Selection of bearing type
Items to be considered |
Selection method |
|
1) Installation space |
Bearing can be installed in target equipment |
· When a shaft is designed, its rigidity and strength are considered essential; therefore, the shaft diameter, i.e., bore diameter, is determined at start. |
2)Load |
Load magnitude, type and direction which applied |
· Since various types of load are applied to bearings, load magnitude, types (radial or axial) and direction of application (both directions or single direction in the case of axial load), as well as vibration and impact must be considered in order to select the proper bearing. · The following is the general order for radial resistance ; |
3)Rotational speed |
Response to rotational speed of equipment in which bearings will be installed |
· Since the allowable speed differs greatly depend-ing not only upon bearing type but on bearing size, cage, accuracy, load and lubrication, all factors must be considered in selecting bearings. · In general, the following bearings are the most widely used for high speed operation. |
4)Running accuracy |
Accurate rotation delivering required performance |
· Performance required differs depending on equipment in which bearings are installed : for instance, machine tool spindles require high running accuracy, gas turbines require high speed rotation, and control equipment requires low friction. In such cases, bearings of tolerance class 5 or higher are required. · The following are the most widely used bearings. |
5)Rigidity |
Rigidity that delivers the bearing performance required |
· In machine tool spindles and automobile final drives, bearing rigidity as well as rigidity of equipment itself must be enhanced. · Elastic deformation occurs less in roller bearings than in ball bearings. · Rigidity can be enhanced by providing preload. |
6)Misalignment |
Operating conditions which cause misalignment (shaft deflection caused by load, inaccuracy of shaft and housing, mounting errors) can affect bearing performance |
· Internal load caused by excessive misalignment damages bearings. Bearings designed to absorb such misalignment should be selected. · The higher the self-aligning capability that bearings possess, the larger the angular misalignment that can be absorbed. The following is the general order of bearings when comparing allowable angular misalignment : |
7)Mounting and dismounting |
Methods and frequency of mounting and dismounting required for periodic inspection |
· Cylindrical roller bearings, needle roller bearings and tapered roller bearings, with separable inner and outer rings, are recommended for applications in which mounting and dismounting is conducted frequently. · Use of sleeve eases the mounting of self-aligning ball bearings and spherical roller bearings with tapered bore. |