Bearing Pillow Blocks
Bearings are the mechanical element that is used to constrain the motion in a particular direction. The design of the bearing is for free rotation around the axis. It ensures motion by reducing friction. Bearing are classified according to its load carrying capacity and direction of motion. The simplest form of bearings is plain bearing. Bearings have stationary and rotating parts. Lubrication is used to reduce friction.
Ball bearings are used to reduce friction as it rolls over. Bearing pillow blocks are a pedestal used to support the shaft. It is a bolt mechanism mounted with the foundation and the shaft is inserted into the blocks. It is available in cylindrical, spherical, and needle shapes and the type of rolling element determines the type of pillow blocks. It is constructedby placing balls in between the two bearing rings or races. The purpose of this bearing is to lower the rotational friction. In most of the machines, one race is stationary and the other one is attached to the rotating shaft.
The load capacity can be increased with increasing the contact area of bearing. You can see it on four common designs. Angular contact, axial, deep groove, and preloaded pairs are the major designs available in the market.
Characteristics of Bearing Pillow Blocks
Pillow Bearings come in various types and shapes with their distinct features. Compare to other bearings, these bearings have certain characteristics
The starting friction is lower – as the ball is used, it is rolling in between the two races. So,there is no friction.
Sealing arrangements prevent contamination from entering the housing.
Bearing housing is made with cast iron.
These are easy to lubricate and consume less lubricant. Hence,the cost of lubricant can be reduced.
One bearing can carry both radial and axial load at a time
It may be used in either high or lower temperature application
The rigidity can be improved by preloading
Advantages of Ball Bearings
There are many advantages of using ball bearings.
Accuracy of shaft alignment
Low cost of maintenance as very less amount of lubricant consumes. It does not require oiling like other plain bearings.
Reliability of service
Easy to mount and erect
Easy to clean – due to the usage of grease as a lubricant, leakage can be eliminated.
Cheap cost of replacement
Reduce fire hazards – due to the cleanliness, ball bearings remained as cool. So firing hazards can be reduced.
The bearing pillow blocks are used in Cargo services, the agriculture industry, heavy types of equipment and machines, solar panels, medical equipment and automobiles, and many others. The main purpose is to mount bearings safely with the outer and inner ring.
