BC Blog 1

What is the difference between electricity transmission and distribution?

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 06:31:09 GMT

What is the difference between electricity transmission and distribution?

Your responsibility has constantly transported power at high voltage from its source to distribution points. You do this by using the power transmission network, owned and managed by the division of the business in charge of transferring electricity. Although there are numerous energy sources, the fact that you are reading this right now has something to do with the electricity you have. It is a fascinating and challenging process. Below mentioned are the difference between electricity transmission and distribution:

How do transmission and distribution work?

As the name suggests, electrical power transmission and distribution refers to the system used to ensure that electricity is transported from energy facilities to every home or structure that needs it. Whatever fuel the power plant uses to produce energy, a transmission system is always necessary to get where it needs to go. Fortunately, the idea behind how electricity flows is relatively simple and functions similarly to water. Electricity may be stored, but it can also flow like a fluid. Power plants convert mechanical or thermal work into electricity to produce energy. The power plant uses some of this energy to produce a potential difference between the wires and the plant. The electrical systems are dependable since it is simple but efficient.

Differences between electricity transmission and distribution

You frequently combine the terms transmission and distribution of electrical power they do not necessarily refer to the same entity. The systems that enable energy to go to its final destination include transmission and distribution networks. However, there are distinct steps in this process.

Parts:

The power lines are the most crucial engineering components of a transmission system. They are the center of the transmission system and give electricity a path to travel on. There are substations, which are substantial buildings containing conductors and resistances. Substations help direct the power flow to the distribution systems by lowering the voltage so it may be used in homes.

Again, smaller towers assist in maintaining the safety of electrical lines, though both are much smaller in comparison. The components needed to connect to a home are the most distinctive. A transformer is mounted on the towers to guarantee that buildings receive the correct voltage at all times.

Energy loss:

Although the transmission and distribution of electrical power are simple in practice, this does not imply that it is without problems. Electricity generated by plants has a voltage that is too high for household appliances. To ensure that it is suitable for daily usage, the transmission and distribution systems must increase gradually and lower this voltage.

Your transmission and distribution systems' equipment selection will guarantee that energy is delivered precisely as intended. It provides improved flow and continuous, uninterrupted service. This is why selecting the appropriate equipment is crucial.

Wrapping it up:

Those mentioned above are the differences between electricity transmission and distribution. You can employ the best power transmission and engineering components from the bearing center. Their tools are of high-quality and reasonably priced, making them ideal for use.

What is the difference between a roller bearing and a ball bearing?

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 06:15:49 GMT

What is the difference between a roller bearing and a ball bearing?

A roller bearing is a cylindrical device for a bushing or bearing block to move with little friction. A spherical component known as a ball bearing accomplishes the function of a roller bearing. A significant variance depends on the bearing's contact surface with the rail. Assuming a perfectly spherical bearing and no deformation, the contact surface for ball bearings is just one point. The quantity of character where the ball contacts the rail is constrained, even after deformation is considered. The balls now have a natural strength limit. On the other hand, roller bearings have a full line of contact. The system's stiffness, stability, and maximum load capacity are all significantly increased as a result. Here mentioned are the differences between a roller bearing and a ball bearing:

Why do you need bearings?

Power is transferred between two points via a shaft. A belt or any other component where you want to share power might be linked to one end of the shaft, which is connected to an electric motor. The shaft would be subject to various loads due to the movement, including axial and radial loads. The shaft might veer up and down, and there might be jerks as it moved. The load transfer is improper as a result of this vibration. You require continuously moving support, sometimes referred to as bearings, to tackle this problem.

Differences

The significant distinction between a ball bearing and a roller bearing is that it has a small point of contact with the load since it is made up of tiny spheres. The communication region between a load and a cylindrical-shaped roller bearing is in a line, better supporting the gear and spreading with it.

A bearing consists of three components bearing rings, rolling elements, and cages. Ball bearings are used when the rolling element is composed of spherical balls. They are typically discovered in small wheels and hard drives. The majority of these are standardized and sold in assemblies. These are often used at higher speeds and lighter weights.

Roller bearings produce a line contact with the rolling element instead of a ball bearing's point contact. They can endure larger loads and shocks than ball bearings. These are typically disassembled and then piecemeal replaced. These bearings respond more quickly to angular misalignment.

