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Ball Bearings

What is Ball Bearings

 

Ball bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing used to reduce friction and guide rotating parts. They allow for the injection of motion between different parts and transmit energy for mechanical operation. This type of bearing uses balls to maintain the separation and distance between the bearing races. Ball bearings are designed to reduce rotational friction while supporting both radial and axial loads. They are primarily made from steel, but other materials such as ceramic and nylon are available.

 

Advantages of Ball Bearings

Friction reduction

The rolling action of ball bearings dramatically reduces friction, resulting in smooth and efficient motion. This translates to less wear and tear on the wheel and its supporting components.

High load capacity

Ball bearing wheels are designed to handle significant loads while maintaining their smooth operation. This versatility makes them suitable for both light-duty and heavy-duty applications.

Durability and longevity

Constructed from high-quality materials, ball bearing wheels exhibit durability and longevity, even when subjected to demanding conditions. They withstand the rigors of daily use and challenging environments.

Low maintenance

Due to their reduced friction, ball bearing wheels require minimal maintenance compared to alternatives like plain or sleeve bearings. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

 

 

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Why Choose Us

 

 

Our Factory
Shaanxi Gainhui Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. was established in 2009, covering an area of 16,000 square meters and a plant area of 8,800 square meters, including production workshops, assembly workshops, packaging workshops, testing centers, finished products warehouses, raw materials warehouses, office spaces, etc.

 

Quality Control
Our company controls the bearing production process strictly, formulates complete quality inspection system, monitors the entire process from purchasing raw materials, forging, turning, heat treatment, grinding, assembly and packaging.

 

Advanced Equipment
Our company has strong technical force and is equipped with advanced processing equipment.There are more than 60 main bearing processing devices and more than 10 auxiliary devices.

 

Our Certifications
Has complete quality management system and has passed ISO9001:2015 quality management system certification. At the same time, our company has also obtained corporate credit certification. Our company will strictly abide by the ISO9001:2015 quality management system, ensure the standardization of management work, and maintain the sustained, stable and healthy development of the company.

 

Applications of Ball Bearings
 

 

 

Automobile Industry
Engines: Ball bearings enhance engine operations, improving fuel efficiency.
Wheels: They support the vehicle's weight and ensure smooth wheel rotation.
Transmission: Within gearboxes, ball bearings facilitate smooth gear transitions.

Aerospace Industry
Aircraft Engines: Bearings enable consistent rotor rotations, crucial for aircraft safety.
Landing Gear: They ensure smooth movements during take-offs and landings.
Control Systems: Ball bearings are central to the precise functioning of aircraft control mechanisms.

Manufacturing Industry
Conveyor Belts: Ball bearings support the smooth transition of products across assembly lines.
Assembly Lines: They enhance the efficiency of machines requiring rotational movements.

Robotics Industry
Robotic Arms: Bearings ensure precision and controlled movements in tasks like welding.
Joints: In robots, ball bearings enable fluid and natural motions.

Single Row Deep Groove Ball Bearings
Single Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings

 

Mechanical and Engineering Applications
Ball bearings are integral to mechanical engineering, enhancing efficiency across diverse applications.

Electric Motors: Ball bearings minimize friction in electric motors, improving efficiency and extending lifespan.
Power Tools: In tools like drills and saws, ball bearings provide precision and stability, ensuring accurate and smooth operations.
HVAC Systems: In fans and blowers of HVAC systems, ball bearings ensure consistent, smooth rotation, optimizing air distribution.

Automotive and Transportation
In the automotive and transportation realms, ball bearings are indispensable.
Wheel Bearings: These bearings ensure smooth wheel rotation, enhancing the driving experience.
Axles and Drivetrains: Ball bearings in axles and drive shafts minimize friction, optimizing vehicle performance.
Gearboxes and Transmissions: Within these systems, ball bearings enable efficient power transfer, boosting fuel efficiency.

