Mounted bearing features provide support to the seals, protect the rolling elements from contaminants, and the bearing will never require regreasing.
FREMONT, CA: Mounted bearings are available in an incredible variety. Choosing the right bearing for the application can be overwhelming. Businesses will be able to come up with the best solution by doing this.
The most expensive bearing may not be the best, and the best bearing may not have all features. The best solution for one application might not be the best solution for another.
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A solid foundation: Using bearings with this feature will prevent material build-up under the bearing. The contaminants themselves aren't necessarily damaging to the housing unless they trap moisture, which corrodes cast iron. Stainless steel and thermoplastics are not affected by this. Cavities under a bearing can make cleaning the surrounding area more difficult and are potentially dangerous in food-grade applications.
Features of housing: Let's begin with the external features of the bearing. There is a housing material to suit every industry and need. Most mounted bearing applications use cast or ductile iron, stainless steel, or thermoplastic, which comes in numerous versions. Choosing the right material is crucial.
Grease fittings: A crucial feature since improper lubrication is the leading cause of bearing failure. By installing standard zerks in the housing, individuals get closer to a more efficient bearing. Bearings are almost always filled with grease at the factory.
End caps: Certain mounted bearing applications require these. Firstly, they help increase safety around these hazardous components, where shafts can spin at very high speeds. Furthermore, they add a layer of protection to the bearing insert and shaft, reducing contamination. It is significantly easier and quicker to install and remove end caps when the housing is machined for them.
Lubrication on a permanent basis: Known as solid lube, it offers some significant benefits and is increasingly popular. The polymer material is molded into the bearing's interior to fill all internal space without impeding the rolling elements. Benefits include but are not limited to containing up to 4x the amount of oil compared to greased bearings, providing support for seals, protecting rolling elements from contaminants, and never needing to be regreased.
Features of mounted bearings: The number of competing manufacturers has led to many ball bearing features becoming standard today. All of these features contribute to efficiency and reliability. The mounted bearing that is sourced should include as many as possible.
Anti-rotation device: An outer race protrusion that fits into a recess in the housing. This anti-rotation device allows the bearing to self-align while preventing the outer race from spinning within the housing at the same time. This singular feature increases bearing life by 33 percent, according to bearing manufacturers.
Wide inner rings: Bearings with these features have increased contact with shafts. Bearings with wider rings are less likely to tilt on undersized shafts. Consequently, a more stable bearing performs better and lasts longer.
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