How to choose a bearing

Bearing selection depends on several key factors: load type, speed, environment and operating conditions. This guide will help you understand theselection criteria to optimize the operation and life of your bearings.

Bearing types and applications

• Ball Bearings: Designed for high speeds and moderate loads, they are ideal for small bearings and precision applications. They are oftenused in machine tools, fishing rod equipment and industrial fans, etc
  

• Roller Bearings: Renowned for their ability to support high loads, they are ideal for applications such as conveyors or industrial machine spindles. They are available in tapered, cylindrical and spherical variants, each with its own specific properties
  

• Needle Roller Bearings: Used in confined spaces, such as power tools and transmissions, these bearings offer high radial load carrying capacity in a small footprint

Load types: Static and Dynamic

The choice of a bearing depends largely on the type of load it has to support. There are two main types of load:

• • Dynamic load: This load is applied to the moving bearing and represents the maximum load it can support over a long period of time. This is referred to as the basic dynamic load, and enables bearing life to be estimated as a function of load and rotation speed. The closer the load is to the maximum dynamic load, the faster the bearing will wear.

  • Static load: Static load refers to loads applied when the bearing is stationary. It is essential in applications where bearings are subjected to high pressure without movement, for example during rest periods under heavy load. Static loading involves stresses on the contact between the rolling elements and the raceway, influencing the bearing's resistance to extreme pressures and point impacts.
    

Key Selection Factors

• Load type and intensity: The applied load is crucial to bearing selection. Radial loads require roller bearings, while axial loads may be better supported by thrust or angular contact ball bearings

• Operating speed and temperature: Speed influences lubrication requirements and bearing type. Ball bearings, for example, are well suited to high speeds, while spherical roller bearings are suitable for heavy loads at low speeds
  

• Service life and lubrication: Lubrication plays a key role in bearing longevity. The use of suitable greases or specialized lubricants is necessary to minimize wear and operating temperature. Specific lubrication systems, such as seals, can also extend bearing life
  
  

Practical Selection Tips

1. Analyze Environmental Conditions: Dust, humidity or extreme temperatures require specific materials and seals. For dusty environments, we recommend "ZZ " type bearings, " 2RS" type bearings for damp environments , and our range of high-temperature ball bearings for environments exposed to extreme temperatures

2. Consider Tolerances and Rigidity: For high-precision applications, tight manufacturing tolerances are necessary. Rigidity, especially for machine-tool applications, guarantees system stability
   

3. Mounting and Maintenance: The ease with which bearings can be mounted and dismounted is also an important consideration, especially for applications requiring regular inspections. Some bearings, such as cylindrical roller bearings, allow simplified maintenance, which improves machine longevity and reduces downtime

Choosing the right bearing means taking into account a number of technical and environmental parameters to ensure optimum performance and long service life. By selecting the right type of bearing for specific loads, speeds and operating conditions, you can optimize the operation of your machines and equipment. Assessing precise needs and maintenance requirements also helps to extend bearing life, while reducing the risk of premature wear. In this way, careful selection ensures greater productivity and simplified maintenance, essential for any industrial or domestic application.