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Technical Information: 1.1 Bearing History
Technical Information: 1.1 Bearing History
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1.1 BEARING HISTORY
Hundred of years ago, when man lacked strength and endurance to carry
loads, such heavy loads to be transported were put on simple skids and
dragged to the place of destination. The dragging heavy load on dry ground
requires considerable force. These forces can be reduced by using lubricants
between the sledge runners and the ground. This lubricant-probably water –
was poured to reduce the friction and thereby reducing the volume of force.
As the time passed on, these forces were further reduced when man learnt to
insert wooden rollers between the ground and the object. THUS SLIDING
MOTION WAS CONVERTED INTO ROLLING MOTION, which is the
basic principle of bearing. However, things were not much changed for
years, till the concept of BALL was conceived, as the application of rollers
was not practical everywhere. In 17th century, stone balls were produced and
were in use for variety of applications to minimize the friction. Since the
stone balls were not suitable for many applications, cast iron balls were also
produced, but that was also not suitable. In 19th century, the concept of steel
balls was conceived and steel balls were produced. During this era, on lathe
machines, balls of remarkable accuracy were cut off from a steel rod and the
ends were machined to form a sphere. At the end of 19th century, balls
manufactured by this method in England were within the tolerance of 0.025
to 0.050 mm. In the year 1883, Friedric Fischer, instrument maker in
Scheweinfurt – W. Germany, after numerous experiments, developed a
method of grinding wheel balls, turned between the centers on the centre less
principle. For this purpose, he designed ball grinding machine called “BALL
MILL”. In 1898 taper roller bearing unit developed in USA by H. Timken.
During 1913-1914 Roller bearings were put on use.
1.2 GENERAL
1. 3 BEARING STANDARDS
1. 4 MATERIAL
The process of manufacturing Bearing Steel does not start at a Bearing Plant
but at the steel mill. The SAE-52100 standard Bearing Steel contains
varying amount of carbon, iron, chromium, manganese, phosphorus,
sulphur, silicon, etc. Each of these elements plays a vital role in making the
final steel suitable for Bearings. Chromium and carbon allow deep
hardening. Where as the combination of Carbon, Chromium and Iron helps
to minimize Bearing failures as they increase the surface resistance to
abrasion and wear & tear. A proper combination of all these elements make
the final Bearing Steel tough enough to withstand shocks & heavy loads and
hard enough to resist fatigue.
Generally Bearings are made from tubes or bars, but nowadays, many
Bearings manufacturers are inclined to make Bearings from forged rings.
Large-sized Bearings are manufactured from forged rings. It is filet that
Forged Bearing Rings have makes them more durable.
The cages keep rolling elements properly spaced out between two
rings. The cage may be of steel, brass, etc. depending upon the type and
application of the Bearings. Rolling elements can be balls, cylindrical
rollers, spherical rollers or taper rollers. Standard bearings are made using
high quality carbon-chrome through hardening steel of similar composition
of the following specifications: SAE 52100 OR 100Cr6
1. After knowing all about bearings the important thing is the proper
selection of bearing for any moving vehicle or machine.
2. The selection of ball & roller bearings for a given installation depends
upon the following factors.
The load carrying capacity & the nature of the load.
The type of service under given conditions such as temperature,
humidity, dustiness, acidity, etc.
The anticipated life of the bearing.
Magnitude and direction of loads.
The proportion of thrust to radial load.
3. Cylindrical Roller Bearings are suitable for those shafts which have
been allowed to move freely longitudinally within certain limits, and
for far larger and heavily loaded applications.
Taper Roller Bearings are suitable where radial and thrust loads or
any combination of both are required to be handled and in dealing
with heavy composite loads as in case of automobile parts.
In very high speed spindles and machines only, bearings with
precision tolerances are used.
4. The capacity of the bearings decreases as the speed increases. If a
bearing operates continuously, its life expectancy measured in hours
will obviously be shorter than if operated intermittently. Some types
of bearings can carry only radial loads or thrust loads while some
types of bearings can carry both radial as well as thrust loads. So if a
bearing which can carry only thrust loads is put under radial loads, it
will either break or damage the machine into which it is fitted. So, a
proper selection is necessary. One major cause for bearing failure
depends on selection of bearings.
In short the proper selection of bearings is most essential and
will ensure the longer life of the bearings as well as the life of the
machine in which it is used.
