How to select the right bearing for your application?
Common factors need to be taken into account when selecting the right bearing include:
1. Desired performance and operating conditions
- Available radial and axial space
- Bearing life
- Loading capacity
- Speed
- Working temperature
- Lubricating method
- Generated noise and vibration
2. Bearing type and arrangement
Each bearing type has its characteristic properties that make it more or less suitable for use in a given application. Many properties are necessary to be rolled into a determination when evaluating the most suitable bearing type, they are radial load, axial load, moment load, static and dynamic misalignment, locating, floating, long grease life, run-out, low friction, easy installing, bore type, and more.
3. Bearing size
The size of a bearing must be sufficient to ensure that it is strong enough to deliver the expected service life under defined operating conditions. Rating life and static load are the two main criteria that can be used for determining appropriate bearing size. Use rating life to select size for applications where bearings are running in typical operating conditions – i.e. normal speeds, good lubrication conditions and not highly or peak loaded; however, for applications where bearings are running under very low speeds or which are used under stationary conditions, very bad lubrication conditions or where occasional peak loads occur, use size selection based on static load.
4. Lubrication
- Grease or oil
- Relubrication interval
In order to guarantee bearings working reliably, they must be adequately lubricated. The lubricant is required to reduce friction, inhibit wear, protect the bearing surfaces against corrosion and may also be needed to provide cooling.
5. Working temperature and speed
Estimating the operating temperature and verifying speed limitations is a critical aspect of the analysis of bearing selection.
6. Process of the bearing
- the bearing internal clearance or preload
- the bearing tolerances
- the appropriate cage
- integral seals (where applicable)
7. Sealing, installing and dismounting
Operating conditions typically vary over time, to optimize a design, you may need to loop through various steps of the bearing selecting job.