Sliding bearings and Rolling bearings

We would like to introduce the basics of bearings.

Bearings are mechanical element mounted usually between a moving part and a stationary part. For example, TOK's bearings are used for drawer of desk, refrigerator and sliding door etc.

Bearings can be sorted into 2 types: Sliding bearings and Rolling bearings.

Characteristic of sliding bearings

・The shaft(=journal) and bearing face(=sleeve) are in direct contact, and the movement of shaft is supported by the face.
・Using oil or air pressure, it would be made a layer that separates the shaft from the bearing
・Simple mechanism due to without any rolling elements
・It can bear huge load.



Characteristic of rolling bearings

・Due to rolling balls or rollers, it 
receives the movement of the shaft and works to reduce the friction　resistance.　　　　　　　　　　　 　
・Balls or rollers would be used for rotating.
・Smooth rotating
・Load would be received at a point


　　　

Rolling bearings can be sorted into 2 types: Radial bearings and Thrust bearings.

・Radial bearings: support perpendicular load to the shaft
・Thrust bearings: support parallel load to the shaft

The types are further subsorted, for example, in the case of radial bearings, it is sorted into radial ball bearings and radial roller bearings.

Radial ball bearings: Balls are used as rolling elements between the outer race and inner race.
　
・Deep groove ball bearings…………This is the most common type. Available to high speed rotation, radial and thrust load.
・Angular contact ball bearings……This type of bearing has contact angle. Available to one-way thrust load.
・Magnet ball bearings………This type of bearing has been developed for the generator of an internal combustion engine. Typically 2 pcs of bearings are used for 1 unit of application.
・Double row angular contact ball bearing……Available to bi-directional thrust load.
・Self-aligning ball bearing…………It has self^aligning and can be used in places where shaft deflection is likely to occur.


Radial roller bearings: Rollers are used as rolling elements between the outer race and inner race.
　

・Cylindrical roller bearing…………Available to high speed rotation and high load compared to ball bearings.
・Tapered roller bearings…………It has been often used for automotive. Available to high load.
・Self-aligning roller bearing……Available to radial and thrust load and impact load.
・Needle roller bearings…………The size is compact. Not available to thrust load.


As mentioned above, there are various types of bearings, so it is necessary to use appropriate bearings depending on the application.
TOK has been providing especially deep groove ball bearings, therefore we will explain you about it in detail in the next article.

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Written by Hatsune
Translated by Hiro