If the bearing loads with its directions of the ratio of radial and
thrust capacity and speed is accurately determined, its life span can
also be established. The necessary bearings size can also be
determined. However the selection is so complex that general rules
can hardly be drawn up.
The calculations for radial rolling bearings must take account of the
following principal factors:
Actual supported loads and possible shock loads
Speed of rotation
Operating temperature
Hardness of the bearing raceways
Other features such as lubrication, sealing and alignment do not enter
directly into life calculations but they must be considered in order to avoid
introducing unfavorable factors.
The life calculation of a radial bearing or a thrust bearing under
rotation is established from the dynamic capacity C indicated in the tables of
dimensions. The static capacity Co enables one to determine the maximum
load under certain conditions.
L10 = ( C/P ) p
In which :
L10 - Basic rating life (106 Revolutions)
C - Basic dynamic load rating (Newton)
P - Equivalent dynamic load (Newton)
P - is equal to 10/3 for needle or roller bearings and 3
for ball bearings.
The formula above is independent of speed of rotation, which
must not exceed the recommended limit in respect of the radial
bearing or the thrust bearing used and the method of lubrication.
If the speed of rotation n (rpm) is constant, the life is given in
hours by the function:
L10 h = (L10 x 106)/60 n hours
The life in hours is then inversely proportional to the speed.
The above formulae will ensure that 90% of the bearings
operating under the same conditions will attain at least the calculated
L10 life, known as the nominal life (the figure being the percentage of
bearings which may not attain this life). The formulae are based on the
use of standard quality bearing steel and assume a satisfactory method
of lubrication.
When the loads and speeds are variable, the life calculation can
only be made by first establishing an assumed constant load and
constant speed equivalent in their effect on the fatigue life of the
radial bearing.
This type of operating condition is frequently met and the
possible variations although cyclical are numerous. One encounters
this feature in particular, in variable speed drives.
1.7 LUBRICATION
Lubrication of the bearing has got such a great importance, as raw material from which from
which they are made. Anticipated life of the bearing largely depends on the quality and quantity
of the lubricant and its method of application. Rare lubrication and improper lubrication of a
bearing result in the reduced bearing life and its premature failure. It is therefore, very essential
to make a proper choice of lubricant.
The advantages derived from the correct choice of lubricant are:
There are TWO types of lubricants used for bearing lubrication. OIL and
GREASE
1.7.1 OIL
Oil lubrication is considered to be the most efficient than Grease, provided proper sealing
methods are employed to prevent the leakage. Only highly refined OIL should be used as bearing
lubricant.
OIL is preferred when…
Then during operational condition, most of the lubricant will be forced out of the bearing which
can never come back into the bearing, and such lubricant is not suitable for reuse.
1.7.2 GREASE
For many applications, grease is considered to be more convenient than oil. Grease used as
lubricant should be of smooth texture and non-fibrous. It must be free from chemically or
mechanically active ingredients. For bearing lubricants, general-purpose sodium-soap petroleum
grease is preferred. It is suitable for variety of speed and temperature conditions and has rust
preventive character under humid conditions.
For specific working conditions and operational requirements special type of Greases are used
which are…
1. Lithium soap petroleum oil grease.
2. Lithium soap di-ester grease.
3. Lithium soap silicon grease.
4. Special quality grease to withstand temperature conditions from minus 200 to 3000 F.
Generally Grease lubrication is preferred when…
1. Temperature is not excessive (Not over 200 F).
2. Speeds are moderate.
3. Extra protection from Dirt, Fumes, and other foreign matter is required.
4. Long time operations without maintenance are the requirement.
1. For small size bearing operating at high speed, low viscosity oil is used.
2. Large bearings carrying heavy loads, lubricant with higher viscosity and additional adhesive
properties may be used.
3. For any application, the lubricant must have sufficient lubricating capacity at prevailing
temperature.
4. It must from a load sustaining lubricating film for prevailing load conditions.
5. It must have the capacity to absorb water to a certain extent, without affecting the
lubricating capacity, wherever the application demands.
Thus one should ascertain the correct type of lubricant, which is suitable for operating
conditions. When the lubricant quantity is inadequate, it results in the cage failure, and
inadequate lubrication may heat up cage, may breakdown the ball pocket, and progressively
break the whole cage. Even non-metallic cage also becomes brittle, dry and crack apart under
heat and stress. Due to break down of the lubricating film on raceway and rolling element
surfaces, they may also develop scoring marks, gradually resulting in bearing failure. This
condition may also result in the deformation of parts, and when the bearing with deformed parts
rotate under load, it will have sliding motion instead of rolling motion, and it ends up in bearing
failure. Normally a medium size bearing running at the speed of 2000-6000 RPM can be
sufficient lubricated with only few drops of oil per hour.
