A Guide to Selecting between Bearing Housings

The housing of a bearing is often an essential element in its construction, serving to provide support and protection within various machines and systems. While exact options may vary, housings will offer both a mounting mechanism and the framework for all elements of the bearing, ensuring proper alignment and securing it in place after installation. When properly designed, chosen, installed, and maintained, bearing housings are crucial in facilitating the smooth operation of rotating parts, reducing friction, and enhancing the lifespan of equipment. In order to make the most informed purchasing decision for bearing houses, read on as we cover common types, material selection tips, and other key considerations.

Types of Bearing Housings

There are several types of bearing housing designs, where each will provide unique characteristics or capabilities that will accommodate varying needs. One of the most common options is the pillow block bearing, which is a type of mounting bracket or pedestal that offers rotating shafts. With a moderate to high load capacity and the ability to accommodate radial and axial loads alike, these bearings and housings are commonplace in conveyor systems, agricultural equipment, and various industrial machinery. Another somewhat basic option is an insert bearing with housing elements, which are simply standard radial options that are modified to accommodate a housing, providing quick replacement and ease of use characteristics that drives implementation within agriculture, food processing, and printing.

For more demanding applications, split plummer block housings are often the preferred option. These housings are split into two halves, allowing for easier inspection, maintenance, and replacement to be carried out as necessary. With an ease of disassembly and the ability to handle high loads, split plummer block housings will often be found in heavy machinery within mining, construction, and transportation industries. As the final but most basic type that we will discuss, plain bearing housings are those designed for use with standard bearings that are devoid of any rolling elements. These housings are often ideal for applications that involve slower speeds and lighter loads, such as within pumps, fans, and compressors.

Material Selection

When seeking to determine what particular housing is best fit for a given application, an important thing to factor in is the material it is made of. While other considerations should also be made, materials will have a direct role on overall performance, durability, and maintenance needs. With each providing its own set of advantages and disadvantages, the most common options include metals, plastics, and composites.

Cast iron is one of the most commonly used metals for such devices, as it offers excellent wear resistance and ability to handle heavy loads. It is thus often chosen for heavy-duty conveyor systems or agricultural machinery, where durability is critical and heavy assembly weights are not an issue. For ample strength and corrosion resistance, steel housings are quite beneficial. With the ability to withstand the stresses of moisture and harsh operations, steel is popular within marine and outdoor equipment.Steel is another widely used material, offering excellent strength and corrosion resistance. However, for applications that involve exposure to certain chemicals or extreme temperatures, composite materials or plastic bearing housings may be a better option than their metal counterparts. These alloys are also lightweight, though they may not offer the same strength as more rigorous materials.

Additional Considerations to Make.

Beyond the choice of material and type, there are also other small factors that play into securing the best fit for a given application. First and foremost, one should always ensure that the housing in question is compatible with the type of bearing being used. Additionally, it is crucial to match the bearing housing with the load capacity requirements of the system. Applications that involve high loads or heavy-duty use will require more robust housing materials and designs, such as split plummer block housings.

Another key consideration is the operating environment that the housing will be placed in, as having resistances against any present moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures is a must. Proper sealing is also critical in these environments to prevent contaminants from entering the bearing and causing premature failure. By following these various tips and suggestions, one should be able to quickly narrow down the perfect fit.

Conclusion

For customers seeking competitive options on high-quality bearing products and housing solutions, look no further than Simplified Purchasing. Here, we can help you secure all that you require with the benefit of affordable pricing and rapid lead times. We are also fully dedicated to quality, upholding rigorous assurance practices at every step of sourcing and fulfillment to guarantee the best with each order. With all of this in mind, be sure to begin exploring our website for offerings of interest, and our team is always just a call or email if you desire service or assistance at any time.