Medical and Healthcare Applications
In healthcare, ball bearings enhance various devices:
Surgical Tools: Bearings in surgical instruments enable fluid, precise movements during procedures.
Medical Scanners: MRI and CT scanners use ball bearings for smooth, accurate rotations, ensuring clear diagnostic images.
Prosthetics: Ball bearings in artificial limbs provide users with smoother, more natural movements, elevating their mobility.

 

Sports and Recreation
Skateboards and Rollerblades: The wheels incorporate ball bearings, enabling riders to glide smoothly and maintain speed with minimal effort.
Fishing Reels: Bearings in these reels guarantee effortless reeling and casting, making the angler's experience seamless and efficient.
Bicycles: Ball bearings, particularly in the hubs and pedals, underpin a bicycle's operation, ensuring riders enjoy efficient and responsive cycling.

Household and Consumer Goods
Ball bearings aren't just for industrial or sporting equipment; they play a key role in many household items we use daily:
Appliances: They ensure smooth operations in washing machines, blenders, and vacuum cleaners.
Furniture: Bearings aid in the effortless rotation of swivel chairs and the smooth glide of drawers.

Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace and defense sectors heavily rely on ball bearings for a range of applications:
Aircraft Engines: Ball bearings reduce friction, optimizing turbine efficiency.
Missile Guidance: They ensure accuracy in precision targeting.
Military Vehicles: Bearings enhance maneuverability in tanks and armored vehicles.

Marine and Nautical Applications
Ball bearings play an integral role in ensuring the optimal operation of marine and nautical equipment.
Marine Engines: These bearings are pivotal in marine propulsion systems, providing the necessary support and reducing mechanical wear.
Sailboat Fittings: Ball bearings are extensively used in sailboat blocks and winches, guaranteeing seamless and efficient sailing experiences.

Single Direction Thrust Ball Bearings
Types of Ball Bearings
Single Row Deep Groove Ball Bearings with Snap Ring
Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Single Row Deep Groove Ball Bearings
Single Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Deep-Groove Ball Bearing
This is the most widely used ball-bearing type in the world. It is because of its versatility and overall performance. They are characterized by having very deep raceway groves where the outer and inner rings have arcs with a slightly larger radius than balls. They also have a non-separable ring in them. They are excellent for high radial load capacity and high speeds, and they can accept axial loads in both directions.

 

Angular contact ball bearing
In this type of ball bearing, the direct line that connects the outer ring and inner ring balls have a given angle in the radial direction (Contact angle). This type of angle is generally designed with three different kinds of contact angles. These bearings can bear axial loads but must be used in pairs or in combination because the contact angle cannot be used singly.

 

Self-Aligning ball bearing
The self-aligning ball bearings include a double row of balls which are guided by a double row inner ring raceway and cage. They also contain the special features of a continuous spherical outer ring allowing the inner ball/ring complement to swivel within the outer ring. This type of bearing is recommended when the alignment of the shaft and bearing is a problem that a shaft could deflect. Self-aligning roller bearings are more suitable for absorbing these radial forces.

 

Duplex angular contact ball bearing
These are bearings that pair two or more angular ball bearings in a tandem, back-to-back, or face-to-face arrangement. Bearings that are duplex face-to-face (DF) or back-to-back (DB) may support axial loads in both directions. In comparison to face-to-face duplex bearings, back-to-back duplex bearings may support more moment loads. Tandem duplex bearings are more axially load-bearing than single bearings in a single direction.

 

Four-point contact ball bearing
These bearings have a distinctive design where the inner ring is divided into two halves, resulting in four points of contact. It is between the balls and raceways under radial stresses, hence the term "four-point contact." As a result, these roller bearings can support axial loads traveling in both directions as well as a mix of radial and axial loads. Compared to angular contact bearings, these bearings are built to endure higher load capacities and more demanding environments. They work best with heavy weights that oscillate often.

 

How to Ball Bearings Lubrication

 

 

Lubrication creates a film of oil between the rolling element and the bearing raceway that helps prevent friction and overheating.