Application:

When loading small items, ball bearings are helpful. These bearings frequently break or lose their precise shape when you increase the loads. When carrying heavy loads is necessary, roller bearings are appropriate. However, it is essential to remember that needle bearings and various roller alternatives are crucial in cases of space limitations.

Maintenance cost:

Roller bearings must be adequately maintained for various industrial machinery or applications to operate correctly.

Partial words

Those mentioned above are the differences between roller and ball bearings. The bearing center is the best supplier of bearings . To choose a bearing, you only need to consider the following elements the lubricant, grade, shielding or sealing, and the necessary load requirement.

What are Spiral Wound Gaskets?

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:31:43 GMT

What are Spiral Wound Gaskets?

Early in the 20th century, the spiral wound gasket was created to withstand the increasingly tricky operating conditions in oil refineries. A flexible and resilient rubber gasket is required due to the fluctuations above, the temperature differential across the flange face, and bolt stress relaxation. It is impossible to overstate the necessity for the gasket to rebound from shifting conditions.

Here mentioned are the information about spiral wound gaskets

Color coding

Every spiral wound gasket is color coded. The colors of the outside rim and the stripe along the edge give information about the material of the gasket components. The color of the outer rim indicates the material of the gasket's winding. In contrast, the fabric of the gasket's filling is indicated by the color of the rim strip.

Edge sealing

Since most gaskets are made of sheet material and have flat surfaces, they seal well. The space between flanges that differs when they are not parallel necessitates using thicker material. The material must compress more where the gap is narrower. The material quickly reaches its technical limitations. The spirally coiled gasket, in contrast, seals on its edges as opposed to a flat surface. To do this, a ring is made by twisting a long, thin strip of gasket material. The sides of the strip form the seal when positioned between flanges.

Built-in spring

The gasket material is interleaved with a metal strip to offer elastic recovery, ensuring that a seal is maintained regardless of how the joint moves. The mixed materials are roughly shaped into a V during the coiling process. The metal V pushes outward against the flanges like a spring. It is used in hydraulic cylinder seals.

Gasket construction

A spirally wound, V-shaped stainless-steel strip plus a non-metallic filler material, such as graphite or PTFE, make up the semi-metallic spiral wound gasket. A solid outer ring part of the gasket is also used for centring and managing compression. By not overtightening, the possibility of material creep is reduced. Spiral wound gaskets with an additional inner ring are available for the most demanding situations. By doing this, the windings, mainly the filler, are shielded from contamination or damage caused by products that pass through the pipeline connection.

Types:

Different varieties of rubber gaskets are available. Examples of common spiral wound gasket types include the following:

Style CG:

This spiral wound gasket has an outer metal ring and a sealing component. The outer ring delivers the best sealing results by preventing over-compression. The crew also makes it easier for the gasket to be placed on the mating flange faces.

Style RIR:

It consists of an inner metal ring and a sealing component. The inner circle creates a physical barrier between the sealing element and the media stream and serves as a compression barrier.

Bottom line

Ask if a spiral-wound gasket would be a good choice if you have a complex junction to seal. Before disassembling the joint to replace a spiral-wound gasket, check the color code and place an order for the new item. A hydraulic cylinder seal also requires a spiral wound gasket.

Numerical analysis of plain journal bearing under hydrodynamic lubrication by water

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:23:46 GMT

Numerical analysis of plain journal bearing under hydrodynamic lubrication by water

The most pressing concerns in machine design are now energy conservation and minimizing pollution emissions into the environment. Because it is practical, eco-friendly, secure, and energy-efficient, water lubrication is becoming more popular. Water-lubricated journal bearing are used extensively in various sectors, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, transportation, food production, and pharmaceuticals. Studies on water lubrication have primarily focused on the tribology behaviour of cermet or polymer sliding surfaces in water. Thus far, only a few have included bearing performances such as load-carrying capacity and friction performances.

Below mentioned are the numerical analysis of plain journal bearing under hydrodynamic lubrication by water

Goal

The goal is to develop a new bush construction to enhance the hydrodynamic load-carrying capacity of a water-lubricated linear bearing. The use of water to lubricate bearings is growing in popularity because it is energy and environmentally friendly. In contrast to oil and grease-lubricated bearings, water-lubricated approaches are constrained in various applications because of their low hydrodynamic load-carrying capability.

