Ball bearings are spherical metal balls that are used for reducing friction between axles and shafts in various applications. They are mostly used in a series to balance the weight placed on a moving part. The manufacturers of the ball bearings emphasise on maintaining the roundness of these bearings since a small deformity in the shape of these metal balls can lead to the failure of the moving parts using them. These bearings are also referred to as anti-friction bearings.
The ball bearings feature the following parts:
- Inner Race: The inner race is the name given to the part that is placed on the revolving shaft and helps in the movement of the shaft.
- Rolling Element “Ballsâ€: These components carry the load and uniformly distribute it throughout the raceways. These elements usually revolve around the inner race but their speed is not as good as that of the inner race.
- Outer Race: This particular part is placed on the housing. This stationary part is used for shifting the weights from the bearing to the housing.
- Cage: This is one of the important parts of the bearings. It serves as a barrier between the balls and prevents the balls from bumping into one another.
The balls bearings are categorized into different types. Each type of bearing is characterised by its unique features. There are certain factors that need to be considered before choosing a particular type of bearing for use. The factors are:
- Value of the load handled by the bearing.
- The design of the associated accessories like the housing and the shaft.
- The suitability of the associated accessories.
- Speed requirements of these metallic balls.
The concept of ball bearings existed even in the Roman Empire. However, many people give credit to the great artist Leonardo da Vinci for the design of these bearings. However, these metallic balls were officially introduced as ball bearings in 1791 when Philip Vaughan, a carriage maker, patented the axle assembly for using these balls. Before Vaughan used these balls, the carriage axles used to wear out due to friction. The use of these accessories prevented the direct contact between the axle and the drive shaft.
Now, the question is: is it important to use lubricants for the ball bearings? Lubricants are really important for enhancing the performance of these metallic bearings. However, you need to buy the appropriate lubricant for applying on the ball bearings. It is better to stay away from the high temperature grease because this particular type of lubricant will not be able to handle heavy weight. It is important to apply the right amount of grease on the ball bearings because the quantity of grease has a significant role in determining how well the bearings would function. The method of lubrication is important because use of the proper method will contribute to the successful operation of the bearings.
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