What Are Common Types of Bearing Mounting Arrangements?

Bearings are commonplace in a wide range of machinery and equipment, serving to smooth motion and reducing friction between moving parts. To ensure the optimal performance and longevity of bearings in an assembly, it is crucial to properly mount them. Various bearing mounting arrangements are available, the choice depending on the application, load requirements, and specific operating conditions. This blog will explore some of the most common types of bearing mounting arrangements, highlighting their characteristics and applications.

One of the most prevalent bearing mounting arrangements is the radial location type, which is typically used for ball bearings and roller bearings that handle radial loads. In this arrangement, the bearing is mounted directly onto a shaft, which is then secured in a housing. The radial location arrangement ensures that the bearing remains fixed in a position relative to the shaft and housing, preventing any axial movement. This setup also offers the added benefit of upholding enlightenment on top of a high radial load capacity, making them popular in electric motors and automotive transmissions.

Axial location arrangements are also common, finding the most use when the bearing must support axial and radial loads. With this arrangement, the bearing is positioned to prevent axial movement along the shaft, which can be achieved using snap rings, shoulders on the shaft, end caps, or other such means. In terms of applications, gearboxes, pumps, and compressors all take advantage of the axial location bearing arrangement.

With a floating arrangement, one bearing is fixed in position while the other is allowed to move axially. This is beneficial for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the shaft and housing, preventing excessive stress on the bearings. With such qualities, floating arrangement mounting finds use in industrial fans and HVAC systems, where they assist in upholding proper alignment and preventing premature bearing failure.

For applications requiring high precision and stability, the preloaded arrangement is often employed. In this arrangement, two bearings are mounted with an axial preload, which eliminates internal clearance and enhances rigidity. Preloading can be achieved using springs, shims, or other mechanical means, ensuring that the bearings operate smoothly under varying loads and speeds. This setup is commonly used in precision machinery, such as machine tools, robotics, and aerospace equipment, where maintaining tight tolerances and minimizing deflection are major concerns.

The tandem arrangement is another specialized mounting method used in high-load applications, where two or more bearings are mounted in series along the same axis to evenly share a load. Tandem arrangements are particularly useful for handling heavy radial and axial loads, which is advantageous for heavy machinery like cranes, excavators, and industrial presses.

As the final types we will discuss, face-to-face and back-to-back arrangements both provide axial and radial load support while differing in their method of managing misalignment and thermal expansion. In the face-to-face arrangement, the inner rings of the bearings face each other, accommodating misalignment. Meanwhile, back-to-back arrangements have the outer rings facing each other, which allows them to provide higher rigidity and stability. These mounting methods are often used in applications such as spindle bearings, wheel hubs, and precision instruments.

In conclusion, understanding the various bearing mounting arrangements and their capabilities is crucial for selecting the appropriate method for specific applications. For those in need of high-quality bearing mounting parts and other reliable aircraft components, After Market Industrials is a purchasing platform that offers a comprehensive selection that is available for purchase at any time with highly competitive pricing and rapid lead times. As customers explore our database and locate required items, they can always obtain tailored procurement options with ease using the Request for Quote (RFQ) service on our website. Our team will always respond quickly to requests, so be sure to take the first step as soon as you are ready.