Industries run on machines, and almost every machine in a plant has to move, wholly or partly. The tools that help in smooth movement, sliding and rotation of machines and their parts are bearings. There are various types of bearings based on their utility. This article will discuss the most common type of bearing; the ball bearing. Its main function is to reduce rotational friction in machinery. The ball bearing slides on a smooth shaft (ลูกปืนสไลด์บนเพลาเกลี้ยง, which is the term in Thai) to make the movements easier. We will be discussing it further in detail. Let’s investigate the features of this small ‘movement giant.’
Design, Purpose And Maintenance Of Ball Bearing
The ball bearings appear as rings or bangles with metal balls in between; they are meant to reduce friction during movements of machinery parts, such as sliding and rotation.
Design
Ball bearings have four parts: the outer (race), inner ring(race), separator (retainer) and metallic ball. Generally, the outer race is fixed, and the inner one moves. These are designed in such a way that they reduce the effect of friction and make machine movement easy. One race is attached to the shaft, i.e., the rotating part and other parts are kept stationary.
Purpose
Bearings have small circular balls with a lesser area of contact resulting in a low coefficient of friction, which results in very less friction, making smooth, effortless motions.
There are various types of ball bearings based on size, purpose, load and orientation. The differences in all those are created by the balls’ size, shape, number and positioning.
Following are the types of ball bearings used for various purposes:
- Plain bearings
- Angular contact bearings
- Thrust ball bearings
- Cylindrical roller bearings
- Precision ball bearings
- Double row bearings
Maintenance
Generally, bearings can serve the purpose for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. Several factors determine how long a bearing will last, such as overuse, overload, vibrations, impurities like dust, and insufficient lubrication.
Proper maintenance of bearings can help in their longer life. These should be greased properly, ensuring there are no foreign materials, such as dust, sand etc., between the races and balls, as this can cause the rubbing of the surfaces, making them rough and compromising performance. The machines should be stopped at times so that all the parts, including the bearings, can cool down as friction causes heat.
Conclusion
Ball bearings help in the smooth movements of machines and their parts. They reduce load and frictional hindrances so that a setup can function smoothly. There are different types of ball bearings based on the structure and installments of bearings. Although ball bearings can last long, they require a little maintenance. Their functions can be affected if not taken care of, eventually affecting the machine’s performance.
