INTRODUCTION

TO

BEARINGS

CONTENTS

Bearing Definition
Classification of Bearings
Types of Bearings
Comparison of Antifriction with Plain
Bearings
Bearing Selection Criteria
Major Bearing Failure Causes
Bearing Designation
Bearings Materials
Bearing Lubrication
Bearings Manufacturers

Bearings Definition
Bearings are used to support the
shaft / load on the shaft with a
minimum of friction and also
permit the shaft to rotate freely,
but they prevent axial or radial
motion.

Classification of Bearings
1.
Depending upon the direction of load to
be supported
a.
Radial Bearings Load acts
perpendicular to the direction of
motion of the moving element
b.
Thrust Bearings Load acts
along the axis of rotation
2.
Depending upon the nature of contact
a.
Sliding contact or Plain
Bearings
b.
Rolling Contact or Antifriction
Bearings

1.

Types of Sliding Contact Bearings

A.

Cont.

Journal Or Sleeve Bearings

To furnish lateral support to rotating shaft

1.

Clearance Bearings

Bearing

Radius of the journal is less than the

radius of the bushing

Lubricant separates the parts having

relative motion

a.

Full Journal Bearing

The angle of contact of bushing with the

journal is 360o

To accommodate bearing load in any

direction

Journal

Lubricant

1.

Types of Sliding Contact Bearings

b.

Partial Journal Bearing

The angle of contact is 180o or less,

120o being a common value

Used when the direction of the load

does not change materially i.e always
in one direction, for structures
simplicity, for convenience in
applying
lubricant and for reduction
of frictional
loss

Cont.

1.

Types of Sliding Contact Bearings

2.

Fitted Bearing

Radius of the journal and bushing are

equal

Journal runs eccentric with the bushing,

to provide space for lubricant

3.

Conical Bearing

Support a transverse load as well as an

axial load

Cont.

1.

Types of Sliding Contact Bearings

B.

Thrust Bearings
To support an axial load

1.

Step Bearing

End of the shaft is in contact with a bearing

surface

Accept normal range of thrust loads

2.

Collar Bearing

Collar is attached to or formed integral

with the shaft

Cont.

1.

Types of Sliding Contact Bearings

3.

Pivoted segment Bearing

Segments are of wedged shaped

Segments are separately pivoted so

that they can tilt to form the
converging film

Provide a converging film

Absorb significant amount of

misalignment

Capable of high thrust load capacity

More costly

Cont.

1.

Types of Sliding Contact Bearings

Cont.

Slipper or Guide Bearings

is

Two surfaces are flat and nearly parallel and the relative motion
translation

Used as a positioning device or as a guide to linear motion e.g.

Machine tools

Types of Bearings
2.
a.

Cont.

Rolling Contactor Antifriction

Bearings

Roller bearing parts

i.

Inner ring

ii.

Outer ring

iii.

Rolling element

iv.

Cage

Outer ring
Inner ring

Rolling Element
Cage

a.
i.

Roller bearing parts Cont.

Outer ring and Inner ring
Guide the rolling elements in the direction of rotation

ii. Rolling elements

Two Types
a. Ball
b. Roller

Types of Rollers
Cylindrical roller
Needle roller
Tapered roller
Symmetrical roller
Asymmetrical roller

a.

Roller bearing parts Cont.

Contact of Ball and Roller in Antifriction Bearings

Roller bearings have higher load carrying capacity due to

line contact

Line
Contact
Point
Contact

a.

Roller bearing parts Cont.

iii.

Cages

Keep the rolling elements apart so

that they do not rub against
each other

Keep the rolling elements at an

equal distance for uniform load
distribution

Prevent rolling elements from

falling out of separable bearings
and from bearings which are
swiveled out.

a.

Roller bearing parts Cont.

iii.

Cages

Cont.

Basic Materials For Cages

Steel
Brass
Polyamide 66

Basic Types of Cages

1.

Pressed Cage (Made of sheet steel)

2.

Solid Cage

a.

Machined Cage (Made of Brass)

b.

Moulded Cage (Made of Polyamide 66)

a.

Roller bearing parts Cont.

Cages Designs

a.

Roller bearing parts Cont.