ØD1
ØD
ØD
ØD
ØD
Ød1
Ød
Ød
Ød
B B B
T = bearing width
ΔTs = deviation of the actual bearing width
T1 = effective inner subunit width
ΔT1s = deviation of the actual effective inner subunit width
T2 = effective outer subunit width
ΔT2s = deviation of the actual bearing width
1.8.3 NORMAL TOLERANCE CLASS
(Radial bearings except tapered roller bearings)
Bore diameter tolerances given in the table apply basically to cylindrical bores.
d Vdp
Δdmp Dia series Vdmp Kia ΔBs VBS
mm 7,8,9 0,1 2,3,4
Over Incl High Low Max Max Max High Low max
2.5 10 0 -8 10 8 6 6 10 0 -120 15
10 18 0 -8 10 8 6 6 10 0 -120 20
18 30 0 -10 13 10 8 8 13 0 -120 20
30 50 0 -12 15 12 9 9 15 0 -120 20
50 80 0 -15 19 19 11 11 20 0 -150 25
80 120 0 -20 25 25 15 15 25 0 -200 25
120 180 0 -25 31 31 19 19 30 0 -250 30
D VDP
ΔDmp Dia series VDMP Kea ΔCa Vcs
mm 7,8,9 0,1 2,3,4
Over Incl High Low Max Max Max High Low max
6 18 0 -8 10 8 6 6 15
18 30 0 -9 12 9 7 7 15
30 50 0 -11 14 11 8 8 20
Identical to ΔBS
50 80 0 -13 16 13 10 10 25
and VBS of inner
80 120 0 -15 19 19 11 11 35
ring of same
120 150 0 -18 23 23 14 14 40
bearing.
150 180 0 -25 31 31 19 19 45
180 250 0 -30 38 38 23 23 50
Outer Ring
D ΔDmp
VDp VDmp Kea
mm
Over Incl High Low Max Max Max
18 30 0 -12 12 9 18
30 50 0 -14 14 11 20
50 80 0 -16 16 12 25
80 120 0 -18 18 14 35
120 150 0 -20 20 15 40
150 180 0 -25 25 19 45
180 250 0 -30 30 23 50
Width – Inner and outer rings, single row bearings and single row subunits
over Incl. high low Max. high low high low high low over incl high low Max.
- 76.200 +13 0 51 +76 -254 +51 -254 +203 0 - 304.800 +25 0 51
76.200 266.700 +25 0 51 +356 -254
r3
r1smax
r1
r1
rsmin
r3smax
rsmin
rsmin
r1smax
r1smax
rsmin
rsmin
r1smax
r1
D
r1
Dg
rsmin D rsmin rsmin
r2 r2
r2smax r2smax r2
d
d
r2smax
Dw
Chamfar of radial bearings
Dimensioninmm
rsmin 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,3 0,6 1 1,1 1,5 2 2,1 2,5 3 4 5 6 7,5 9,5 12 15 19
Nominal over 40 40 50 120 120 80 220 280 100 280 280
diameter to 40 40 50 120 120 80 220 280 100 280 280
r1max 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 1.3 1.5 1.9 2 2.5 2.3 3 3 3.5 3.8 4 4.5 3.8 4.5 5 5 5.5 6.5 8 10 12.5 15 18 21 25
r3max 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.3 2.8 3.5 2.8 3.5 4 3.5 4 4.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 6.5 7.5 7.5 9
r4max 1.4 1.6 1.7 2 2.5 3 3 3.5 4 4 4.5 5 5 5.5 6 5.5 6.5 7 7.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 8 9 10 11
2. BEARING MOUNTINGS
Bearing is a precision machine member and is very sensitive to improper treatment.
Therefore, while mounting the bearing, utmost care is necessary:
Oil bath, Hot plate, Temperature controlled electric oven etc. are suitable means to heat the
bearing. At last see that mounting of the bearing is done by a skilled person, who has through
knowledge of the job procedures, tools, knowledge of the force to be applied etc. Any ignorance
of these factors may result in damage of the bearing and reduced service life. Experience shows
that the amount of shrinkage required for easy fitting is barely depending upon the interference
fit tolerance.
