Increasing machine life

摘要

Hybrid bearings have been shown to perform well under poorly lubricated and contaminated conditions and are much less prone to surface distress than their all-steel counterparts. Phil Burge explains the structure and materials of hybrid bearings and how these features help extend machine service life. In simple terms, hybrid bearings are constructed with steel rings and bearing grade silicon nitride rolling elements; in virtually every other detail, with the exception of some metallurgical details and special cage materials and designs, they are no different from conventional all-steel rolling element bearings. The difference between the two types, however, becomes apparent when they are placed in service.