š Basic Terminology in Bearings
Below are definitions of some commonly used bearing terms. For a complete reference of bearing-specific terminology, refer to ISO 5593 Rolling Bearings ā Vocabulary. The symbols presented in this blog are primarily based on ISO standards. Key symbols include (see figures 8 and 9):
Here are some of the most common symbols used:
ā¢Ā dĀ ā Inner (bore) diameter
ā¢Ā DĀ ā Outer diameter
ā¢Ā BĀ ā Width of the bearing
ā¢Ā HĀ ā Height of the bearing
ā¢Ā rĀ ā Chamfer size
ā¢Ā Ī±Ā ā Contact angle
These symbols help standardize design, selection, and communication across industries.
ā¢Ā dĀ ā Inner (bore) diameter
ā¢Ā DĀ ā Outer diameter
ā¢Ā BĀ ā Width of the bearing
ā¢Ā HĀ ā Height of the bearing
ā¢Ā rĀ ā Chamfer size
ā¢Ā Ī±Ā ā Contact angle
These symbols help standardize design, selection, and communication across industries.
āļø ShaftāBearingāHousing System Overview
(See Fig. 10 ā Bearing Assembly System)
A typical bearing installation involves multiple interconnected components. Here's what youāll usually find:
1. Cylindrical roller bearing
2. Four-point contact ball bearing
3. HousingĀ system
4. Shaft
5. Shaft abutment shoulder
6. Shaft diameter
7. Shaft seat
8. End plate
9. Radial shaft seal
10. Seal wear ring
11. Housing bore diameter
12. Housing seat
13. Housing cover
14. Snap ring
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Each element ensures proper alignment, load handling, and sealing to prolong the bearingās life and protect internal elements.
A typical bearing installation involves multiple interconnected components. Here's what youāll usually find:
1. Cylindrical roller bearing
2. Four-point contact ball bearing
3. HousingĀ system
4. Shaft
5. Shaft abutment shoulder
6. Shaft diameter
7. Shaft seat
8. End plate
9. Radial shaft seal
10. Seal wear ring
11. Housing bore diameter
12. Housing seat
13. Housing cover
14. Snap ring
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Each element ensures proper alignment, load handling, and sealing to prolong the bearingās life and protect internal elements.
Radial Bearings Terminology
(See Fig. 11 & Fig. 12 ā Radial Bearings)
Radial bearings, designed to support loads perpendicular to the shaft, consist of several named parts:
1. Inner ring
2. Outer ring
3. Rolling element: ball, cylindrical roller, needle roller, tapered roller, spherical roller, or toroidal roller
4. Cage
5. Capping device
Ā Ā Sealāmade of elastomer
Ā Ā Shield ā made of sheet steelĀ
6. Outer ring outside surface
7. Inner ring bore
8. Inner ring shoulder surface
9. Outer ring shoulder surface
10. Snap ring groove
11. Snap ring
12. Outer ring side face
13. Recess for capping device
14. Outer ring raceway
15. Inner ring raceway
16. Recess for capping device
17. Inner ring side face
18. Chamfer
19. Bearing pitch circle diameter
20. Total bearing width
21. Guide flange
22. Retaining flange
23. Contact angleĀ Ā
(See Fig. 11 & Fig. 12 ā Radial Bearings)
Radial bearings, designed to support loads perpendicular to the shaft, consist of several named parts:
1. Inner ring
2. Outer ring
3. Rolling element: ball, cylindrical roller, needle roller, tapered roller, spherical roller, or toroidal roller
4. Cage
5. Capping device
Ā Ā Sealāmade of elastomer
Ā Ā Shield ā made of sheet steelĀ
6. Outer ring outside surface
7. Inner ring bore
8. Inner ring shoulder surface
9. Outer ring shoulder surface
10. Snap ring groove
11. Snap ring
12. Outer ring side face
13. Recess for capping device
14. Outer ring raceway
15. Inner ring raceway
16. Recess for capping device
17. Inner ring side face
18. Chamfer
19. Bearing pitch circle diameter
20. Total bearing width
21. Guide flange
22. Retaining flange
23. Contact angleĀ Ā
Thrust Bearings Terminology
(See Fig. 13 ā Thrust Bearings)
Thrust bearings handle axial loads and are composed of:
24.Ā Shaft washer
25.Ā Ā Rolling element and cage assembly
26.Ā Ā Housing washer
27.Ā Ā Housing washer with a spheredĀ seat surface
28.Ā Ā Seat washerĀ Ā Ā Ā
(See Fig. 13 ā Thrust Bearings)
Thrust bearings handle axial loads and are composed of:
24.Ā Shaft washer
25.Ā Ā Rolling element and cage assembly
26.Ā Ā Housing washer
27.Ā Ā Housing washer with a spheredĀ seat surface
28.Ā Ā Seat washerĀ Ā Ā Ā
Ā š Conclusion
From dimension codes and assembly parts to materials and internal geometry, rolling bearings are sophisticated mechanical elements designed for performance and durability.Ā For in-depth specifications, click here
