Bearing material selection: Key factors and common materials

Choosing the right material is crucial to the performance and life of the bearing. Different application environments and working conditions require different physical and chemical characteristics of bearings. This article will explore the key factors affecting material selection and common bearing materials.
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Factors influencing material selection
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When choosing bearing materials, the following key factors need to be considered:
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Working environment: including temperature, humidity, corrosive media, etc.

Type of load: The nature of the load (such as radial or axial load) and size of the bearing.

Speed: The speed at which the bearing runs.

Lubrication: mode of lubrication (e.g. oil lubrication or grease lubrication) and type of lubricant.

Life requirements: Expected service life and reliability requirements.

Common bearing materials
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The following are several commonly used bearing materials and their characteristics:
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Bearing steel: Bearing steel such as GCr15 is the most commonly used bearing material, with good wear resistance and enough toughness.

Stainless steel: Suitable for corrosive environments such as food processing or the chemical industry.

Ceramic materials, such as zirconia or silicon nitride, are suitable for high speed or high temperature applications, and where electrical insulation is required.

Plastic and non-metallic materials: such as nylon or PTFE, suitable for light load and high speed applications, or where lubricants are not possible.

Material selection and application
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When selecting materials, it is important to consider not only their physical and chemical properties, but also their cost and processability. For example, while ceramic bearings perform well in some high-performance applications, they are more expensive and may not be suitable for all applications.
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Sum up
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The material selection of bearings is a process that takes into account many factors, including the working environment, load, speed, lubrication and life requirements. Understanding the characteristics and application range of different materials can help select the most suitable bearing materials to meet the needs of specific applications.