suitable lubricating substances based on the temperature, load, speed, and environmental conditions. Lubrication of a bearing increases its continued suitability and life. Improper lubrication would lead to machine and warranty failure.
Hence, whenever you purchase a bearing for any mechanical system in your organization ensure that these points are locked down in your head. Being in tandem with these above points would mean proper maintenance of the bearing and increased machine performance thereby keeping the operational costs at an optimum level.
