What Is a Bearing?

A bearing refers to a mechanical device that sustains the moving section of an engine and to confine or guide its motion, while putting off motion in the course of applied weight.  Its main objective is to lessen friction with a bare minimum energy loss and simultaneously to control the wear and tear.  Bearings are produced to support the thrust loads, radial loads, or combined thrust-radial loads.

This piece of equipment can be located between the frame shafts of the machine or between the frame of the machine or the contact members. It can also be located between the frame and contact members or between the linkage members and the contact members.  The two most popular forms of this tool are the linear bearings and rotary bearings.

Linear bearing is used to allow movement in a straight direction.  Say for example, your cabinet drawer is making use of this tool to assists the pulling of the drawer back and forth.  Meanwhile, rotary bearing helps in moving around an object in a central spot. Like for example, wheel on the shaft rotates using this tool.  Rotary bearings may include oscillation and one-direction rotation.

With oscillation, this tool goes only through to a section of a rotation.   Other forms of bearings use a different principle when it comes to its design.  The tool that uses a rolling element is called the ball bearings and roller bearings.  This rolling element carry load through placing a spherical element between two parts.  This makes the spherical elements to tumble or to roll with a slight sliding.

Fluid bearing is another common type of tool used.  This tool functions by carrying the load either in a gas or liquid form.  This tool is used when a procedure requires high precision, high loads or high speed, because actual ball bearings will quickly wear out if used in this application.

Magnetic bearing is used when a weight is carried by means of magnetic field.  It is often used in electrical meter to determine power consumption.  It is also used to support the train resulting in a lesser noise and smoother ride.  This tool offers an extremely low friction and can perform work even without using lubrication.    It can also function in vacuum but it is very expensive.

Flexure bearing is used if the weight element needs to twist.  Usually, this tool is considered as one section that combines two other sections.  An example of this tool is a door hinge.  This tool is inexpensive and simple.  It is also lightweight and creates little amount of resistance.  The scope of movement is also limited and it cannot support higher load.

Bearing is designed in a way that it can offer lesser friction and to support various types of loads.  It also helps in providing precise performance with varying speeds and loads.

For your bearing requirements, contact us at export@macina.ae or you can visit our website at www.macina.ae.

Written By: Aileen R. Billones