Pulley bearings are heat-resistant metal or metal alloy rings found in the center of pulley wheels. They protect the mounting structure and wheel from heat, allow for higher speed, and ensure smooth operation. Ball bearings are commonly used to distribute load weight evenly and reduce friction. Plastic pulleys are fitted with pulley bearings to handle heavier loads at higher speeds without damaging the plastic.
Pulley bearings are found in the center of the pulley wheels used in a given pulley mechanism. Typically, a pulley bearing is cast or forged from heat-resistant metal or metal alloys. Depending on the specific type of bearing, on the outside it usually looks like a metal ring or a series of rings embedded in the center of the pulleys. Inside the bearing, the inner and outer races, balls, lubricating oil and other components rotate as the pulley rotates. In the case of ball bearings, each ball within the pulley bearing rotates, acting like dozens of tiny fingers to help turn the pulley, distribute load weight, and absorb heat.
Since a pulley needs the ability to rotate 360 degrees, most wheels are mounted in the center. Center mounting gives a pulley an overall donut-like shape, with the center hole mounted on an axle. A metal pad is inserted around the center mounting hole, usually pressed into place when the pulley is manufactured. The purpose of a pulley bearing is to protect the mounting structure and wheel from heat, allow for higher speed, and ensure smooth operation. Some types of sheave bearing designs also reduce wobble and vibration, forcing the sheave to spin on a level axis.
Regardless of the specific construction, materials, or type of bearing used, sheave bearings allow for smooth and continuous rotation of the sheaves, while simultaneously reducing drag and heat from friction. The types of pulley bearings vary depending on the type of pulley used. Most often, manufacturers of pulley mechanisms use ball bearings – a series of heavily oiled small metal balls set in a metal raceway. As the pulley rotates, the individual balls within the bearing help distribute load weight evenly, reduce friction, and provide smooth, uniform rotation with limited vibration or loss of speed.
Plastic, nylon, and other synthetic polymer pulleys are most commonly fitted with pulley bearings. Since the wheel itself is made of plastic, the frictional heat caused by rotation can easily warp, melt, or otherwise shorten the life of the pulley. By mounting the wheel with pulley bearings around the mounting hole, each wheel is able to handle a heavier load at higher speeds, without damaging the plastic or other polymer. Instead of the plastic wheel bearing the weight and heat of a particular load, the bearing absorbs most of the stress and heat, ensuring the wheel retains its shape and performs.
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