Stainless Steel Bearings

Bearings should be stored horizontally in their original packaging in a clean, dry and room temperature environment. When bearings are unnecessarily handled, for example, if their wrappings are prematurely removed, this can expose them to corrosion or contaminants. Even while they're being stored on shelves, the bearings can still experience harmful vibration as a result of the facility's daily operations. Therefore, it is important to store the bearings in an area not exposed to vibration.

When selecting the best bearing for your needs, it's important to remember that inappropriate loads cause increased fatigue and risk of bearing failure. To get the best life ratings from your bearings, limit the actual load to between six and 12 per cent of the bearing's dynamic load rating. This load rating does vary according to the bearing material. For example, stainless steel bearings will support approximately 80 to 85 per cent of the load figures indicated for chrome steel bearings.

The more the bearing is overloaded, the shorter the bearing life. Overloaded bearing components will experience premature wear. These bearings should be replaced to safeguard the surrounding equipment.

While overload can be a result of incorrect specification at the design phase, some overloading may occur due to changes in production requirements, environmental conditions, or operator error.

Contamination in the form of dust or dirt entering the bearing's raceway is problematic. Choosing a closure that protects against these foreign particles entering the bearing and keeps the lubrication inside, is crucial. Closures should be expertly matched to the application, depending on the operating environment.

Choose closures that will withstand the environmental and operating conditions. Routinely check bearing seals for hardening or wear. Inspections should be carried out for lubrication leaks. When conducting maintenance, try to avoid using steam cleaning methods or high-pressure sprays. This may be difficult in the food and beverage industry, so sealed bearings with a washout resistant lubricant are recommended.

If maintenance isn't conducted appropriately, it can do more harm than good. In fact, it is easy to damage seals and force contaminants into clean equipment if not handled correctly. This is where condition monitoring such as vibration analysis can provide vital insight into the bearing's operating condition and alert an operator to any changes without invasive action.

Wearing gloves will ensure that perspiration or other liquids do not affect the bearing in low-corrosive environments. However, corrosion-resistant bearings will be needed in applications where corrodible materials wouldn't suffice (food processing, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production and bearings for marine applications).

Corrosion occurs primarily when the bearings have been exposed to water or more corrosive liquids. In some cases, it leads to etching on the surface, which will eventually develop rust. Flaking and cracks in the bearings can then follow. Common signs of corrosion are dark coloured or reddish-brown areas on the balls and raceways. Eventually, you may see pitting of the raceway surfaces. While the material choice is a crucial first step to combatting corrosion, preventative measures such as the use of lubricants with rust inhibitors are recommended.

Standard lubrication will do its bit in reducing friction and dissipating heat. However, this lubricant may not satisfy the maximum running speed, torque level and temperature requirements of your application. Specialist lubrication may be required.

If the lubrication quantity isn't sufficient, the balls, retainers, and raceways will have metal-on-metal contact, and friction will wear down the bearings. By contrast, if the bearings are overfilled with grease, heat cannot be dissipated, causing the bearing to overheat.