Bearing Selection

2. Bearing Selection
Rolling element bearings are available in a variety of types, configurations, and sizes. When selecting the correct bearing for your application, it is important to consider several factors, such as the calculation of various angles and clearances, which will ensure proper fit. A comparison of the performance characteristics for each bearing type is shown in Table 2.1. As a general guideline, the basic procedure for selecting the most appropriate bearing is shown in the following flow chart.

2.1 Bearing selection flow chart

Procedure Confirmation items Selection of bearing type and configuration

Confirm operating conditions and operating environment

Select bearing type and configuration

Select bearing dimensions

Select bearing tolerances

Function and construction of components to house bearings Bearing mounting location Bearing load (direction and magnitude) Rotational speed Vibration and shock load Bearing temperature (ambient and friction-generated) Operating environment (potential for corrosion, degree of contamination, extent of lubrication)

Dimensional limitations (refer to page insert -28) Bearing load (magnitude, direction, vibration; presence of shock load) (refer to page insert -19) Rotational speed (refer to page insert -68) Bearing tolerances (refer to page insert -33) Rigidity (refer to page insert -64) Allowable misalignment of inner/outer rings (refer to page insert -85) Friction torque (refer to page insert -69) Bearing arrangement (fixed side, floating side) (refer to page insert -13) Installation and disassembly requirements (refer to page insert -86) Bearing availability and cost

Design life of components to house bearings (refer to page insert -17) Dynamic/static equivalent load conditions (refer to page insert -23) Safety factor (refer to page insert -17) Allowable speed (refer to page insert -68) Allowable axial load (refer to page insert -17, 25) Allowable space (refer to page insert -28)

Shaft runout tolerances (refer to page insert -33) Rotational speed (refer to page insert -68) Torque fluctuation

(1) Dimensional limitations The allowable space for bearings is typically limited. In most cases, shaft diameter (or the bearing bore diameter) has been determined according to the machines other design specifications. Therefore, a bearings type and dimensions are determined according to standard bearing bore diameters. For this reason all dimension tables are organized according to standard bore diameters. There is a wide range of standardized bearing types and dimensions: the right one for a particular application can usually be found in these tables. (2) Bearing load The characteristics, magnitude, and direction of loads acting upon a bearing are extremely variable. In general, the basic rated loads shown in bearing dimension tables indicate their load capacity. However, in determining the appropriate bearing type, consideration must also be given to whether the acting load is a radial load only or an axial load only, or combined radial and axial load, etc. When ball and roller bearings within the same dimension series are considered, the roller bearings have a larger load capacity and are also capable of withstanding greater vibration and shock loads.

(3) Rotational speed The allowable speed of a bearing will differ depending upon bearing type, size, tolerances, cage type, load, lubricating conditions, and cooling conditions. The allowable speeds listed in the bearing tables for grease and oil lubrication are for standard NTN bearings. In general, deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, and cylindrical roller bearings are most suitable for high speed applications. (4) Bearing tolerances The dimensional accuracy and operating tolerances of bearings are regulated by ISO and JIS standards. For equipment requiring high tolerance shaft runout or high speed operation, etc., bearings with Class 5 tolerance or higher are recommended. Deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, and cylindrical roller bearings are recommended for high rotational tolerances. (5) Rigidity Elastic deformation occurs along the contact surfaces of a bearings rolling elements and raceway surfaces when under load. With certain types of equipment it is necessary to reduce this deformation as much as

A-10

Bearing Selection

Select bearings internal clearance

Select cage type and material

Select lubricant, lubrication method, sealing method

Select any special bearing specifications

Confirm handling procedures

Material and shape of shaft and housing (refer to page insert -83) Fit (refer to page insert -47) Temperature differential between inner/outer rings (refer to page insert -57) Allowable misalignment of inner/outer rings (refer to page insert -85) Load (magnitude, nature) (refer to page insert -19) Amount of preload (refer to page insert -64) Rotational speed (refer to page insert -68)

Rotational speed (refer to page insert -68) Noise level Vibration and shock load Momentary load Lubrication type and method (refer to page insert -70)

Operating temperature (refer to page insert -70) Rotational speed (refer to page insert -68) Lubrication type and method (refer to page insert -70) Sealing method (refer to page insert -78) Maintenance and inspection (refer to page insert -86)