Bore Temperature
Below 100 mm 900 C (1950 F)
From 100 mm to 150 mm 1200 C (2500 F)
Above 150 mm 1300 C (2650 F)
Before starting mounting the fitter should satisfy himself that bearing number stamped on
the package agrees with the designation given on the drawing and in part list. He should
therefore be familiar with the bearing numbering and identification system.
Before being packed, the bearings are coated with preservative oil, which prevents corrosion.
The oil does not need to be washed out when mounting the bearing. In service, the oil
combines with the bearing lubricant. Do not perform any modifications on the bearings.
Subsequent drilling of lubricating holes, machining of grooves, flats and the like will disturb
the stress distributions in the ring resulting in premature bearing failure. There is also the risk
of chips or grit entering the bearing.
2.1.4 Cleanliness in mounting
An absolute “must” for the proper fitting of roller bearings is working in clean
surroundings. The tools to be used should be free from dirt & fillings. In the room where the
fittings of the bearings are carried out it is absolutely essential to avoid machining with metal
cutting tools. If, despite these precautions, bearings get dirty by improper handling, they must not
be rotated because even the smallest particles penetrating into the bearing will damage the races
and in this way the service life of the bearing will be considerably reduced.
Attention should also be given to the cleanliness of shaft, housing and any other mating
parts. Castings must be free from sand. After cleaning the housing bore should receive a
protective coating. Bearing seats on the shaft and in housing bore should be carefully cleaned
from antirust components and residual paint. Turned parts must be free from burr and sharp
edges.
2.2 Fits
Good bearing performance is largely depending on adherence to the fits specified for the
two rings in the drawing. No one can give a straight answer to the questions of the “right” fit.
Indeed the selection of fits is determined by the operating conditions of the machines and the
design characteristics of the bearing mounting.
Basically, both rings should be well supported over their seating areas and should
therefore be tight fits. This, however, can not be used in all cases, since other factors, such as
axial freedom of the floating bearing or easy mounting must also be taken into consideration.
The interference produced by tight fits expends the inner ring and contracts the outer ring
resulting in a reduction of redial clearance. Hence the radial clearance should be adapted to the
fits. The shaft and housing tolerances should be checked. A too loose fit causes the ring to creep
on the shaft, which tends to damage both ring and shaft. It also affects the working accuracy of
the machine or causes premature raceway fatigue from poor support. On the other hand, to tight a
fit leads to a reduction in radial clearance, which might result in detrimental preload and hot
running of the bearing. The seating areas must, moreover, be checked for out of round in
addition to diameter. As the walls of the rolling bearings are relatively thin, possible poor
geometry of shaft or housing is transmitted to the raceways. Out of round and deviation from
true parallelism and taper should not exceed half the specified diameter tolerance.
For Radial bearings with cylindrical bore of normal precision class. (Tapered &
Cylindrical Bearings)
Several factors like the type and magnitude of bearing load, temperature difference,
method of bearing mounting and dismounting should be taking into consideration while
selecting the proper fit.
The recommended tolerances for shaft and housing for common applications are given
below as general guide lines:
3. BEARING HANDLING
When handling bearings.......
DO DON’T
1. Remove all outside dirt from housing 1. Don’t work in dirty surrounding.
before exposing bearing
2. Treat a used bearing as carefully as you 2. Don’t use dirty, brittle or chipped tools.
would a new one.
3. Work with clean tools in clean 3. Don’t use wooden mallets or work on
surroundings. wooden bench tops.
4. Handle with clean, dry hands, or better, 4. Don’t handle with dirty, moist hands.
clean canvas gloves.
5. Use clean solvents and flushing oils.5. Don’t use gasoline containing
tetraethyl lead, as they may be injurious
to health.
6. Lay bearings out on clean newspaper. 6. Don’t spin uncleaned bearings.
7. Protect disassembled bearings from 7. Don’t spin bearings with compressed
rust and dirt. air.
8. Use clean rags to wipe bearings. 8. Don’t use cotton waste or dirty cloth to
wipe bearings.
9. Keep bearings wrapped in oil proof 9. Don’t expose bearings to rust or dirt.
paper when not in use.
10. Clean inside of housing before 10. Don’t nick or scratch bearing
replacing bearing. surfaces.