Key Considerations When Selecting Luoyang Bearings
When choosing a Luoyang bearing, several important parameters must be considered: bearing alignment requirements, speed, allowable space, installation and disassembly, tolerance grade, and price.
1. Bearing Alignment Performance
When the shaft centerline differs from the centerline of the bearing housing, or when the distance between the shaft supports is large and the shaft has low rigidity—making it susceptible to bending or misalignment under external force—it is advisable to select self-aligning ball or roller bearings, or outer ring ball bearings. These types of bearings can operate normally even when the shaft is slightly tilted or bent. The effectiveness of the self-aligning feature is related to the bearing’s allowable coaxiality; the greater the coaxiality, the better the self-aligning performance.
2. Space and Position Constraints
In mechanical design, the shaft size is typically determined first, followed by bearing selection based on that size. Ball bearings are generally used for small shafts, while roller bearings are preferred for larger shafts. For limited space, narrow or ultra-narrow series ball or roller bearings may be selected to save room.
3. Load Size, Direction, and Nature
Load is a key factor in selecting a bearing. Roller bearings are suitable for heavy loads, while ball bearings are used for light to medium loads. Bearings made from case-hardened steel or bainite-hardened materials are ideal for shock and vibration conditions. Regarding load direction, deep groove ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, or needle roller bearings can be chosen accordingly.
4. Bearing Rigidity
Rigidity refers to the force required to cause unit deformation in the bearing. While applying preload can increase rigidity, excessive preload raises friction, increases heat generation, and shortens bearing life. A balance must be maintained to ensure both stiffness and longevity.
5. Speed Capability
Each bearing type has a specific limiting speed determined by its physical characteristics, such as size, type, and structure. Exceeding this limit may result in elevated temperatures, lubricant breakdown, or even bearing seizure. It’s important to note that, for grease-lubricated bearings, the maximum speed is generally only 80% of the rated limit. High-quality recirculating oil lubrication systems can support higher speeds more effectively.
6. Axial Movement and Float
Typically, a shaft is supported by two bearings spaced at a certain distance. To accommodate temperature-related expansion or contraction of the shaft and housing, one bearing should be fixed axially, while the other should be allowed to float. This prevents binding or jamming due to thermal growth or shrinkage of the shaft.
7. Ease of Installation and Removal
When selecting a bearing type, consider ease of installation and disassembly, especially for large or extra-large bearings. Thrust bearings and angular contact bearings are typically chosen for thrust loads. Ball bearings are preferred for high-speed applications, while roller bearings are better suited for large radial loads.