Operating environment (high/low temperature, vacuum, pharmaceutical, etc.) Requirement for high reliability

Installation-related dimensions (refer to page insert -84) Installation and disassembly procedures (refer to page insert -86)

possible. Roller bearings exhibit less elastic deformation than ball bearings, and therefore are recommended for such equipment. Furthermore, in some cases, bearings are given an initial load (preloaded) to increase their shafting rigidity. This procedure is commonly applied to deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, and tapered roller bearings. (6) Misalignment of inner and outer rings Shaft flexure, variations in shaft or housing accuracy, and fitting errors, etc. result in a certain degree of misalignment between the bearings inner and outer rings. In cases where the degree of misalignment is likely to be relatively large, self-aligning ball bearings, spherical roller bearings, or bearing units with selfaligning properties are the most appropriate choices. (Refer to Fig. 2.1) (7) Noise and torque levels Rolling bearings are manufactured and processed according to high precision standards, and therefore generally produce only slight amounts of noise and torque. For applications requiring particularly low-noise or low-torque operation, deep groove ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings are most appropriate.

(8) Installation and disassembly Some applications require frequent disassembly and reassembly to enable periodic inspections and repairs. For such applications, bearings with separable inner/outer rings, such as cylindrical roller bearings, needle roller bearings, and tapered roller bearings are most appropriate. Incorporation of adapter sleeves simplifies the installation and disassembly of selfaligning ball bearings and spherical roller bearings with tapered bores.

Allowable misalignment angle

Allowable misalignment angle

Self-aligning ball bearing

Spherical roller bearing

Fig. 2.1

A-11

Bearing Selection
2.2 Type and character is tics
Table 2.1 shows types and characteristics of rolling bearings.
Table 2.1 Types and characteristics of rolling bearings Bearing types
Deep groove ball bearings Angular Double row Duplex DoubleSelfCylindrical SingleDouble row contact angular flange angular aligning roller flange cylindrical ball contact cylindrical contact ball bearings cylindrical roller bearings ball bearings ball bearings bearings roller bearings roller bearings bearings

Characteristics
Load Carrying Capacity
Radial load Axial load

High speed

1 1

High rotating accuracy Low noise/vibration Low friction torque High rigidity
1 1

For DB and DF arrangement For DB arrangement

Vibration/shock resistance
Allowable misalignment 1 for inner/outer rings
2 3 4

For fixed bearings

NU, N type NJ, NF type

For floating bearings

Non-separable or separable Tapered bore bearings Remarks Reference page

NUP, NP, NH type

For duplex arrangement

B-89

B-89

Tapered Multi-row, Spherical Thrust Double row Spherical angular 4-row roller roller ball roller contact bearings tapered bearings bearings thrust ball thrust roller bearings bearings bearings. Reference

Bearing types

page Characteristics
Load Carrying Capacity
Radial load Axial load

A-66 A-31 A-67

High speed

High rotating accuracy Low noise/vibration Low friction torque High rigidity
1 1 1

A-54 A-18 A-79 A-13 A-13

Vibration/shock resistance
Allowable misalignment 1 for inner/outer rings
2 3 4

For fixed bearings

For floating bearings

A-79

Non-separable or separable Tapered bore bearings Remarks Reference page

1 The number of stars in dicate the degree to which that bearing type displays that particular characteristic. Not applicable to that bearing type. 2 Indicates dual direction. Indicates single direction axial movement only. 3 Indicates movement at raceway. Indicates movement at mated surface of inner or outer ring. 4 Indicates both inner ring and outer ring are detachable. 5 Indicates inner ring with tapered bore is possible.

