Feature

Withstanding heat and pressure – reliable bearing designs for extreme environments

Bearing systems are critical parts in a machine – and their failure could have catastrophic and costly consequences. The bearing design has a major impact on reliability, especially in extreme operating conditions, including high or low temperatures, vacuum and corrosive atmospheres.

30/11/2020 14:43:44

This article outlines points to consider when specifying bearings for challenging environments, to ensure high reliability and excellent long-life performance of equipment.

A bearing system comprises many elements, including balls, rings, cages and lubrication. Standard bearings do not typically stand up to the rigours of harsh environments, so the individual parts require special consideration. The most important elements are lubrication, materials, and special heat treatment or coatings.

Operating at high temperature

High-temperature applications, such as those used in actuation systems within the aerospace industry, can present challenges for standard bearings. Furthermore, temperatures are rising in equipment as units become increasingly smaller and have increased power-density, which poses a problem for the average bearing.

Read the full article in the December issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.