New Innovations and Trends in Bearing Materials

Ball bearings may be a relatively simple component, but many innovations and engineering are used to produce more efficient, durable, and cost-effective ball bearings. So far, the important aspect of manufacturing high-quality ball bearings is the materials used, and new and better materials and metallurgical processes have generated many innovations in the manufacturing of ball bearings. Here are the five major innovations and emerging trends in bearing materials:

Chromium alloy makes bearings quieter

Chromium steel used for manufacturing high-precision ball bearings undergoes additional melting steps to produce steel with extremely fine grains, resulting in precision ball bearings that are quieter than traditional ball bearings. In addition, the innovation of steel used in chromium ball bearings gives the bearings high hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue life.

Tungsten carbide improves durability

In some applications, traditional stainless steel ball bearings simply do not have sufficient hardness and dimensional stability to withstand the sustained wear and impact they require. These applications include hydraulic valves, high load bearings, and high-temperature conditions. In the past, steel ball bearings used for such applications only needed to be replaced regularly. However, now, due to innovations in extremely hard metals such as tungsten carbide, ball bearings used for harsh applications can still have a very long fatigue life. Tungsten carbide ball bearings are both wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for high stress, high impact, low lubrication, and high temperature conditions. They are one of the durable and long-lasting ball bearings on the market today, and the perfect solution for various applications.

Innovation in plastics

Not long ago, the idea of using plastic ball bearings for any application other than low load applications was impossible. However, now, due to the innovation of available plastic types, plastic ball bearings are a powerful and affordable solution that can be used for a variety of applications. Plastic ball bearings are still suitable for use under low load conditions, but they are durable enough to have a longer fatigue life in low-temperature, low stress environments. Plastic ball bearings are also completely corrosion-resistant, have high impact strength, and require almost no lubrication. Importantly, plastic ball bearings are manufactured quickly and can be delivered immediately. With the advancement of more durable and wear-resistant plastic production materials, plastic ball bearings will become a feasible solution for an increasing number of applications. Polymer solid lubricating oil

A microporous polymer structure impregnated with oil that can fill the free volume of bearings between raceways, rolling elements, and retainers. During the rotation of the bearing, the solid polymer releases an appropriate amount of oil to lubricate the rolling elements and raceways. Solid lubricated bearings have a longer service life compared to standard lubricated bearings. Usually, the oil volume of solid lubricated bearings is 25% to 30% higher than that of similar bearings using grease, in order to allow solid lubricated bearings to operate for longer periods of time based on the increased lubricant capacity. As the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) continues to change the country's food safety system, this bearing lubrication innovation is becoming increasingly popular among food manufacturers and equipment manufacturers.

Coating technology

Individual bearings have reached their limits in terms of material, heat treatment, or geometric performance. Therefore, in order to exceed these physical limitations, bearing manufacturers are developing coatings and thermochemical processes. DLC or zirconium nitride coatings can improve wear resistance, fatigue durability, and reduce friction during bearing movement. New mechanical processes such as surface texture help bearings survive in harsh environments and dry lubrication conditions.

conclusion

The future of electric vehicles will affect bearing requirements, as compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles have 90% fewer moving parts and simplified mechanical devices, which means a change in working methods. The component materials must also meet the unique challenges of electric motors, which rotate at higher speeds than internal combustion engines, and any leakage can lead to bearing failure. A comprehensive evaluation of lubricants in pre lubricated and sealed radial deep groove ball bearings is needed, in addition to the theme of bearing clearance, which is one of the underestimated issues when using rolling element bearings. On the one hand, design engineers must evaluate possible optimal lubrication methods to minimize friction and metal contact under actual operating conditions. On the other hand, any lubricant will age during operation, depending on the actual operating conditions.