How To Guarantee You Are Choosing the Correct Bearing

Any company knows that bearings are essential parts in the running of virtually all machinery and equipment, but when it comes to getting a replacement, it can get difficult. Many people wonder which bearing they need and importantly how to choose the right bearing.

At Quality Bearings Online, we understand how frustrating it can be trying to get the correct bearing, so we’ve outlined a few key elements to consider to make sure you get the right ones. Follow our bearing selection guide for information on how to choose a bearing for machinery. 

Which Bearing Should I Choose

There are many different types of bearings with 5 categories being the most common. These include:

• Ball Bearings 
• Roller Bearings 
• Linear Bearings 
• Super Precision Bearings 
• Spherical Plain Bearings 

Ball Bearings

As the name suggests, ball bearings are bearings that include a set of balls. They can support radial forces as well as thrust forces. When exposed to a force, the balls within the ball bearing will roll to reduce friction. This makes ball bearings ideal for medium radial and axial loads.

Roller Bearings

Roller bearings are similar to ball bearings but the balls in roller bearings are within races rather than a set of 4 -5 balls. Races are metal rings that are designed to support the balls. Ball bearings that feature races are known as roller bearings. View our roller bearings collection.

Spherical Plain Bearings

Spherical plain bearings are designed for angular motion for oscillating movements. Spherical plain bearings normally consist of an inner ring that mounts onto a shaft with a spherically convex outer surface.

Spherical plain bearings are commonly used in the following industries: Aerospace, automotive and mining. This is because they are used in steering and pivot joints, robotic arms, suspension systems and more.

Super Precision Bearings

Super precision bearings provide superior performance by using advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Through this they offer a higher running accuracy and an increased speed capacity.

This makes them ideal for machine tools, high-speed finishing stands for steel wire and racing car engines.

Linear Bearings

A linear bearing is designed to provide motion in a straight line rather than in a rotational motion like other bearings. It enables smooth and precise linear motion by reducing friction between moving parts.

Linear bearings are commonly used in various applications such as machine tools, automation equipment, robotics, and 3D printers to facilitate smooth and accurate movement along a linear axis.

Why is load capacity important when choosing the correct bearing?

When choosing which bearing you require, load capacity is an important consideration because it determines the amount of weight or force that the bearing can support without failing. Bearings need to be able to withstand the heavy forces and loads that are applied to them. That is why it is a critical consideration when choosing which bearing is right for your machinery.

If a bearing has a low load capacity, it may fail prematurely or cause damage to the machinery. By selecting bearings with appropriate load capacities, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of machinery and equipment.

How To Choose A Bearing?

When choosing a bearing for industrial applications there are a number of key considerations?

Part Numbers

It might seem like bearing manufacturers have written in secret code. However, the manufacturers do not just use these codes to confuse you. The part numbers tell you a bearing’s exact specifications, as each digit in the part number designates key features of the bearing.

Things like the bearing’s internal diameter, the cage material, and the internal clearance are all outlined by understanding the part number. It is a key part of identifying which bearing is needed.

Each manufacturer has their own part numbering system, and while there are some overlaps, it is not consistent, so it’s vital you check before choosing a different brand. Manufacturers could even use the same suffixes to designate different parts, meaning even if they list the same suffix in the part number, they might be referring to different specifications.

If you are unsure about which bearing you need for your machinery based on the part number, our product pages display a handy table with a breakdown explaining what each part means.

Seals and Shields

There is often confusion around bearings with a single seal or shield, and bearings with a seal or shield on both sides. For a sealed bearing, the part number is stamped on the seal itself, and it will only have the part number for a single seal even if the bearing does in fact have two.

When finding the right part number, start by checking your bearing to confirm the number of seals or shields you need and then check the product details before purchasing to make sure the new one has the correct number of seals. These steps help with how to choose a bearing.

Measuring

How to choose a bearing size is one of the most common questions we get asked. When measuring your bearing, it is vital that you are accurate, so it is highly recommended to use a vernier calliper. The dimensions you need are the inner and outer diameter and the width. Careful measuring will ensure that you choose the correct bearing for your application or machinery.

Quality Bearings Online Are Here To Help

Hopefully this bearing selection guide will help you choose the right bearing for your equipment. Still struggling with how to choose a bearing or finding which bearing is right for you? Contact our team today and speak to a member of our team for expert guidance and support.