Different Types of Bearings

To put it simply, a bearing refers to an equipment component that is utilized to control the movement and limit the friction of a mobilizing part. It reduces relative movement to limit the load placed on the machinery. True to its name (as the term “bearing” is a meld of the words “to bear”) the bearing certainly does bear many components in modern machinery. For a more detailed look at the many different bearing parts, you can read the article below and learn about the variety of options you may find in the bearing market, including but not limited to plain bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, fluid bearings and magnetic bearings.

Ball Bearings - These types of bearings are distinguished by their ball like shape in which many small roller balls reside. These roller balls limit friction simultaneously while removing both radial and axial loads off of a mobilized portion. It is said that ball bearings were devised in the late 1700s by the Welsh businessman Philip Vaughn. Vaughn submitted a patent for the machinery component and it has since become among the most selected among manufacturers. Thanks to the ball bearing's high tolerance for misalignment, they are the most reliable.

Plain Bearings - One of the most common types of bearings, the plain bearings are made up of flat panels or surfaces sans any rollers or balls. Some good implementations they are useful for  include drawers for furnishings because they will often have plain bearings on which the individual drawers glide out and back in. These types of plain bearings are similar to flat wheels, and like other bearings, are placed between two surfaces to reduce friction.

Fluid Bearings - Meanwhile bearings like fluid bearings are made to take the load off of a moving part while also reducing friction. However, unlike the aforementioned bearings, fluid bearings do not possess moving balls or rolling elements. On the contrary, they contain liquid between moving parts. This permits it to bear a larger and heavier load while also containing water or oil to reduce friction.

Roller Bearings- Though similar to ball bearings, roller bearings are different. Also referred to as  a rolling element bearing, the roller bearing is a kind of bearing that possesses the rolling elements - those being one of either balls or rollers. They are placed in circular-shaped races. The races permit the rolling elements to roll, and at the same time carry the weight of the load. Roller bearings are most effective while they are carrying large or heavy radial loads. They are even better at this than the ball bearings. The only downside to this is that they are not effective when it comes to bearing heavy thrust loads.

Magnetic Bearings - Along with fluid bearings, magnetic bearings are another distinguishing alternative to the more traditional rolling-style bearings. Possessing strong magnets, these bearings utilize magnetism to carry loads while also not directly contacting outer material. Magnetic bearings will elevate mobilizing parts high up against gravity and permitting for reduced or no friction.

1. dany geller
2. Posted on August 4, 2020
bearings