How do ball bearings work? Sizes may be insignificant but the ball bearing machine plays an important role in the proper functioning of various products such as bicycles, coffee machines, fishing reels, engines and more. Bearings make it easier for things to move smoothly.

 

Ball bearings work by positioning a ball between one inner and one outer ring.  This design enables the components to roll instead of sliding against one another. The rubbing actions and mechanical damper of a user’s shaft actions will become changed to rolling actions which obtains a substantial reduction in friction and mechanical stress.

 

716.2. 780 Simultaneously the projective comments are better suitable for rotating and linear motions. Reductions in the attenuation of speed and efficiency of service life occur. In this blog, we present the main parts of a ball bearing, how it works and transfers load, various types of ball bearing and finally useful tips for its maintenance.

1. What Are the Functions of Each Part of the Ball Bearing?

A typical ball bearing is composed of several key parts, each serving a specific function:

 

 

• Inner Ring: The shaft is connected to the inner ring and rotates together with it. It transfers motion from the shaft to the rolling elements and provides a hardened raceway for the balls.

 

• Outer Ring: The outer ring is typically mounted tightly within the housing. The balls are directed by a groove on the inner surface and take the load that has been applied.

 

• Balls: Rolling elements separating the inner ring from the outer ring are known as balls.  They roll smoothly along the raceways rather than sliding, reducing friction.

 

• Retainer (Cage): The retainer holds the balls spaced apart evenly, prevents any collision between the balls, and keeps them in position at work.

 

• Lubrication: Lubrication minimizes friction and wear takes away heat, prevents rust/corrosion, provides sealing protection and absorbs shock during operation.

2. How Do Ball Bearings Work and Where They Are Used

Ball bearings are used to facilitate rotary or linear motions while minimising friction and wear and tear on components. The functioning of these conditions is like that of a wheel which uses rolling motion to replace sliding motion and this greatly reduces the resistance that takes place between the surfaces in contact.

 

With the reduction of friction, parts can move easier, work at higher speeds and consume less energy which improves efficiency significantly.

How Ball Bearings Transmit Load

The load that is being applied gets carried by the balls in the bearing. The force of the load causes the rotation of the bearing with a path like this.

 

• Outer ring area, source.
• To the spheres.
• From the spheres of the outer ring.

In most of the applications, one ring is stationary while the other rotates with the shaft. The balls roll in the raceway and do not slide as long as one ring rotates.

Radial Loads and Thrust Loads

Most often the bearings are subjected to radial loads and axial loads depending on the use.

 

Radial loads Force applied at a ninety degree angle and around the shaft is called radial load. As an example, in pulleys or belt-driven systems, the load presses from the side causing the bearing to rotate under tension.

 

Thrust loads that are directed along the shaft axis will exert stress on the bearing in a different direction. A simple way to visualize this is to think of a tire lying flat and pressing down from above. This axial force is a thrust load. In many applications, radial and thrust loads may happen together.

Why ball bearings are usually used for relatively small loads

Ball bearings find application with loads of relatively low to medium size. As a result of the spherical ball, he contacted the raceway bali. This minimal contact area allows it to roll smoothly with less friction.

 

When a ball bearing is overloaded, high pressure is exerted at the contact points, which can damage the balls and raceways and result in premature bearing failure.

Example Products That Use Ball Bearings

3. Types of Ball Bearings

Deep Groove Ball Bearings

The Deep groove ball bearings are the most widely used type. Ball bearing deep groove raceways in the inner and outer ring allow for the support of radial loads and a moderate axial load in either direction.

Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Angular contact ball bearings can withstand a combination of radial and axial loads. Their profiled raceways enable them to withstand greater axial loads than deep groove ball bearings.

Thrust Ball Bearings

Thrust ball bearings are designed to bear only axial loads. They’re made up of two flat rings with raceways and a set of balls, which must not be used for radial load applications.

Self-Aligning Ball Bearings

Self-aligning ball bearings are made to account for misalignment between the shaft and housing. Having two rows of balls provides automatic alignment and minimizes the effect of installation or shaft misalignment. Many other specialized ball bearing designs have been developed to suit specific operational conditions.

4. How to Maintain Ball Bearing?

Regular maintenance must be done to preserve the bearing and its operation.

 

• Handle bearings with care – Impact and contamination can easily damage bearings.
• Inspect the housing and shaft – An inadequate housing design or shaft condition can shorten bearing life.
• Install bearings correctly – Poor installation generally causes premature failure.
• Use the proper tools – Using the right tools minimizes damage and ensures precise fitting.
• Avoid overheating –Overheating can deform bearings or lead to softening of bearing steel.
• Prevent corrosion – Corrosion may severely impair bearing functioning and lead to premature failure.

Conclusion

Ball bearings decrease resistance between metal surfaces by changing the sliding friction into a rolling motion.  With their simple design and effective functions, they’re essential in modern machines. In order to guarantee successful and consistence operation of an extensive set of applications, it is essential to properly understand the functioning of ball bearings, their types as well as the maintenance tips.