Simplified Purchasing Blog

Bearings are specialized mechanical elements that assist objects’ rotation while simultaneously reducing friction between moving parts. Thin section bearings are a type of standard bearing, but differentiate themselves in their subtle cross sections, making them highly sensitive to shaft and housing tolerances. As such, using them in assemblies should be done with care, and finding the proper bearing for your applications is paramount.

Bearings are components that are common to countless assemblies, often being used to facilitate and constrain motion while reducing friction between moving parts. Axle and wheel bearings in particular are two components that are common to automobiles and similar vehicles, allowing for wheels to turn with freedom while ensuring that the weight of the vehicle is supported and that assemblies have proper alignment. As both bearings are crucial for the standard functionality of wheels, it is important that one amply understands their functionality and maintenance.

Fasteners are required to build everything. From bridges to garments, you can find them in every industry vertical. That being said, there are several types of fasteners and even more tools used in creating and securing them. Moreover, it is incredibly important to choose the correct tool for installation as well as the ideal fastener for your application. The use of an incorrect tool is a safety concern and can result in insecure attachment or a damaged fastener.

Built as a rolling mechanical assembly, bearings facilitate different types of load, thrust, and radial movement between moving parts along a track. Constructed in multiple forms to support various applications, bearings are used to constrain relative motion along a track while ensuring a desired motion is achieved. This dramatically reduces friction between all moving parts, providing high rotational speeds for rotating or oscillating machinery. Operating off of their own unique set of principles, common bearing types include: plain bearings, rolling element bearings (i.e., ball bearings, roller bearings), jewel bearings, fluid bearings, magnetic bearings, flexure bearings, and more.

Friction refers to the resistance that a surface faces when moving across another, often being a condition that can wear components down and prevent them from optimally performing. For the wheels of an automobile, aircraft, or other ground vehicles, smooth rotation with minimal friction is crucial for forward movement and standard operations. Wheel bearings are a primary component of countless wheel assemblies, coming in the form of Ball bearings and roller bearings that facilitate rotation. As a crucial part present in various vehicles, regular maintenance and inspection is required to prevent equipment damage and failures.

Bearings are machine components that are present in countless assemblies, capable of mitigating the friction generated between moving parts while also constraining motion. As bearings often take on a variety of radial and axial loads when implemented within numerous construction types, there are many forms of bearings that have been developed over the years to accommodate different applications. Plain and sleeve bearings are two types that are often found in many assemblies, the latter being a specific form of plain bearing. As common machine elements to countless assemblies, having a general understanding of both types can be beneficial when searching for a bearing solution for a particular need.

A nut is a common type of mechanical fastener, notable for its internally threaded hole. Nuts are almost exclusively used alongside bolts for joining components together, securing assemblies through thread friction, bolt stretching, and compression. For installation, the bolt is first passed through the preformed hole of two components before the nut is screwed onto the opposite side. With the placement of the bolt and nut, the bolt serves to prevent radial movement while the nut prevents axial movement. Depending on the application and its needs, there are numerous nut types that one may use, each presenting varying designs and installation characteristics that can make them more beneficial for certain assemblies.

Ball bearings and roller bearings look and function similarly to one another. Despite this, there are many differences in the way each type of bearing is used. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between ball and roller bearings.

Fasteners are hardware components that may be used to conjoin parts for assemblies and to distribute loads. Threaded fasteners in particular are extremely common to countless applications and industries, and they are often discernible by a spiraling thread that trails down a cylindrical shaft. With this configuration, such fasteners can ensure more secure connections that are established by applying torque to the component. As there are many threaded fastener types available, each with their own characteristics, being aware of the most common types can be useful when searching for an optimal fit.

Bearings are components that are often found in many assemblies and apparatuses that feature moving parts. As components that can both reduce the friction between moving surfaces and facilitate the motion of various parts, bearings are crucial for the operations of countless assemblies and can extend their service lives by mitigating wear. While there are many types of bearings commonly used for various applications, the two primary categories used to classify bearings are whether they utilize round balls or cylindrical sleeves for their construction. As both designs will provide different benefits that may cater to specific applications, understanding their differences is highly beneficial.