What’s bearing resistance?

Bearing resistance is the maximum weight a structure can hold before collapsing. It is used in engineering for building, aircraft, and transportation design. Calculations are necessary to avoid unnecessary stresses on load-bearing portions of the structure. Bearing resistance is a term used to describe the maximum amount of weight or pressure or some other variable […]

What’s a shaft bearing?

Shaft bearings support loads and allow for rotational or sliding motion between parts. They are used in various industries, with different types ranging from simple to high-precision bearings. Plain bearings are inexpensive and consist of a low-friction material, while rolling bearings use balls or small cylinders to reduce friction. Selection depends on factors such as […]

What’s a Sleeve Bearing?

A sleeve bearing is a porous cylindrical bearing with an internal rotating cylinder that can be lubricated with oil, molten metal, graphite, or polymers. They are made of compressed powder metal and can be shielded from dust and dirt with seals. Sleeve bearings are used in many machines, but can fail from lack of lubrication. […]

What’s a plain bearing?

Plain bearings are simple mechanisms consisting of two sliding components used for linear, axial, and pivotal motion. They can be bushings, integral, or split and made from various materials such as bronze, graphite, cast iron, Babbitt metal, solid plastics, and ceramics. The soft component supports the harder one, and plain bearings require low friction, heat, […]

What’s a water pump bearing?

A water pump bearing supports the impeller shaft and seals coolant inside the pump housing. Signs of damage include squealing sounds and coolant leaks. The bearing is typically a sealed, machined race designed to withstand harsh operating conditions. Most water pumps cannot be rebuilt due to the extreme conditions they operate under. A water pump […]

What’s a Sph. Roller Bearing?

Spherical roller bearings have two rows of tapered rollers and are self-aligning, making them suitable for high shock or misaligned loads. They are expensive but have a longer life and can accommodate large degrees of angular deflection and higher operating speeds. They consist of an inner ring, captive roller raceway, and outer ring with a […]

What’s a ball bearing motor?

The ball bearing motor runs on thermal energy and can be built easily with salvaged parts. It rotates in response to high currents and can spin very fast. Safety precautions should be taken when handling it. An electrical device, a ball bearing motor runs on thermal energy, rotating in response to starting with high currents. […]

What’s a main bearing?

Main bearings allow the crankshaft to rotate and are located at each end of the crankshaft. Engines can have more than two main bearings, but designers must weigh the benefit of additional bearings against the additional weight and cost. Main bearings are usually journal bearings, consisting of two surfaces that slide against each other under […]

What’s a linear bearing?

Linear motion bearings facilitate smooth movement of an object in a linear direction using small steel balls or roller bearings. They are used in machines and industrial applications, as well as in sliding tables and filing cabinets to reduce friction and improve function. A linear motion bearing is a device used to allow movement of […]

Flanged Bearing: What is it?

Flanged bearings come in three types: four-bolt round/square, three-bolt triangular, and two-bolt diamond. They use ball, plain, needle, or roller bearings and can be made of plastic, bronze, or other materials. Flanged bearings support shafts against deflection, vibration, and axial load/movement. The type of bearing used depends on the problem, cost, space, and radial force. […]

What’s a needle bearing?

Needle bearings have thinner and longer roller elements than conventional bearings, making them ideal for low overall height applications. They have good load carrying capacities and are available in various designs, including caged or fully completed bearings and sealed or open bearings. Needle bearings are used in automotive engines and other high-stress precision applications. They […]

What’s an Angular Contact Bearing?

Angular contact bearings are specialty ball bearings used in manufacturing and industrial applications. They support a wider range of forces than standard bearings and are made of steel, ceramic, or other metals. They reduce friction and add resistance along axial and radial forces. They are found in motors, engines, power tools, and even hardware. An […]

What’s a radial bearing?

Radial bearings support rotating axial loads by distributing forces along the radius. Deep groove bearings use balls or rollers to evenly distribute loads and can be self-aligning. Materials include steel and ceramic, with hybrid ceramic bearings offering higher speeds. Variations include split and caged designs, as well as self-aligning options with oval profiles. Radial bearing […]

What’s a Hydrostatic Bearing?

Hydrostatic bearings use fluid or gas to support loads, with an externally pressurized source forming a barrier film between the outer shell and the shaft. They offer superior performance, precision, and longevity compared to conventional bearings, with minimal friction, noise, and vibration. They are cheaper to maintain and have a particularly long service life, with […]

What’s a Slewing Bearing?

Swivel bearings and slewing bearings are used for circular and rocking motion in heavy machinery. They are made of heavy metals and have gears to facilitate movement. Ball bearings ensure smooth motion, but maintenance is required due to constant motion and high temperatures. Excavators use slewing bearings to rotate the base and house independently. A […]

What’s a Pillow Block Bearing?

A pillow block bearing is a type of plain bearing housed in a cast mounting bracket that provides external housing for the bearing. It is designed for low torque, low load situations and clean environments. The plummer block is similar but designed for higher loads and corrosive environments. Both types of bearing housings are bolted […]

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