Design

The innovative bearing bush with the transition-arc shape suggested in this paper is advantageous for enhancing hydrodynamic load-carrying capability. The hydrodynamic load-carrying capacity was calculated using a three-dimensional analysis of computational fluid dynamics. When several variations of a journal bearing with a transition-arc structure of different diameters are evaluated, the radial clearance of the bearings , eccentricity ratio, and journal velocity are unchanged.

The selection of the bearing dimensions, such as the journal diameter, bearing length, and radial clearance, is the first step in the design process of plain journal bearings. The load-carrying capacity of a straight path, which primarily depends on the fundamental parameter, journal diameter, captures the designer's attention immediately.

Radical clearance

The radial clearance design parameter mainly determines the load-carrying capacity of plain bearings. A bearing's load-carrying power increases with smaller clearances for the same operating conditions. However, there are some restrictions on minimizing radial clearance due to misalignment, solid impurities, and roughness of the bearing surfaces. For most designers, experience through time has produced guidance stating that radial clearance is considered one-thousandth of the journal radius for ball bearings. The effectiveness of water-lubricated plain bearings is investigated with radial clearance set to a thousandth of the journal radius.

Eccentricity ratio

The eccentricity ratio is crucial regarding the load-carrying capacity of plain journal bearings. This work investigates the reference for designing water-lubricated plain journal bearings by analyzing the link between eccentricity ratio and pressure distribution produced by hydrodynamic lubrication. It is the most popular design.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that a water-lubricated linear bearing's hydrodynamic load-carrying capacity has undergone apparent alterations. The link between the hydrodynamic load-carrying ability and the size of the transition-arc structural dimension is investigated for various width-over-diameter bearing ratios.

Bottom line

The effects of cavitation on hydrodynamic lubrication are also considered using a suitable cavitation model, considering the variations between the water's and oil's physical parameters. The above points provide a design reference guideline that the designer engineer can use to create intelligent ball bearings with increased hydrodynamic load-carrying capacity.

All you need to know about spiral wound gaskets

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:28:24 GMT

All you need to know about spiral wound gaskets

What Are Spiral Wound Gaskets?

Spiral wound gaskets are commonly used metallic gaskets in industrial settings that include a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions. These gaskets are widely used in the oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, electrical and food sectors to prevent leaks at the flange joints.

These engineering components were by Flexitallic in 1912 for suiting the US refinery operations revolving around extreme temperature and pressure variations.

What Are The Major Applications Of Spiral Wound Gaskets?

The gasket has multiple applications:

Applications for high-temperature services
For corrosive fluids
For flammable fluids
Hydrogen
High-Pressure applications

The Major Parts of a Spiral Wound Gasket

The spiral wound gasket is a semi-metallic gasket constructed via a spirally wound V-shaped using metallic and non-metallic filler material. A spiral wound comprises three main parts:

Outer Ring: The outer ring of the gasket, a centring ring or guide ring, is usually carbon steel. The primary function involves centering the gasket while fitting it into a bolted flange joint.
Inner Ring: An important part is the inner ring in the spiral gasket. It prevents windings from bending inside the pipe. When the gasket turns, pieces are pulled into the pipe and moved into the piping system. The inner rings avoid this condition, thereby helping to reduce this condition.
Sealing Element: Part of the gasket produces a tight seal to avoid leakage. The sealing part comprises both windings and filler material. Graphite as a filler material will also assist the gasket in avoiding flange deformation and joint displacement.

The Marks On The Spiral Wound Gasket

Various marks on the gasket differentiate the bearings . Every mark provides specific details related to the spiral wound gasket specification, which is helpful during the gasket selection process.

The markings on these electrical components offer the following information:

The Design Standard Or Code: The code used for designing and producing the gasket is displayed.
Manufacturer's Information: The gasket's manufacturer can be easily identified by viewing the manufacturer's name on the gasket.
Winding and Filler Material: The winding and filler materials present in the gasket are specified.
Diameter and Pressure Class: The diameter and pressure class marking specify how much load the spiral wound gasket can withstand.

