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How Friction, Temperature, and Lubrication are Related
When planning your next project and selecting bearings, it's crucial to consider three essential factors—load capacity, speed limitations, and environmental conditions. These elements directly influence the performance and longevity of your bearings. High friction, extreme temperatures, and improper lubrication can all negatively impact your system, making it vital to choose bearings that meet the specific requirements of your application.
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### Understanding the Role of Friction, Temperature, and Lubrication in Bearing Functionality
#### Friction
Friction leads to significant wear across various mechanical components, including bearings. This wear can incur substantial costs due to repairs and replacements. Under standard operating conditions, rolling bearings typically exhibit much lower friction coefficients compared to sliding bearings, especially when it comes to starting friction. Minimizing friction ensures smoother operations and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
#### Temperature
The ideal operational temperature varies depending on the type of bearing and the application. It's imperative to select bearings capable of handling the thermal demands of your working environment. The temperature at which a bearing operates depends on the balance between heat generated by the bearing and the heat removed from it.
Initially, the temperature near a bearing spikes rapidly upon startup. Over time, this temperature slowly stabilizes until it reaches a consistent level. The duration it takes to stabilize depends on several factors, including:
- The heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the shaft and housing
- The actual amount of heat produced
- The choice of lubrication
If temperatures continue to rise abnormally, it signals a potential malfunction that needs immediate attention.
#### Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential for reliable bearing operation. Adequate lubrication reduces friction and wear while sometimes aiding in cooling the system. When friction generates heat, it must be dispersed effectively to prevent bearing damage. Choosing the correct lubricant can help dissipate some of this heat. For example, recirculating oil lubrication systems with additional cooling features are highly effective. Although grease lacks cooling benefits, it remains the most widely used form of lubrication. Therefore, the grease selected should match the application’s operating parameters, NLGI grade, temperature rating, and expected service life.
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### How These Factors Interact in Bearing Systems
Friction and excessive grease can often combine to elevate bearing temperatures. At the start of operations, there is usually a sharp increase in internal bearing temperature. Gradually, heat dissipates to the bearing’s shaft and housing, and the lubricant begins to assist in maintaining stable temperatures. However, overfilling the bearing with grease can lead to churning, causing unnecessary heat buildup. A general guideline is to fill bearings with 20%-30% grease by volume, ensuring only the spaces between the balls on one side are filled.
Persistent high temperatures can degrade bearing clearance, accuracy, and lubrication, significantly shortening the bearing’s lifespan. During the selection process, it’s wise to consider premium-grade technical greases designed for higher temperature applications and extended service lives.
If you’re curious about the best bearing types for your organization, download our eBook, Bearings 101, today.
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Bearing maintenance is a critical aspect of engineering reliability. By understanding the interplay between friction, temperature, and lubrication, you can make informed decisions that optimize your system’s performance and durability. Proper bearing selection not only prevents costly downtime but also enhances the overall efficiency of your operations.