Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Things To Consider When Selecting Slewing Ring Bearings

By Lila Barry


Slewing ring bearings have a wide application. They facilitate rotation, as well as supporting the upper structure of many machines. These bearings have a thin section and are made of diameters of a meter or more. Large-diameter ones are used in heavy equipment such as cranes, wind turbines, excavators, and many others. They also play a great role in some military applications like the missile launchers.

Most of the commercial equipment use these bearings. Remember that a very costly machine can get damaged if bearings fail to work. This can also pose great danger to people operating such machines. Lifting devices can harm people if fail to function while heavy load is suspended in the air. You should be very careful when making the selection of these products. Below are some guidelines to help you pick your bearing.

Get to know the specs of that bearing you wish to buy. You can read on the catalog or website of that particular bearing manufacturer in order to know all the specifications. Sometimes manufacturers may forget to include some specifications in these website. Therefore, it is good to contact them and inquire for more details before you buy.

The strength of the bolts to be used is an important consideration. Fasteners you are going to use should have course threads. Make sure the fasteners have flat washers that are made of quality steel. Consider using the correct size and type of fasteners. Talk to your fastener supplier for any clarification about the right fasteners to use.

It is good to choose a bearing with uniform bolt holes. These are locations where the fasteners are going to fit. You may find that fasteners are put only in sections with maximum weights. This is not good because force is sometimes distributed even to areas that are not loaded. Uniformity in bolt holes is very important when selection your bearing.

Find out whether there is any distortion in the mounting surface. Distortions are the most serious threats to good mounting. There are different ways through which distortions may occur. For example, a tiny piece of debris or metal chip can accidentally be lodged between the bearing and mounting surface. This can happen during assembly, and may lead to major distortion. A non-flat mounting surface can also cause distortion.

You should also be concerned about the sealing and lubrication of your bearing. It is good to keep off debris and corrosion to prevent excessive wear. Corrosion can lead to bearing premature failure. Try to specify the appropriate seals when doing your purchase. Lubrication is quite important because it reduces wear. These bearings are packed with a suitable grease to use for lubrication.

You should also mind about the storage of slewing ring bearings. These products are usually coated with a kind of preservative before they are shipped. This is only for temporary storage. You should find a better way to store them. Make sure they are free from dirt and dust. Avoid placing them on dirty floors since they are likely to pick up dirt and other debris. This will make them function properly and serve you better.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment