Ball bearings, along with the bearing housing, are used everywhere, from a small supermarket trolley to huge power plants, and from light-duty equipment to heavy-duty machinery.
What Is a Bearing Housing?
A bearing housing consists of a mounting bracket that houses the bearing and finds usage in low-torque and light load applications. It is bolted to the foundation that secures it while the inner ring and the shaft are allowed to rotate freely.
The right bearing housing offers high performance and durability. They are generally available in two designs, which are the pillow block and plummer block. While the pillow block is mostly used in less industrial environments, plummer blocks are used in high performance and high load capacity equipment.
Types Of Bearing Housing
A bearing housing is made using cast iron and is available in two types, which have been explained below:
Split: In split housing, the element or cap can be separated from the base.
Unsplit: In the unsplit housing, the entire unit is made using a single, solid piece, which also explains the name.
You can easily find both types of bearing housing products for sale online. The price of the bearing housing will of course vary, depending on the type you choose.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Bearing Housing
The following factors should be considered while selecting the bearing housing to find the perfect match.
1. Bearing Type
Bearing housing is available for different types of bearings. While it is made using self-aligning material, it is still important to consider the type of bearing you wish to house. The different types of bearings include plain bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, needle roller bearings, and hydrodynamic bearings.
2. Bearing Specifications
Carefully analysing the bearing specifications will ensure that you can find the perfect housing, thereby enhancing performance. The specifications can include,
● Shaft size
● Shaft height
● Maximum load
● Shaft diameter
● Maximum speed
3. Bearing Housing Material
Material is the next critical thing to consider when selecting a bearing housing. It can be made using a variety of materials, such as:
● Plastic
● Cast iron
● Aluminium
● Pressed steel
● Stainless steel
4. Shaft Securing Method
Some bearing housings have shaft securing methods while others have no securing methods. The methods include:
Setscrew: Has screws for securing the inner ring to the shaft.
Locking collar: Has a lock nut for securing the inner ring to the shaft.
5. Lubrication
Proper lubrication is necessary for maintaining efficiency and longevity of the bearing housing. The popular lubrication options include:
Manual lubrication: Requires a pump or a fitting mounted on the housing for lubrication.
Self-lubrication: Constructed using material like oil-impregnated bronze or graphite that does not require lubrication.
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