Bearing material selection

摘要

Plastics, ceramic, metals, hybrid versions; the materials in which bearings are now manufactured is-extensive - a selection which enables the designer to use a bearing which is ideal for the application requirements. Bearings that are corrosion or chemical resistant, that can withstand high temperatures or operate with exceptional precision, low torque and minimum wear, are generally made fit-for-purpose by the careful choice of manufacturing material, explains R.A.Rodriguez. One example is the Kaydon Reali-Slim bearing. These hybrid bearings, which are available in the UK from R.A.Rodriguez, owe their ability to extend the mean time between performance failure to a combination of ceramic balls and hardened stainless steel races. This combination is said to offer several advantages over all-steel bearings and makes hybrid bearings the ideal choice for applications in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and other harsh environments.