|
A bearing arrangement does not only consist of rolling
bearings but includes the components associated with the
bearings such as the shaft and housing. The lubricant is
also a very important component of the bearing arrangement
because it has to prevent wear and protect against corrosion
so that the bearing can deploy its full performance. Beside
these, the seal is also a very important component, the
performance of which is of vital importance to the
cleanliness of the lubricant. Cleanliness has a profound
effect on bearing service life - which is why lubricants and
seals have become part of the SKF business.
To design a rolling bearing arrangement it is necessary
| – |
to select a suitable bearing type
|
| – |
to determine a suitable bearing size, |
but this is not all. Several other aspects have to be considered, such as
| – |
a suitable form and design of other components of
the arrangement |
| – |
appropriate fits and bearing internal clearance or preload |
| – |
holding devices |
| – |
adequate seals |
| – |
the type and quantity of lubricant |
| – |
installation and removal methods, etc. |
Each individual decision affects the performance, reliability
and economy of the bearing arrangement.
The amount of work entailed depends on whether experience is
already available about similar arrangements. When
experience is lacking, when extraordinary demands are made
or, when the costs of the bearing arrangement and any
subsequent outline have to be given special consideration,
then much more work is needed including, for example, more
accurate calculations and/or testing.
In the following sections of this general technical
introduction, the designer of a bearing arrangement can
find the necessary basic information presented in the order
in which it is generally required. Obviously it is
impossible to include all the information needed to cover
every conceivable bearing application. For this reason, in
many places, reference is made to the comprehensive SKF
application engineering service, which includes technical
support about the selection of the right bearing as well
as calculations of the complete bearing arrangement. The
higher the technical demands placed on a bearing arrangement
and the more limited the available experience of using
bearings for particular applications, the more advisable it
is to make use of this service.
The information contained in the general technical section
usually applies to rolling bearings generally, or at least
to a group of bearings. Special information specific to one
bearing type only can be found in the text preceding the
appropriate individual table section.
It should be noted that the values provided in the product
tables for load and speed ratings as well as for the fatigue
load limit are heavily rounded.
|
){kind=link}
