Types of Bearings and Their Applications

roller-bearing manufacturers

Bearings are an essential component of machinery that enable rotational or linear movement while reducing friction. They come in various shapes and sizes, and each one has a specific function. Bearings are used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and many others. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of bearings and their applications. Enggpro is the one-stop destination for your bearing needs.

Types of Bearings

1: Roller Bearings

Roller bearings are designed to handle heavy loads and are commonly used in construction equipment, conveyor systems, and industrial machinery. The rollers can be cylindrical, spherical, or tapered, depending on the application. Cylindrical roller bearings are ideal for high radial loads, while tapered bearings are suitable for both radial and axial loads. Spherical bearings are used when the bearing needs to compensate for misalignment.

Roller bearings have a higher load capacity than ball bearings and are more durable.  They are more expensive and require more maintenance. They are also less suitable for high-speed applications as they generate more heat.

Finally, some of the most famous roller-bearing manufacturers and exporters in India include SKF, FAG, and Timken.

2: Ball Bearings

Ball bearings are the most commonly used type of bearing and are found in everything from bicycles to industrial machines. They are ideal for high-speed applications as they generate less heat and have lower friction than roller bearings. Ball bearings come in various configurations, including deep grooves, angular contact, and thrust bearings.

Deep groove ball bearings are designed to handle radial and axial loads and are commonly used in motors, pumps, and fans. Angular contact bearings are used in applications that require high axial loads and low radial loads, such as machine tools and pumps. Finally, thrust ball bearings are designed to handle axial loads only and are commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications.

3: Plain Bearings

Plain bearings, also known as sleeve bearings, are the simplest type of bearing and consist of a shaft rotating inside a sleeve. They are commonly used in applications where there is a need for low friction and high reliability. Plain bearings are ideal for light loads and low-speed applications such as those found in household appliances and electric motors.

Plain bearings are less expensive than roller and ball bearings and require less maintenance. However, they have a lower load capacity and are unsuitable for high-speed applications.

 4: Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearings are designed to handle axial loads and are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. They come in various configurations, including ball, roller, and plain bearings. In ball and roller thrust bearings, the load is transmitted through the balls or rollers, while in plain thrust bearings, the load is transmitted through the shaft and the housing.

Thrust bearings are used in applications where there is a need for low friction and high reliability. They are commonly found in steering systems, transmissions, and pumps.

 5: Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered roller bearings are designed to handle radial and axial loads and are commonly used in automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications. They have a conical shape that allows them to handle both types of loads. The tapered design also helps to reduce friction and heat generation.

Tapered roller bearings are commonly found in wheel bearings, gearboxes, and axle systems. They are more expensive than ball bearings but have a higher load capacity and are more durable.

Conclusion

Bearings are essential components of machinery that help to reduce friction and enable rotational or linear movement. There are various types of bearings, including roller, ball, plain, thrust, and tapered roller bearings, each with their specific applications. When choosing a bearing, it is essential to consider factors such as load capacity, speed, and maintenance requirements. By choosing the right bearing for the application, you can ensure that your machinery operates efficiently and reliably. You will get all types of bearings at our website Enggpro is a global marketplace for engineering equipment and services that have listed a wide range of bearing manufacturers and suppliers in India and around the globe with us.