MOTION SYSTEMS HANDBOOK
Rotary bearings for
precision motion applications
Rotary bearings are common components in motion systems. They’re used in gearboxes,
load — ball or roller. Within the ball and roller types, the
motors, pulleys, fans, pumps — virtually any time a shaft
that the bearing can withstand—radial or axial (aka
is rotating, rotary bearings are there to reduce friction and
thrust). Then, ball bearings are further classified by the
support radial or axial loads. The classification of rotary
configuration of the outer ring, while roller bearings are
bearings begins with the type of bearing that supports the
further categorized by the shape of the rollers.
next distinguishing feature is the primary load direction
While there are dozens of variations of rotary bearings — including designs made for specific environments, mounting configurations, and applications — the most common categories are covered here. Rotary bearings are categorized by whether they use balls or rollers … and then by the type of load they’re designed to support — radial or axial (thrust). Further classification for ball bearings is based on the configuration of the outer ring, whereas roller bearings are further classified by the shape of the rollers. Ball bearings in the form of radial rotary bearings: Within the ball-bearing family, deepgroove ball bearings are the simplest type, with raceways that nearly match, or conform, to the diameter of the balls. This type is suitable for radial loads and for axial loads in either direction, although their load capacity is relatively small compared to other bearing types. For higher load capacity in a relatively small footprint, deep groove ball bearings are commonly available in a double-row design, with two rows of balls instead of one. | Rotary bearing image courtesy SIC Marking USA
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DESIGN WORLD — MOTION
Plain & Rolling Element — Motion Control HB 08-19 V3.indd 26
8 • 2019
motioncontroltips.com | designworldonline.com
8/19/19 10:53 AM