Cages Comparison

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Deep groove ball bearing (Single and
Double Row)

Accommodate radial and axial forces

Suitable for high speeds

Self aligning capability is limited

Competitive price

Sealed deep groove ball bearings are

maintenance free

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Angular contact ball bearing (single
row)

Have one high and one low shoulder

Accommodate axial forces in one

direction only

Are non separable

Suitable for high speeds

Usually adjusted against another

bearing which accommodates the
opposite thrust loads

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Different arrangements of Angular contact ball bearings

Tandem
Arrangement

Face to Face
Arrangement

Back to Back
Arrangement

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Angular contact ball bearing (double
row)

Can accommodate high radial forces

and, in both directions, axial forces

Suitable for bearing arrangements

which demand a rigid axial guidance

Four point bearing

Large axial loads in both directions

Low absorption of radial loads

Self aligning capability is very

limited

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Self aligning ball bearings

Spherical raceway in the outer ring

so it is self aligning

Consist of double row

Are not separable

Available in cylindrical or tapered

bore

Suitable for applications where

considerable shaft deflections or
misalignment and housing
deformation are to be expected

Can compensate for a misalignment

of approximately 4o out if the center
position

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Needle roller bearings

Relatively small size rollers, usually

not above in diameter

Roller length is 2.5 times the roller

diameter or more

Act as floating bearing

Are separable

Consist of one or two bearing rings

High radial load carrying capacity

where space is sparse

Light weight construction

Can accommodate only radial loads

Cage or separator for retaining the

individual roller is absent

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Tapered roller bearings

Are separable

Carry axial load in one direction only

Usually two such bearings are

mounted in opposite configuration

Higher radial and axial load carrying

capacity

Suitable for low speeds

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Cont.

Different arrangements of Taper roller bearings

Tandem

Face to Face

Back to Back

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Spherical roller bearings

Incorporate two rows of symmetrical

barrel shaped rollers which can align
them selves freely in the sphere outer
ring

Used for heavy duty applications

having both radial and axial load
carrying capacity

and

Can compensate shaft deflections

misalignment up to 0.5 to 2o

Available with cylindrical or tapered

bore

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Cylindrical roller bearings

Various designs are available which

differ in lip arrangements and are
separable bearings

Suitable for highly loaded bearings

operating at moderate speeds

Are separable, this facilitates

mounting and dismounting

Both rings can be tightly fitted

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Cont.

Various Designs of Cylindrical Roller Bearings

NU Two lips on the outer ring while inner

ring is lip less
NJ Two lips on outer ring and one on inner
ring

With cages

N Two lips on inner ring while outer ring

is lip less
NUP Two lips on outer ring while one fixed
and one loose lip on the inner ring
NCF Two lips on the inner ring and one in
outer ring
Without cages
(Full Complement)

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Thrust ball bearings

Used when loads are only axial

Suitable for medium speeds

Angular contact thrust ball bearings

Accommodate high axial loads in

only one direction

Suitable for higher speeds and also

take up low radial loads

Precision bearings with narrow

tolerances

Are not separable

Used for machine tool application

Low friction bearings, so little drive

energy is required

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings

High axial load carrying capacity in

one direction

No radial load carrying capacity

Are intensive to shock loads

No self aligning capability

Are separable

Cont.

Types of Antifriction Bearings

Spherical roller thrust bearings

Accommodate heavy axial loads

Can accommodate medium radial

loads Raceways are inclined relative
to the bearing axis

Has self aligning properties

Can accommodate misalignment and

shaft deflections

Suitable for high speeds

Radial load must be less than 55% of

the axial load

Cont.

Comparison of Antifriction bearings with

plain bearings

Friction is low except at high speeds

Relatively accurate shaft alignment can be

maintained

Heavy momentary overloads can be carried

Lubrication is simple and requirement is less

Both radial and axial loads can be carried by some

types

Replacement is easy

Selection of bearings from manufacturers

information is simple

The expense is generally greater because of the

cost of the bearing and the necessary provision for
mounting

Comparison of Antifriction bearings with

plain bearings Cotn.

Failure of bearing can occur without warning and

damage to machinery

Low starting torque so a motor of less power can

be used due to low starting friction

Less axial space is required

Ability to function during brief interruption in

normal lubrication

Are noisy in operation as compared with sliding

contact bearings

Comparison of Antifriction bearings with

plain bearings
Friction
Comparison

Formation of Lubrication Film in Plain Journal Bearing

Bearings Selection Criteria

The most important factors to be considered when
selecting a standard bearing type and thus facilitate
an appropriate choice are:
Available space
Loads
Misalignment
Precision
Speed
Quiet running
Stiffness
Axial displacement
Mounting and dismounting
Integral seals
Life and Reliability
Cost

MAJOR BEARING FAILURE CAUSES

CAUSES OF PREMATURE BEARING FAILURE

UNSUITABLE CHOICE OF
BEARING
15%

SHAFT AND HOUSING

FAULTS
7%

COSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
12%

MOUNTING FAULTS
10%
LUBRICATION RELATED
FAULTS
34%
CONTAMINATION
22%

BEARING DESIGNATION
Basic designations identify

Type

Basic design

Standard boundary dimensions of a bearing.

Consists of 3, 4 or 5 figures, or a combination

of letters and figures.

The first figure or the first letter or combination

of letters identifies the bearing type

The following two figures identify the ISO

Dimension Series; the first figure indicates the
Width or Height Series (dimensions B, T or H
respectively) and the second the Diameter Series
(dimension D).