For duplex arrangement B-131

B-229

B-265

B-265

B-265

A-12

Bearing Selection
2.3 Selection of bearing arrangement
Shaft assemblies generally require two bearings to support and locate the shaft radially and axially, relative to the stationary housing. These two bearings are called the fixed-side and floating-side bearings. The fixed-side bearing fixes or controls movement of the shaft axially in relation to the housing. The floating-side bearing moves or floats axially in relation to the housing and is therefore able to relieve stress caused by the expansion and contraction of the shaft due to temperature fluctuations, and allow for misalignment caused by fitting errors. Fixed-side bearings have the capacity to receive both axial and radial loads, and therefore a bearing which controls axial movement in both directions should be selected. Floating-side bearings receive only radial loads, and therefore bearings which are mounted to permit free axial movement, or bearings with separable inner and
Table 2.2 (1) Bearing arrangement (Fixed and Floating)

outer rings are most desirable. Cylindrical roller bearings are generally separable and allow for axial displacement along their raceway surfaces; deep groove ball bearings are non-separable, but can be mounted to allow for displacement along their fitting surfaces. In applications with short distances between bearings, shaft expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations is slight, therefore the same type of bearing may be used for both the fixed-side and floating-side bearing. In such cases it is common to use a set of matching bearings, such as angular contact ball bearings, to guide and support the shaft in one axial direction only. Table 2.2 (1) shows representative bearing arrangements where the bearing type differs on the fixed side and floating side. Table 2.2 (2) shows some common bearing arrangements where no distinction is made between the fixed side and floating side. Vertical shaft bearing arrangements are shown in Table 2.2 (3).

Arrangement Fixed Floating

Comment

Application
Small pumps, small electric motors, auto-mobile transmissions, etc. Medium-sized electric motors, ventilators, etc.

1. General arrangement for small machinery. 2. For radial loads, but will also accept axial loads. 3. Preloading by springs or shims on outer ring face.

1. Suitable for high speed. Widely used. 2. Even with expansion and contraction of shaft, non-fixing side moves smoothly.

1. Radial loading plus dual direction axial loading possible. 2. In place of duplex angular contact ball bearings, double-row angular contact ball bearings are also used.

Wormgear speed reducers, etc.

1. Heavy loading capable. 2. Shafting rigidity increased by preloading the two back-to-back fixed bearings. 3. Requires high precision shafts and housings, and minimal fitting

Machine tool spindles, etc.

1. Allows for shaft deflection and fitting errors. 2. By using an adaptor on long shafts without screws or shoulders, bearing mounting and dismounting can be facilitated. 3. Not suitable for axial load applications.

Counter shafts for general industrial equipment, etc.

1. Widely used in general industrial machinery with heavy and shock load demands. 2. Allows for shaft deflection and fitting errors. 3. Accepts radial loads as well as dual direction axial loads. 1. Widely used in general industrial machinery with heavy and shock loading. 2. Radial and dual directional axial loading. 1. Capable of handling large radial and axial loads at high rotational speeds. 2. Maintains clearance between the bearings outer diameter and housing inner diameter to prevent deep groove ball bearings from receiving radial loads.

Reduction gears for generalindustrial equipment, etc.

Industrial machinery reduction gears. etc.

Diesel locomotives, etc.

A-13

Bearing Selection

Table 2.2 (2) Bearing arrangement (Placed oppositely)

Arrangement

Comment

Application
Small electric motors, small reduction gears, etc.

General arrangement for use in small machines.

1. This type of back-to-back arrangement well suited for moment loads. 2. Preloading increases shaft rigidity. 3. High speed reliable.

Spindles of machine tools, etc.

1. Accepts heavy loading. 2. Suitable if inner and outer ring shrink-fit is required. 3. Care must be taken that axial clearance does not become too small during operation.

Construction equipment, mining equipment sheaves, agitators, etc.

Back to back

1. Withstands heavy and shock loads. Wide range application. 2. Shafting rigidity increased by preloading. 3. Back-to-back arrangement for moment loads, and face-to-face arrangement to alleviate fitting errors. 4. With face-to-face arrangement, inner ring shrink-fit is facilitated.

Reduction gears, automotive axles, etc.

Face to face Table 2.2 (3) Bearing arrangement (Vertical shaft)

Arrangement

Comment

Application

When fixing bearing is a duplex angular contact ball bearing, non-fixing bearing is a cylindrical roller bearing.

Machine tool spindles, vertical mounted electric motors, etc.

1. Most suitable arrangement for very heavy axial loads. Crane center shafts, 2. Depending on the relative alignment of the spherical surface of the etc. rollers in the upper and lower bearings, shaft deflection and fitting errors can be absorbed. 3. Lower self-aligning spherical roller thrust bearing pre-load is possible.

A-14