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Bearings and Bearing Units
A bearing-shaft-housing system consists of more than just bearings. Associated components like the shaft and housings are integral parts of the overall system. The lubricant and sealing elements also play a crucial role. To maximize bearing performance, the correct amount of an appropriate lubricant must be present to reduce friction in the bearing and protect it from corrosion. Sealing elements are important because they keep the lubricant in and contaminants out of the bearing. This is particularly important since cleanliness has a profound effect on bearing service life.There are a number of factors that go into the bearing selection process such as: available space loads (magnitude and direction), misalignment, precision and stiffness, speeds, operating temperature, vibration levels, contamination levels, lubrication type and method.
Once a suitable bearing has been selected, there are several other factors that need to be considered: suitable form and design of other components in the arrangement, appropriate fits and bearing internal clearance or preload, locking devices, adequate seals, the type and quantity of lubricant and the mounting and dismounting methods.
