Ball bearings come with a couple of raceways. They have a series of metal and smooth balls positioned in between that enable better rotation. These balls enable better support for the application load, lowering friction between the key surfaces. Uses of Ball bearings may be identified across everyday objects, including blenders, skateboards, DVD players, bicycles, photocopiers, and more. Applications with a lower load and higher speed mostly deploy this bearing type.
In case the load for a ball bearing is excessively high, there arise risks regarding deformities of balls, which may also lead to premature failure for the bearing. Proper lubrication, mostly with grease, and sealing are essential for this ball bearing to function effectively. Sealing also helps to retain the lubrication and prevent contamination from entering. This is even more visible in several industries with higher contamination levels. This includes applications in the quarrying or mining sectors and in mainstream agriculture as well.
What Makes Ball Bearing Useful?
Ball bearings are usually deployed throughout several types of applications and products. These include skateboards and hard drives alike. These bearings can readily tackle both radial and thrust loads with ease. Ball bearings are primarily found in applications with relatively small loads. The bearings use a comparatively simpler structure to take care of all such functions. Metal balls with smooth external and internal surfaces facilitate the rolling process in ball bearings. The ball bears the load weight, and the force of the same enables driving the rotation of the bearing. Yet not every load puts a similar force on the bearing in a similar way.
There are two types of loading, namely thrust loading and radial loading. The radial load, just like a pulley, enables putting weight upon the bearing in a way where the bearing rotates or rolls due to tension. The thrust load is mostly unique and stresses the bearing uniquely. If a bearing is flipped to the side and imposed to total force at a particular angle, it is referred to as a thrust load. Suppose a ball bearing is used to support a stool, for instance. This is only subject to something called thrust load.
Ball bearings usually function through the transfer of the load to the ball from the outer race and onto the inner race. Things may smoothly spin due to the touching of the ball’s spherical shape onto the outer and inner races at smaller points. Yet, this may also be a hindrance if there is no proper use of the bearing. Owing to the smaller contact area which is taking the load, the balls may witness deformities and other issues in case there is overloading.
Ball bearings are used for various applications, including washing machines, fans, DVD players, bicycles, water pumps, exercise equipment, and blenders. They have been easier to produce over the years and can take care of their tasks in a fairly reliable manner as well. They are also used for several advanced areas, including the weather satellites, Mars Rover, and even the Hubble telescope! Lubrication enhancements have also increased the life span of ball bearings.
Uses of Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are also used in some other applications, as outlined below:
Usage in Transport.
Ball bearings are used in wheels, skateboards, and automated vehicles. Cars typically use around 36 ball bearings, while some use even more. They are used in cars for the AC compressor, engine, gearbox, suspension, transmission, and other parts, as well as in the construction of airplanes and construction vehicles. They are also used for tractors and motorcycles.
Usage in Appliances.
Uses of ball bearings are present in several other appliances, namely ACs, refrigerators, generators, dishwashers, drying machines, ovens, vacuum cleaners, food processors, and many more.
Usage in Other Devices
They are included in gaming consoles, computer fans, ATMs, and other devices.
Industrial and Manufacturing Usage of Ball Bearings
Uses of Ball bearings are also present in several consumer goods and other equipment for manufacturing or industrial usage. Agricultural equipment has ball bearings, and construction equipment also contains the same.
Contact L&T-SuFin for Ball Bearings You are Looking For
Now that you know what ball bearings do and the sectors where they are used, you should know more about where to find all types of ball bearings under a single platform. The L&T-SuFin platform is the best place to get all the ball bearings you desire without any hassles.