BEARING DESIGNATION

The last two figures of the basic designation give

the size code of the bearing; when multiplied by 5,
the bore diameter in millimetres is obtained.

For bearings having a bore diameter smaller than

10 mm or equal to or greater than 500 mm, the
bore diameter is generally given in millimetres
and is not coded e.g. 629 or 129 (d = 9 mm).

Bearings with bore diameters of 10, 12, 15 and 17

mm have following size code identification
00

10 mm

01

12 mm

02

15 mm

03

17 mm

BEARING DESIGNATION
Designations - Identification of bearing type (First Figure)
0

Double row angular contact ball bearings

Self-aligning ball bearings

Spherical roller bearings, spherical roller thrust bearings

Taper roller bearings

Double row deep groove ball bearings

Thrust ball bearings

Single row deep groove ball bearings

Single row angular contact ball bearings

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings

BEARING DESIGNATION
Designations - Identification of bearing type (First Letter)
BK

Drawn cup needle roller bearings with closed end

HK

Drawn cup needle roller bearings with open ends

Needle roller and cage thrust assemblies

Cylindrical roller bearings

(A second and sometimes a third letter are used to identify the
configuration of the flanges, e.g. NJ,NU, NUP; double or multirow cylindrical roller bearing designations always start with
NN)

NA

Needle roller bearings with boundary dimensions to ISO 15

NK

Needle roller bearings

QJ

Four-point contact ball bearings

Taper roller bearings, a few metric sizes to ISO 355-1977

BEARING DESIGNATION

BEARING DESIGNATION
Suffix in the Bearing Nomenclature
Suffixes are used to identify designs or variants which differ
in some way from the original design, or which differ from
the current standard design
Example
2Z Seals of pressed sheet steel on both sides of the bearing
K Tapered bore, Taper 1:12
F Machined steel or special cast iron cage
BE - Single row angular contact ball bearing with a 40
contact angle and optimized internal design
And etc.

BEARING DESIGNATION
EXAMPLE

22220 EK
Spherical roller

Width
series Diamete
Bore Dia. i.e. Tapered Bore
r series
20 x 5 = 100

BEARING MATERIALS
Antifriction Bearings
Material of rings and rolling elements is
normally a low alloy, through hardening
chromium steel of high degree of cleanliness

Sliding Contact or Plain Bearings

Bearing material is usually softer than

journal to take the effect of scoring or
wearing

Friction is reduced by lining bearings

with tin or lead alloys

BEARING MATERIALS
Sliding contact or Plain Bearings
Material

Compatibility

Conformability Corrosion
& Embedibility resistance

Fatigue
Strength

Tin Base Babbit (8090% Tin, 3-8% Cu, 414% Antimony

Best

Best

Best

Worst

Lead Base Babbit (10

12 Antimony, 10% Tin
Best
in combination with lead

Best

Fair

Worst

Cadmium base (1-15%

Ni, 0.4-0.75% Cu, 0.52% Silver

Best

Good

Worst

Poor

Copper lead (Binary

mixture of Cu & Pb, 2040% Pb

Good

Good

Worst

Fair

BEARING MATERIALS
Sliding contact or Plain Bearings
Material

Compatibility

Conformability Corrosion
& Embedibility resistance

Fatigue
Strength

Tin Bronze

Fair

Worst

Good

Best

Lead Bronze

Fair

Poor

Poor

Good

Aluminium

Worst

Fair

Best

Good

BEARING LUBRICATION

BEARING LUBRICATION
Lubrication Related Faults

Aged Lubricant

Unsuitable Lubricant

Insufficient Lubricant

Cont.

BEARING LUBRICATION

Cont.

Functions of Lubricants in Bearings

Avoid or reduce metal to metal contact

between the rolling and sliding contact surfaces

Protection against corrosion

Heat dissipation from the bearings (Oil

Lubrication)

Discharge of wear particles and

contaminants from the bearing (Oil
circulation
lubrication; the oil is filtered)

Enhancing the sealing effect of the seals

BEARING LUBRICATION

Cont.

Excessive Lubrication

Applying too much grease can rupture seals

and thus allow contaminants to enter the
machine

In an electric motor bearing, the grease can

also penetrate the motor windings and cause
the motor to burn out

Excessive grease in a bearing can also

generate heat because fluid resistance is greater,
contributing to a costly bearing failure

BEARING MANUFACTURERES
1.

SKF

2.

FAG

3.

RHP

4.

INA

5.

TIMKEN

6.

FAFNIR

7.

NTN

8.

SNR

9.

NSK

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

MR. SYED MUHAMMAD ZAIDI

MR. MUHAMMAD SAEED

PREPARED & PRESENTED BY:

HAFIZ ADEEL SHAKOOR

THANK U