6 Ball Bearing FAQs and Their Answers

What are ball bearings used for? Does the steel used for it rust? – There are a number of questions that cross your mind regarding ball bearings. Here, we have tried to address these questions to help you understand these devices in a better way:

1. Are Stainless Steel bearings rust-proof?

Answer: Stainless steel is not exactly rust-proof but it is resistant to corrosion. However, when exposed to the corrosive environment, it tends to rust over time. But compared to chrome alloy steel, stainless steel rusts at a much slower rate. Different types of stainless steel have different corrosion-resistant property. For instance, a type of stainless steel called SV30 is better corrosion-resistant than 440C stainless steel.

2. Which ball bearings are better: ceramic or steel?

Answer: Ceramic Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) is used for making Ceramic bearings. Compared to traditional steel bearings, these are extremely light and hard. Steel bearings usually have per square inch hardness of around 30 million lbs. On the other hand, Ceramic bearings have a hardness of 47 million lbs per square inch. Ceramic bearings are lighter as Silicon Nitride is less dense than the components that constitute steel. Also, due to their extra fine finish, Silicon Nitride is less prone to friction. As a result, these bearings produce less heat and require less lubrication.

3. Is it possible to refurbish ball bearings?

Answer: Yes. It’s possible to refurbish ball bearings. However, it depends on the circumstances. For instance, it’s always cheaper to replace small ball bearings while it’s economic to refurbish any ball bearing with a 6-inch or higher core. Spherical and cylindrical roller bearings and slew rings are typically refurbished. How much the bearing has eroded is a factor that should be considered before taking any decision along with other factors such as maintenance, lubrication, and other environmental factors.

4. How fast can a ball bearing rotate?

Answer: There are several ball bearings that can rotate at a speed of half a million RPM. Such type of ball bearings is usually used in experimental or defence application. The rotating speed of a bearing and its speed always depends on its size, type and amount of lubrication that’s been used, bearing materials and the cage, and other factors such as the period and the length of time for which maximum speed is needed.

5. What’s the best lubricant for bearings?

Answer: It depends on the application condition. For instance, some grease might break down in high temperature. Likewise, a high-temperature grease often cannot handle high load.

Choose Quality and Buy from authorised Ball Bearing Distributors

Ball bearings are an important component of any modern machine. And that’s why it’s always wise to buy from authorised bearing suppliers in Kolkata and any other city. And when it comes to quality, Knowell International is a highly regarded name. We are authorised suppliers of some of the leading ball bearing manufacturers across the globe such as Nachi, ISC, IJK, IBC, FYH, KHK, RHB, to name a few. For any further information, visit http://www.knowell.co.in/product-range.html.