Bearing

GENERAL The choice of a bearing depends on many factors that need to be examined in order to obtain the most successful results at the lowest cost. In most cases the selection should be made when the overall design of the machine has been decided. Dimensional limits are then known, as well as the speeds and loads. At this stage the choice can be made from the many types of bearings offered from the Galaxy Bearing Ltd. standard ranges and the notes given in this section will generally permit selection of the most suitable bearing for each application. When calculating the cost of the assembly, not only should the price of the bearing be considered, but also cost for heat treatment, machining and handling and fitting of ancillary items (snap rings, locking devices, tools etc.) and the eventual quantities required. Large economies can be made on these items if the correct bearings are selected. Something it is more advantageous to choose a bearing of slightly higher cost, which will however, when all criteria are taken into consideration, provide the most economic solution. The result obtained from bearings depends to a large extent on the design and method of assembly, loading, and alignment between inner and outer rings. The introduction of ‘Anti-friction’ or ‘Rolling Contact Bearing’ proved far superior to plain Bearings because of their classic advantages, Such as .. Low friction – particularly low starting friction. .. Their ability to support both radial and thrust load and speed. .. Accurate performance under changing load and speed. .. High load carrying capacity. .. Operating ability under extreme conditions of speed and temperature. These bearings vary in size, from ‘tiny pin-head’ to ‘giant sized’ Bearings for Cement/Rolling Mills/Radars etc. Bearings are so widely used that today, we find their application in objects like the charkha, chairs, doors, filling-cabinets, children’s toys, as well as in the most sensitive instruments like computers, data processing machines, rockets and aerospace instruments.