Q: How to select bearing materials?

A: 

The choice of bearing material is determined by the designer based on the bearing working conditions and the functional requirements of the bearing parts.

Rolling bearings are mainly composed of rings, rolling elements, cages and other parts. The materials of the parts can be divided into:

(1) Ferrule and rolling element materials;

(2) Cage material;

(3) Other parts such as rivets, dust cover, sealing ring and other materials.

There are many kinds of materials used in the above parts, and because of their different physical, chemical and mechanical properties, each has different characteristics to meet the requirements of working under various working conditions and environments. The selection of bearing material is directly related to whether it can meet the function and use requirements of the mechanism, and has a decisive influence on the working performance and fatigue life of the bearing. Generally, when the material is selected correctly, as long as the fit and installation, lubrication and maintenance are normal, the bearing will obtain good working performance and meet the reliability requirements.