The Thickness of the gasket: The spiral wound gasket's thickness usually ranges between 3.2 mm and 4.5 mm. A thickness of 5.5 mm and 7 mm is preferred for large diameters.

The Pressure Ratings Of Spiral Wound Gaskets : The gaskets are available in 7 pressure rating classes. They can be classified as 150, 300, 400,600,900,1500 and 2500, The design criteria used for determining the size of spiral wound gaskets.

The Leading Authorised Dealer For Of Engineering Components And Bearings

Bearing Centre holds excellent expertise in engineering and technical solutions, offering quality engineering components and products.

They offer the finest products handpicked from a range of internationally acclaimed suppliers.

Contact them now to know more.

How Material Advancements Have Improved Seals and Increased Gasket Service Life

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:15:35 GMT

How Material Advancements Have Improved Seals and Increased Gasket Service Life

Seals and gaskets both are functional engineering components having a variety of uses. Gaskets seal a connection between two components or flanges with flat surfaces, whereas seals are used between engine parts, shafts and pumps that rotate. A gasket is used whenever a union or flange is needed to prevent leakage. Both are vital for the reliability and efficiency of all equipment and systems operating at power plants and other industrial facilities.

Compared to the evolution of both seals & gaskets , quite a few things have changed - few materials used in seals have evolved tremendously, and even gasket designs have been revolutionised in many ways.

Most equipment cannot operate with a gasket, and every system containing liquid or gas needs seals; they are one of the major products used for keeping the fluids in and contaminants out.

Material Revolution

Today gaskets that incorporate better -add facing materials and a perforated or solid steel reinforcing core have become the dominant products.

Asbestos is no longer used as a manufacturing material in seals & gaskets due to the many health threats the material proposes.

Alternatives to asbestos have been developed. Compressed non-asbestos materials are readily available, consisting of non-asbestos fibers such as fiberglass or aramid fibers combined with rubber.

This said formulation has great temperature and pressure performance, often serving as an excellent replacement for asbestos-based materials.

The Primary Factors That Drive The Growth Of The Global Automotive Gasket And Seals market

The automotive seals & gaskets market is predicted to grow rapidly. The key factor driving the market revenue growth comprises technological advancements in the automobile sector, using better materials, and the growing need to improve fuel and vehicle efficiency.

Due to the increasingly stringent emission regulations, OEMs now focus on the mandatory incorporation of gaskets and seals in vehicles - the driving force of growth.

Factors That Restrain The Growth Of Seals & Gasket market

However, this rapid growth is also affected by high raw materials prices.

There is a shift towards vehicle electrification, which will impact gasket and seal consumption, including hydraulic cylinder seals , camprofile gaskets, etc. The challenges related to installation and design may also affect market expansion.

New Market Opportunities

Today, manufacturers concentrate on developing less fuel materials that can endure extreme heat and pressure. The gasket and seal manufacturers are now focussed on researching and developing unique gaskets and seals, anticipating the predicted demand for IC engine and battery electric vehicles.

Buy The Best Quality Seals & Gaskets From The Bearing Centre

We are the best-authorised distributor and supplier of power transmission and engineering components.

How to Repair or Replace a Leaking Hydraulic Cylinder

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:02:55 GMT

How to Repair or Replace a Leaking Hydraulic Cylinder

In this article, we'll talk about how to repair a leaking hydraulic cylinder. At the same time, it may seem easy enough just to replace your hydraulic cylinder seal, hydraulic seal or any other engineering component, that could result in the need for bottle replacement or an even more expensive repair that could have been avoided if you had just fixed it in the first place.

Follow the given steps to fix a leaking hydraulic cylinder

There are a few different options available for repairing or replacing a hydraulic cylinder if you discover leaking fluid. You may either choose to fix the cylinder yourself or hire a professional. To get started, please proceed with the following steps:

1. Find out where the water is coming from.

Leaks in hydraulic cylinders often originate from the hoses, seals, or gaskets. Gaskets are another frequent cause. Before moving on to any further steps, it is recommended that you first determine that the leak is caused by which of components and then take the necessary steps to correct it.

