Change Location: Malaysia
Web Customer Link
Logout
Contact

Temperature limits and thermal expansion

The permissible operating temperature for polymer ball bearings is limited by the type of polymer (diagram 1). Where temperatures outside the permissible range or below 0 °C (30 °F) are expected, contact SKF.
In combination with the operating temperature, thermal expansion is also important. The coefficient of thermal expansion (diagram 2):
  • enables designers to predict the effects that temperature has on bearing internal clearance
  • can be up to 10 times greater for a polymer than for steel
  • can vary considerably for different polymers
Therefore, thermal expansion can have a significant influence on bearing internal clearance and should be considered when selecting shaft and housing fits (→ Shaft and housing fits) and when selecting the bearing materials.
SKF logo