The Science of Bearings

Bearings are an important component in modern machinery. Their primary function is to support rotating parts of machinery, reduce the friction coefficient during motion, and ensure rotational accuracy.

Based on the nature of friction in the moving elements, bearings can be divided into two main categories: rolling bearings and sliding bearings. Rolling bearings are standardized and serialized, but compared to sliding bearings, they have larger radial dimensions, as well as higher levels of vibration and noise, and they are also more expensive.

Rolling bearings generally consist of four parts: an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements, and a cage. Strictly speaking, they are made up of six components: the outer ring, inner ring, rolling elements, cage, seals, and lubricating oil. Simply put, as long as there are an outer ring, inner ring, and rolling elements, it can be defined as a rolling bearing. According to the shape of the rolling elements, rolling bearings are divided into two categories: ball bearings and roller bearings.