Dalian Bearing Unveiling: Characteristics, Materials, and Working Principles Unveiled

1、 Introduction

Bearings, seemingly small but playing an important role in the mechanical field, are like the "joints" of mechanical operation, silently supporting the efficient operation of various equipment. Its existence makes the rotational motion smoother and more precise, reduces friction and wear, and greatly extends the service life of the equipment. However, do you really understand this part that we can see everywhere in our daily life and industrial production? This article will delve into the characteristics, materials, and working principles of bearings, taking you into this magical mechanical world.

2、 Characteristics of bearings

（1） High precision

The primary characteristic of Dalian bearings is high precision. In modern industry, many devices require extremely high precision for rotational motion, and even small deviations can lead to decreased equipment performance, unstable product quality, and even equipment failure. Through precise manufacturing processes and strict quality control, bearings can ensure extremely low friction coefficients and minimal radial and axial runout during rotation, providing precise rotational support for equipment. For example, in the spindle system of CNC machine tools, high-precision bearings can ensure that the tool cuts the workpiece accurately under high-speed rotation, achieving micrometer level or even higher precision machining.

（2） High load-bearing capacity

Whether subjected to radial or axial loads, bearings have demonstrated excellent load-bearing capacity. Different types of bearings have varying degrees of load-bearing capacity based on their design structures and application scenarios. For example, deep groove ball bearings can withstand both radial and axial loads simultaneously, making them suitable for various general industrial equipment; Cylindrical roller bearings, on the other hand, perform well in withstanding large radial loads and are commonly used in heavy machinery, railway locomotives, and other fields. This high load-bearing capacity enables bearings to operate stably under various complex working conditions, providing reliable support for equipment.

（3） Low friction coefficient

Friction is a key issue in mechanical motion, which not only consumes energy but also leads to wear and heat generation of parts, reducing equipment efficiency and lifespan. By optimizing the design and selecting appropriate lubricating materials, the friction coefficient of the bearing has been effectively reduced. For example, the rolling friction between the rolling elements (such as steel balls, rollers, etc.) in rolling bearings and the inner and outer rings replaces sliding friction, greatly reducing the friction torque. Meanwhile, good lubrication can form an oil film on the contact surface, further reducing friction and wear. This makes the device more energy-efficient and efficient during operation, and reduces maintenance costs.

（4） High speed adaptability

With the development of modern industry, many devices need to work under high-speed rotating conditions. Bearings have good high-speed adaptability and can maintain stable performance during high-speed operation. This is due to its precise manufacturing process, high-quality materials, and reasonable structural design. For example, angular contact ball bearings can withstand axial forces generated during high-speed rotation through special contact angle design, and still maintain low temperature rise and good lubrication at high speeds. In the fields of aviation engines, high-speed motors, etc., bearings with high speed adaptability are key components to ensure the normal operation of equipment.

（5） Long lifespan

The lifespan of bearings is directly related to the overall reliability and maintenance cost of the equipment. By using high-quality materials, heat treatment processes, and optimized designs, bearings have a longer service life. Meanwhile, proper installation, use, and maintenance also play an important role in extending the lifespan of bearings. In some key equipment, such as large chemical plants, nuclear power plants, etc., the service life of bearings often needs to reach several years or even decades to ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment. In order to achieve this goal, engineers continuously innovate and improve the technology in the research and production process of bearings, enhancing their fatigue resistance, wear resistance, and other performance.

3、 Material of bearings

（1） Dalian Bearing Steel

Bearing steel is a commonly used material for manufacturing bearings, characterized by high hardness, high wear resistance, high elastic limit, and good hardenability. At present, commonly used bearing steels include high carbon chromium bearing steels (such as GCr15, GCr15SiMn, etc.) and carburized bearing steels (such as G20CrNiMo, G20Cr2Ni4, etc.). After quenching and tempering treatment, the hardness of high carbon chromium bearing steel can reach HRC60-65, which can withstand significant contact stress and friction wear. Carbonized bearing steel is suitable for applications with high impact loads. Through carburizing treatment, a high hardness and wear-resistant carbide layer can be formed on the surface, while maintaining good toughness in the core.

（2） Ceramic materials

With the continuous advancement of technology, the application of ceramic materials in the field of bearings is becoming increasingly widespread. Ceramic bearings have excellent properties such as high hardness, low density, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation. Common ceramic materials include zirconia (ZrO ₂), silicon nitride (Si ∝ N ₄), etc. Ceramic bearings have much higher hardness and lower friction coefficient than bearing steel, and can work stably in harsh environments such as high speed, high temperature, and strong corrosion. For example, in the aerospace field, ceramic bearings are used in key parts such as the main shaft and turbocharger of engines, which can effectively improve the performance and reliability of equipment. However, the brittleness of ceramic materials is high, the manufacturing process is complex, and the cost is high, which limits their large-scale application in some ordinary industrial fields.

（3） Plastic materials

Plastic Dalian bearings have also been applied in some special occasions due to their light weight, low cost, and good self-lubricating properties. Common plastic materials include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide (PI), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), etc. Plastic bearings are suitable for applications with low precision requirements, small loads, and relatively clean working environments, such as food processing machinery, medical equipment, office equipment, etc. The self-lubricating property of plastic bearings eliminates the need for additional lubricating oil, avoiding the problem of lubricating oil pollution and reducing maintenance costs. However, the strength and heat resistance of plastic materials are relatively low, and their service life is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to make reasonable choices based on specific application scenarios.