What are the common bearing damages! Small parts need more attention
In mechanical equipment, bearings are an indispensable part. In order to reduce the coefficient of friction and support mechanical rotating bodies, we often need to use TIMKEN bearings. However, during the use of daily machinery and equipment, certain damages to the bearings are often caused due to environmental factors and human operating factors. At this time, we need to replace the bearings or find the manufacturer to repair, which undoubtedly causes a certain pressure on the use cost. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of bearing damage and clarifying the factors that affect the quality of the bearing will help us use the bearing better.
- Bearing wear
Bearing wear is generally caused by foreign matter entering the inside of the bearing. Foreign matter entering the inside of the bearing will cause grinding damage, scratches, groove marks, circumferential lines and debris contamination of the bearing.
- ）Grinding damage: When tiny foreign matter enters the bearing, it may cause excessive grinding damage to the bearing. For example, sand particles, metal particles produced during grinding and machining, and metal particles or carbides brought by gears will wear or grind rollers and raceways. This wear can cause the axial clearance or internal clearance to expand, thereby reducing the fatigue life of the bearing and causing the eccentricity of the bearing.
- ）Pockmarks and scratches: Hard particles rolling in the bearing can cause pitting and scratches on the rollers and raceways. The remaining metal fragments or large particles of dust from improper cleaning of the bearing housing will cause premature fatigue damage.
3.） Grooves: Grooves are extremely severe wear caused by debris or metal particles. These contaminants are wedged into the soft cage material, causing notches in the rolling components, which will affect the rolling contact geometry and reduce the service life of the bearing.
4.） Debris pollution: External debris pollution is usually caused by dust, sand and environmental particles, while internal debris pollution is generally caused by improper cleaning of gears, splines, seals, clutches, brakes, joints, and bearing seats. Or the parts are damaged or peeled off. Hard particles travel in the bearing along with the lubrication process, causing scratches (crushing) on the inner surface of the bearing. The indentation forms a protrusion, causing the concentration of surface stress, causing early damage to the bearing surface and reducing the life of the bearing.
- Bearing erosion
Erosion or corrosion is one of the serious problems encountered by anti-friction bearings. The high-precision machining of the bearing raceway and roller surface makes it extremely susceptible to corrosion by moisture and water.
Erosion is usually caused by temperature changes in the bearing housing, internal air condensation, and continuous accumulation of moisture. Moisture or water often enters the bearing from damaged, broken or improper sealing rings. In addition, improper cleaning and drying of the bearing during disassembly and inspection can also cause such damage. After the bearing is cleaned and dried or when the bearing is placed in the warehouse, it should be coated with lubricating oil or other preservatives and wrapped with protective paper. Whether it is a new bearing or an old bearing, it should be placed in a dry area and wrapped in the original packaging to reduce the possibility of static corrosion before installation.