News

How do ball bearings work? What are they for?

The working principle of ball bearings is mainly rolling rather than sliding, and the balls roll between the inner and outer rings to realize low-friction and high-efficiency rotary motion.
Ball bearings are a common mechanical component, widely used in a variety of rotating equipment. So, is a ball bearing rolling or sliding? Next, we will be from the perspective of the working principle of ball bearing, for you to open this mystery.

First, the working principle of ball bearing
The core part of ball bearing includes inner and outer ring, ball and cage. When working, the ball rolling between the inner and outer rings, forming a layer of rolling friction layer, thus greatly reducing the friction resistance of the bearing. This kind of rolling friction makes the ball bearing has low friction, high efficiency characteristics, can support the equipment to realize fast, smooth rotary movement.

Second, the rolling and sliding of ball bearing comparison
Although the ball bearing in the work of the ball rolling between the inner and outer ring, but does not mean that there is no sliding phenomenon. In fact, due to the existence of contact stress and friction between the balls and the inner and outer rings, some of the balls may slide slightly near the contact point. However, this sliding is only a very small part of the rolling process and does not significantly affect the overall performance of the bearing.

In contrast, conventional plain bearings rely heavily on sliding friction in their operation. Although this type of friction can realize rotary motion, but the friction resistance is large, easy to produce wear and heat, thus affecting the performance and life of the equipment.

Third, the application of ball bearings
Because of its low friction and high efficiency, ball bearings are widely used in various equipments that need to rotate at high speed or bear large loads. For example, automobile engines, electric motors, machine tool spindles and so on need to use ball bearings to support rotating parts in order to realize smooth and efficient operation.

In addition, ball bearings also have good thermal performance and load carrying capacity, and can adapt to high temperature, high pressure and other harsh working environment. Therefore, they are also widely used in aerospace, energy, chemical and other fields.

To summarize, the working principle of ball bearings is mainly rolling rather than sliding. By rolling the ball between the inner and outer rings, low-friction and high-efficiency rotary motion is realized. This makes ball bearings play an important role in a variety of equipment that needs to rotate at high speed or bear large loads.