 

The most common type of lubrication is grease, which consists of an oil with a thickening agent. The thickening agent keeps the oil in place, so it won't leave the bearing. As the ball (ball bearing) or roller (roller bearing) rolls over the grease, the thickening agent separates leaving just the film of oil between the rolling element and the bearing raceway. After the rolling element passes by, the oil and thickening agent join back together.

 

For high-speed applications, knowing the speed at which the oil and thickener can separate and rejoin is important. This is called the application or bearing n*dm value.

 

Before you select a grease, you need to find your applications ndm value. To do this multiply your applications RPMs by the diameter of the center of the balls in the bearing (dm). Compare your ndm value to the grease's max speed value, located on the datasheet.

 

If your n*dm value is higher than the grease max speed value on the datasheet, then the grease won't be able to provide sufficient lubrication and premature failure will occur.

 

Another lubrication option for high-speed applications are oil mist systems which mix oil with compressed air and then inject it into the bearing raceway at metered intervals. This option is more costly than grease lubrication because it requires an external mixing and metering system and filtered compressed air. However, oil mist systems allow bearings to operate at higher speeds while generating a lower amount of heat than greased bearings.

 

For lower speed applications an oil bath is common. An oil bath is when a portion of the bearing is submerged in oil. For bearings that will operate in extreme environments, a dry lubricant can be used instead of a petroleum-based lubricant, but the lifespan of the bearing is typically shortened due to the nature of the lubricant's film breaking down over time.

 

Key Factors For Ball Bearings Selection

Load Capacity: One of the most critical factors is determining the load capacity your application requires. Calculate both the radial and axial loads that the bearing will experience to ensure the selected bearing can handle them without premature failure.

Speed

Consider the rotational speed of the bearing. High-speed applications may require bearings designed to withstand the heat generated at higher RPMs.

Environment

Assess the operating environment. Is it exposed to dust, moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures? Choose bearings with seals or shields that can protect against these elements.

Precision and Tolerance

Depending on your application's requirements for accuracy and smoothness, you may need bearings with higher precision and tighter tolerances.

Size and Fit

Ensure the bearing fits perfectly within your machinery. A proper fit prevents unnecessary stress and premature wear.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication is essential to reduce friction and wear. Consider whether your application needs lubrication-free or self-lubricating bearings.

Cost and Longevity

Balance the initial cost of the bearing with its expected lifespan. Sometimes, investing in a higher-quality bearing can lead to long-term savings through reduced maintenance and downtime.

 

Materials Used in Ball Bearings
 
 

Stainless Steel (SS)

Stainless steel bearings provide several significant benefits when other materials cause problems because stainless steel particularly offers greater chemical and corrosion resistance, along with better stability in high temperature environments. It has the same deep raceway grooves and close conformity between raceways and balls as standard made of carbon chromium (rolling bearing) steel.

 
 
 

Chrome steel (GCr15)

Chrome steel is the most common material used to produce the load carrying components in precision , and it offers a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel. While less resistant to corrosion, chrome steel is durable and still resistant to corrosive factors in certain environments.

 
 
 

Ceramic Ball Bearings

In contrast, are made of ceramic rather than steel. Full constructed entirely of ceramic material. The inner and outer races and balls are both made of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) or Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2). The main characteristics are it provides higher hardness and better elasticity compared to chrome steel bearings. Furthermore, this can be run completely dry, with excellent corrosion resistance allows them to run in concentrated acids, and totally submerged in seawater without corroding. Also, it is more suitable for temperature changes, the life cycle of full is much longer than steel bearings.

 

 

Single Direction Thrust Ball Bearings

 

How Are Ball Bearings Manufactured

The ball bearing manufacturing process involves comprehensive procedures to ensure that the end products are smooth and perfectly round.
Select material and cut rings. The initial process involves using an automatic machine to cut the rings to the recommended shape. The extra materials left after cutting are usually machined.
Stamp bearing with manufacturing information. The second step is to stamp the outer-ring faces with the necessary manufacturing information and bearing number.
Heat and harden. Next up is the hardening stage. Here, the rings go through a heating operation at 1,565℉ for 15 to 20 minutes. The rings are then quenched in oil at 375℉ for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes. The next step involves tempering the rings at 340℉ for about two hours.
Grind to proper dimensions. The rings then go through a grinding operation using specialized grinding machines to produce the desired finished dimensions. Race grinding helps to achieve race location, geometry, and radius. Face grinding ensures that the ring has a proper bearing width. Bore grinding is then applied on the inner rings while grinding is for the outer rings.
Apply final finishing. Finally, the races go through a honing process to bring out a perfect surface finish and geometry.

 

How to Maintain Ball Bearings
 

Handle with care
Bearings are delicate enough to get damaged quickly. As such, it is very important that they are stored horizontally in a clean and dry environment with their packaging intact. Do not expose them to any airborne contaminants, as even a tiny speck of dirt can cause premature failure. Never hammer or pound them, or apply a direct force on it or its outer ring, which can cause damage to the rolling elements, resulting in misalignment. The most important thing to remember is to never remove bearings from their packaging until ready for use.

 

Check the bearing housing and shaft
Whenever a bearing is used for mounting, it is crucial that the housing and shaft are inspected for any sort of physical condition or damage. Always use a soft cloth to wipe the surfaces clean and make sure any nicks and burrs are removed.

 

Mount the bearings correctly
The method used to mount the bearings depends on the type of bearing. For example, bearings with cylindrical bores are generally mounted through a press fit method. Bearings with tapered bores can be mounted directly on tapered or cylindrical shafts with the use of tapered sleeves. However, pressure should be applied only with a press fit because without it the raceways can become damaged.

 

Avoid preheating or overheating
The maximum heating allowed on the bearings depends on the heat treatment of the material. If they are heated above the permitted limit, they can permanently deform or soften the bearing steel, lowering load carrying capacity and resulting in a failure. Always heat the bearings using induction heaters, and never with an open flame.

 

Always use the proper tools
Specialized tools like bearing pullers, bearing fitting tool kits, oil injector kits, hydraulic nuts, or induction heaters should be used in the mounting and dismounting processes. These tools ensure the smooth process of mounting or dismounting, in order to minimize the risk of damage.

 

Avoid corrosion
It is crucial that you should not expose bearings to the presence of water for a long time, as it will lead to rust and corrosion. It will also cause the premature failure of the bearings, which can affect the machine performance and productivity. As a result, it will increase your operating costs. Also, make sure to wear gloves when handling bearings. Perspiration can also lead to rust and corrosion.

 

Proper lubrication
If you want to have a prolonged life of your bearings, it is crucial that they should be properly lubricated. The correct lubricant depends on the environmental conditions, temperature, speed and load. In this case, it is advisable that you should follow your manufacturer's recommendations.

 

 
FAQ
 
 

Q: Where are ball bearings used for?

A: Rolling-element bearings are used to ensure smooth, efficient operation in many machines with rotary motion—from car wheels, engines and turbines to medical equipment.

Q: What is the common use of ball bearing?

A: One common use of ball bearings is in skateboard and bicycle wheels; similarly, they are also found in unicycles and tricycles, and any other application utilizing the rotation of a wheel. In automated vehicles, ball bearings are absolutely essential.

Q: Why are ball bearings better?

A: One of the main benefits of ball bearings is that they are very versatile, as they can rotate on more than one axis. They are also designed for multiple load cases, including pure radial loads, pure axial loads, and combined radial and axial loads.

Q: What is the function of ball bearings?

A: The purpose of a ball bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. It achieves this by using at least two races to contain the balls and transmit the loads through the balls.

Q: Why do ball bearings exist?

A: Bearings are able to reduce friction by providing smooth metal balls or rollers, along with a smooth, metal inner and outer surface, known as the inner and outer race, for the balls to roll against.

