Engineering fundamentals for choosing the right bearing - type selection, tolerances, fits, internal clearance and lubrication.
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Radial vs. thrust capacity, speed capability and misalignment tolerance by bearing family.
| Bearing Type | Radial Load | Thrust Load | Speed | Misalignment | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Groove Ball | Good | Moderate (both directions) | Very High | Small | Electric motors, pumps, fans |
| Angular Contact Ball | Good | High (single direction) | Very High | None | Spindles, paired sets, pumps |
| Self-Aligning Ball | Moderate | Low | High | Large (2°–3°) | Long shafts, misaligned mounts |
| Cylindrical Roller | Very High | None (most types) | High | None | Gearboxes, machine tools |
| Spherical Roller | Very High | Moderate | Medium | Large (1°–2.5°) | Heavy industry, vibrating screens |
| Tapered Roller | Very High | High (single direction) | Medium | None | Wheel hubs, gear reducers |
| Needle Roller | Very High (compact) | None | Medium | None | Compact housings, pivot joints |
| Thrust Ball / Roller | None | Very High | Low–Medium | None | Vertical shafts, cranes, extruders |
| Mounted Units (UCP/UCF) | Good | Moderate | Medium | Self-aligning housing | Conveyors, agricultural machinery |
| Spherical Plain (GE) | Very High | High | Slow oscillation | Articulating | Hydraulics, linkages, steering |
| Load Condition | Inner Ring → Shaft | Outer Ring → Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Rotating inner ring load (inner ring turns with load) | k5 / m5 / n6 (interference) | H7 / J7 ( clearance–transition) |
| Stationary inner ring load | g6 / h6 (clearance) | M7 / N7 / P7 for rotating outer load |
| Direction-indeterminate load | k5 / k6 | J7 / K7 |
Precision spindles and low-noise applications where shaft fit heat-up is controlled.
Default for most industrial machinery with conventional fits and operating temperatures.
Most common choice for electric motors and fans: interference fits plus thermal shaft growth.
High ambient heat or significant differential expansion — crushers, dryers, exhaust fans.
Standard choice; relubricate per speed·temperature. Lithium complex EP2 covers most duty. Never mix thickener types.
High DN values or geared environments; oil-bath, circulation or jet depending on speed.
Above 120 °C use polyurea or perfluorinated grease; adjust fill volume to 30% free space.
Maintenance-free for life at moderate speeds; avoid pressure washing directly on seals.
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