Hybrid ceramic bearings

4th Quarter 2011 Shaft power components

Bearings 2000 marketing director Gavin Bentley explains that hybrid bearings have ceramic rolling elements and steel rings and they have become the standard in machine tooling and in aerospace engineering. The best known examples are hybrid spindle bearings. “They are becoming popular in applications where problems can occur with lubrication, speed, temperature or current passage. Due to the favourable material combination and smaller contact area, they require far less lubricant than steel bearings. This results in a lifespan of at least twice that of a standard deep groove ball bearing,” he says.

The silicon nitride ceramic material minimises lubricating film breakdowns as the elements in rolling contact are significantly less susceptible to adhesive wear. In addition, the smaller mass of the ceramic balls results in lower gravitational forces in the ball-cage assembly. In applications where there is a risk of electric current, the ceramic balls act like insulators. The modulus of elasticity of silicon nitride is 1,5 times higher than that of rolling bearing steel and as a result ceramic balls have a smaller contact area. Less heat is generated in the bearings, and the grease life is extended.

HC bearings require significantly less power. This minimises the environmental impact while contributing to lower operating costs. They also extend the operating time of the spreader rolls considerably. This extends maintenance intervals and reduces the cost of machine downtime, roll changes and roll repair.

“Although HC bearings can cost 25% more than steel bearings, they have a favourable cost-benefit ratio and pay for themselves within a short period of time,” concludes Bentley.

For more information contact Michael Stamatiadis, Bearings 2000, +27 (0)11 573 7800, [email protected], www.brg2k.co.za

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