The Roles of Bearings in Engineering

Mechanical bearings are small mechanical elements that enable parts to move concerning each other.  Bearings have multiple roles, and their importance cannot be ignored. Therefore, based on the type, there are multiple bearings uses and applications in engineering.

Reduce Machine Friction

The primary role of bearings is to reduce friction. In other words, it is the mechanical element that ensures two surfaces in contact do not rub against each other. This function is essential as it helps increase the efficiency of machines by reducing wear and tear while also ensuring smooth movements.

There are different types of bearings based on their load-bearing capacity and the environment they will be used in. For example, ball bearings are best suited for low-load applications, while roller bearings can handle high radial and thrust loads. In this case, bearings help protect the engine and other critical components by reducing the amount of friction.

Maintain Proper Alignment

Another role of bearings is to maintain proper alignment between shafts and axles. This is essential as misaligned shafts can cause increased vibration and noise and premature wear. Different types of bearings can be used for this purpose, such as pillow block bearings, flange bearings, and tapered roller bearings.

Pillow block bearings are the most common bearing used for shaft alignment. They are mounted on either side of the shaft and help keep it in place. Flange bearings are another bearing that can be used for shaft alignment. They are similar to pillow block bearings but have a flange on one side that helps to keep the shaft in place.

Tapered roller bearings are also used for shaft alignment. They have a tapered inner and outer race that allows them to roll along the shaft, helping to keep it in place.

Support Rotating Shafts

Another role of bearings is to support rotating shafts. This is important in applications where the shaft needs to rotate at high speeds, such as in electric motors. Different types of bearings can be used for this purpose, such as ball bearings, roller bearings, and thrust bearings. Ball bearings are the most common bearing used to support rotating shafts. They have a series of balls that help to reduce friction and allow the shaft to rotate smoothly.

Roller bearings are also used to support rotating shafts. They have a series of rollers that help to reduce friction and allow the shaft to rotate smoothly. Thrust bearings are used to support shafts subject to high thrust loads, such as pumps and compressors. They have a series of balls or rollers that help to reduce friction and allow the shaft to rotate smoothly.

Conclusion

It may be easy to ignore bearings based on their sizes; however, the roles of bearings in engineering are essential. Bearings play a significant role in reducing friction, maintaining proper alignment, and supporting rotating shafts. Contact M.B. McKee Company, Inc. for bearings and other engineering supplies.

Categorised in: Mechanical Bearings

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