Q: Why do ball bearings fail?

A: Bearing damage can occur for many reasons. Problems such as misalignment, unbalance, looseness and friction are all telegraphed through the bearing, sometimes leading to failure.

Q: What is the quality of ball bearings?

A: Bearing balls are manufactured to a specific grade, which defines its geometric tolerances. The grades range from 2000 to 3, where the smaller the number the higher the precision. Grades are written "GXXXX", i.e. grade 100 would be "G100". Lower grades also have fewer defects, such as flats, pits, soft spots, and cuts.

Q: What are the advantages of ball bearings?

A: They provide better mechanical stability to heavy-load machines. Some ball bearings require less axial space and provide both radial as well as axial load capacity. Ball bearings provide the machine with a highly impressive speed of performance and require minimal maintenance.

Q: What is the action of the ball bearing?

A: Ball Bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing that uses balls to maintain the separation between the moving parts of the bearing. The purpose of a ball bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads.

Q: How do ball bearings fail?

A: The majority of bearing failures occur because of improper lubrication. Lubrication failure can occur if the wrong lubricant is used, if not enough lubricant is applied, or if the bearing has been exposed to excessive temperatures that have caused the lubricant to degrade.

Q: How to check ball bearing quality?

A: For small, non-separable ball bearings, hold the bearing horizontally in one hand, and then rotate the outer ring to confirm that it turns smoothly. Separable bearings such as tapered roller bearings may be checked by individually examining their rolling elements and the outer ring raceway.

Q: What are ball bearings made of?

A: Most ball bearings are made of a type of steel known as high carbon chromium steel, often called chrome steel. This is used for reasons of cost and durability. Bearings are also made from other materials such as stainless steel, ceramics and plastic.

Q: Why are ball bearings useful?

A: A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that serves three main functions while it facilitates motion: it carries loads, reduces friction and positions moving machine parts. Ball bearings use balls to separate two “races,” or bearing rings, to reduce surface contact and friction across moving planes.

Q: What is the difference between a bearing and a ball bearing?

A: A roller bearing is a cylindrical unit that is used to provide low-friction movement for a bushing or bearing block. A ball bearing is a spherical unit that accomplishes the same objective as a roller bearing. The real difference has to do with the contact surface between the bearing and the rail.

Q: What is the average life of a ball bearing?

A: Car ball bearings generally last between 85,000 to 150,000 miles (137,000 to 241,000 kilometers). However, their lifespan can vary depending on the vehicle type.

Q: What is the principle of ball bearing?

A: Ball bearings work on the principle of rolling friction. Ball bearings are used in cycles, scooters to reduce friction between wheel and axle.

Q: How does a ball bearing work?

A: Inner ring fits on a shaft, outer ring fits inside the stationary component through which the shaft passes. As the shaft rotates, along with the inner ring, balls start spinning inside the cage. And a relative motion between inner ring and outer ring is established with minimal contact area.

Q: How do you protect ball bearings?

A: The gaps between the two parts of the labyrinth must be sealed to keep out dust and water. To improve bearing life for both labyrinth and lip shaft seals, use an automatic lubricator. Only a small quantity is necessary when slowly flushed into the bearing cavity to force dust and moisture away from the elements.

Q: Do bearings need maintenance?

A: To maintain the original performance of a bearing for as long as possible, proper maintenance and inspection must be performed. If proper procedures are used, many bearing problems can be avoided, allowing for improvements in the reliability, productivity, and operating costs of equipment containing bearings.

Q: Should you oil ball bearings?

A: Lubricating your ball bearings can prevent component seizure and keep your operation going. When it comes to rolling bearings, heat is conducted through the friction caused by rolling elements. By lubricating these elements, the friction and risk of overheating are reduced, as the lubricant provides heat transference.

We're professional ball bearings manufacturers and suppliers in China, specialized in providing high quality customized products. We warmly welcome you to buy or wholesale high-grad ball bearings for sale here from our factory. Contact us for more company information.

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