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How do I choose a bearing?

When choosing a bearing, you must consider several important factors. The first factor to consider is the load that the bearing can carry. There are two types of loads.

-Axial load : parallel to the axis of rotation
-Radial load: perpendicular to the axis of rotation

Each type of bearing is specifically designed to support either axial or radial loads. Some bearings can carry both types of loads: we call them combined loads. For example, if your bearing has to carry a combined load, we recommend that you choose a tapered roller bearing. If you need a bearing that can withstand high radial loads, we recommend a cylindrical roller bearing. On the other hand, if your bearing needs to support lighter loads, a ball bearing may be sufficient, as these bearings are usually cheaper.

Rotational speed is another factor to consider. Some bearings can withstand higher speeds. Thus, cylindrical roller bearings and needle roller bearings with cages have a higher rotational speed compared to bearings without cages. However, sometimes higher speeds come at the expense of load.

You also need to consider possible deviations; some bearings are not suitable for this, for example double-row ball bearings. Therefore, attention needs to be paid to the construction of the bearing: recessed bearings and spherical bearings are prone to some misalignment. We recommend that you use self-aligning bearings to adjust , in order to automatically correct alignment defects caused by shaft bending or mounting errors.

Again, operating conditions are very important when selecting the ideal bearing. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the operating environment in which the bearing will operate. Your bearings may be subject to a variety of contaminants. Certain applications may lead to noise disturbances, shocks and/or vibrations. Therefore, your bearings must be able to withstand these shocks on the one hand and not cause inconvenience on the other.

Another essential factor to consider is bearing life. A variety of factors, such as speed or repeated use, can affect bearing life.

Choosing a sealing system is key to ensuring that your bearings operate correctly and for a long time; therefore, it is important to ensure that the bearings are always well protected from any impurities and external factors such as dust, water, corrosive fluids or even used lubricants. This choice depends on the type of lubricant, the environmental conditions (and therefore also on the type of contamination), the fluid pressure and the speed.
To give you a good starting point, fluid pressure is the decisive factor in the selection of a sealing system. If the pressure is high enough (e.g. in the range of 2-3 bar), the mechanical seal is ideal. Otherwise, the choice will be directly related to the type of lubricant, grease or oil. For example, for grease lubrication, the most common solutions are: deflectors or gaskets, machined or narrow channels with grooves; in the case of oil lubrication, the sealing system is usually

accompanied by grooves for oil recovery.

The conditions of use will also influence your choice, especially when assembling bearings. Consideration must also be given to the rigidity and precision required when the bearing is in use. In some cases, a preload can be applied to the bearing assembly to increase its stiffness. In addition, the preload will have a positive effect on bearing life and system noise levels. Please note that if you choose preload (radial or axial), you will need to know the stiffness of all parts through software or experimentation.

Among your selection criteria, you must also take into account the ideal material for the bearing. Bearings can be made of metal, plastic or ceramic. The bearing material depends on its intended use. We recommend that you choose the bearing that is most resistant to compression. However, the material used will affect the price of the bearing.


Post time: Jan-11-2022