The Various Types of Bearings and How They Are Used

Bearings are mechanical components that are present within countless applications in order to mitigate the friction between moving parts as well as restrict motion to specific movements. As components that are paramount to the efficient functionality of machinery and equipment, bearings can come in a variety of forms to accommodate different needs. There are multiple ways in which bearing types are classified, often being based on whether they are radial or thrust types, their body type, the number of rows they have for rolling elements, whether parts can be separated, and more. In order to make the search for the right fit easier, we will provide a brief overview of the most common bearing types that are used for many applications.

1) Plain Bearing

Plain bearings serve as the most simplistic variation, and they are devoid of any rolling elements. With their cost efficiency and long service lives, plain bearings may be suitable for a number of applications where there is a need for high load-carrying capacity.

2) Angular Contact Ball Bearing

Angular contact ball bearings are most notable by their inner and outer ring raceways that are displaced in the direction of the bearing axis. With a contact angle between the ferrule and ball, its ability to take on high-speed rotation or axial loads will depend upon the size of the angle. Typically, such ball bearings are suitable for combined loads, though they may have higher performance for axial loads as the angle between the ferrule and ball increases.

3) Spherical Roller Bearing

Spherical roller bearings are a type of roller bearing that have inner and outer rings with spherical rollers between them. Such bearing types can allow for angular misalignment as well as permit the rotation of an assembly without risking significant friction. The rollers of the bearing are slightly over-inflated, and this is what allows for misalignment to be possible.

4) Cylindrical Roller Bearing

Cylindrical roller bearings are those in which cylinders are the rolling elements instead of balls, and this allows them to distribute loads across a broader surface. Cylindrical roller bearings are fairly easy to install, and they are mostly used for taking on radial loads. Generally, such bearing types can often be found in a number of automobiles, transformers, and motors.

5) Tapered Roller Bearing

Tapered roller bearings are those that have conical surfaces and raceways that allow them to support both axial and radial forces. With a double-row tapered roller bearing, radial and bidirectional axial loads can both be accommodated, allowing the bearing to excel when facing heavy and shock loads.

6) Fluid Bearing

Fluid bearings are those that support loads with the use of pressurized gases or liquids that move between bearing surfaces. With this type of bearing, there is no contact between moving parts, thus sliding friction is completely avoided. Additionally, fluid bearings can also deter the effects of vibration, and as such can sometimes have near-zero wear when properly used.

7) Magnetic Bearing

Magnetic Bearings are fairly similar to fluid bearings in the fact that they can support moving parts while avoiding physical contact. To do this, magnetic bearings take on loads with the use of magnetic fields that are produced with a power source.

With the use of ball bearings, roller bearings, and other such types, machinery and equipment can be well protected from friction when there are moving assemblies. At Aerospace Aces, we are a premier supplier of aviation, NSN, and electronic parts with our unrivaled services and inventory. Peruse over 2 billion new, used, and obsolete components that have been sourced from top global manufacturers, and we can supply you with competitive quotes as needed for your comparisons. Begin the purchasing process today and see why customers choose to rely on Aerospace Aces for all their part needs.

1. nick radcliff
2. Posted on April 9, 2021
aviation

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