2. Fix or replace any components that are broken.

You may need to replace the complete component if the leak is coming from a hose, seal, or gasket. If the leak comes from a pipe that connects two different components, you may only need to repair or replace a portion of the pipe.

3. Perform a through inspection of all connections, and retighten as required.

After completing repairs, it is important to check for any symptoms of leaking and ensure that all connections for your engineering components are securely fastened.

4. Make sure the pressure release valve is working.

If the valve is not functioning properly, the pressure in the system will continue to build up until it reaches a point where the cylinder will burst. If this happens, the system will be damaged.

5. Take the leaky cylinder out of service and put a new one in its place.

If the cylinder is too big, it may not seal well and will leak again, if it is not properly sized. Make certain that you use only quality materials and that fits accurately.

6. Check for fluid levels

Using a hydrometer, verify that there is sufficient hydraulic fluid in the reservoir, and then check the hydraulic fluid level in the cylinder to ensure that it is at the appropriate level. A low amount of hydraulic fluid may indicate a cylinder that leaks.

7. Check all of the hoses and connections.

Check that all the hoses and connections are correctly attached and also check that they have not been twisted or kinked. If they are, then you will need to replace them.

8. Try out the pump.

If you believe any leakage is coming from the cylinder, you may test the pump by pushing down with your palm on the pump's piston; if it begins to move swiftly, then there may be an issue with the pump and it needs to be replaced.

Conclusion

If you need more information about hydraulic cylinder seals , hydraulic seals, engineering components or any other related topic, be sure to get in touch with Bearing Centre. Our experienced professionals are here to help you find the answers you're looking for and can provide you with the specific information you need to make smart decisions. Contact us today to get started!

7 Most Common Types Of Gaskets

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 07:55:30 GMT

7 Most Common Types Of Gaskets

Gaskets or washers, are typically used to seal a pipe joint. They are made from metal or plastics and have a variety of shapes, such as rings, disks, and many more.

This blog gives information about the 7 Most Common Types Of Gaskets

1. Envelope Gasket

PTFE is wrapped around a core insert material in a composite gasket known as an envelope gasket, also known as a double-jacketed gasket. Both of these names refer to the same type of gasket. The primary advantage of using a gasket of this type is that in addition to benefiting from the power and characteristics of PTFE, it also provides the same strength and characteristics that the core material provides. This gasket is resistant to corrosion and can operate in environments with high temperatures.

2. Flat Metal Gasket

It is possible to fabricate a flat metal gasket to fit any desired configuration. Flat metal gaskets have high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and pressures. This type of gasket is efficient and cost-effective when properly bolted, particularly on flanges with concentric serrations.

3. Non-Asbestos Sheet Material Gasket

Materials that do not contain asbestos are utilised in various contexts due to their reliability and are regarded as the most reliable option for all sealing flanges. Non-asbestos sheet material gaskets are cut from sheet materials that do not contain asbestos, as their name would imply given the nature of the product. Since the 1980s, materials that do not contain asbestos have been used as the standard in the industry. Asbestos fibres are typically replaced with aramid, fiberglass, mineral fiber, carbon, and graphite as the material of choice.

4. Kammprofile Gasket

Gaskets with a metal core that are bonded with a soft filler material on both sides are known as Kammprofile gaskets. These gaskets are also known as Kamprofile gaskets, Camprofile gaskets, and grooved gaskets. The installation of one of these gaskets is followed by the insertion of the pliable, non-metallic filler into the serrated grooves of the metal core. The non-metallic filler that is used in these gaskets most often is either graphite or PTFE. These gaskets are an excellent choice for use in environments that are both high in pressure and temperature, and they are also appropriate for application with highly corrosive fluid joints.

5. Spiral Wound Gasket

Applications that involve high levels of pressure are where the spiral wound gasket, which is of the semi-metallic variety, is utilised the majority of the time. Because it has a high recovery tolerance for irregularities in the flange's surface finish, this type of gasket is frequently selected. When the gasket is compressed, the flow of the metal and soft fillers helps to create a seal. This type of gasket is effective at sealing because of this flow. In applications that are subjected to extremes of temperature, shock, vibrations, or pressure cycling, spiral wound gaskets that have an inner ring are an excellent choice for sealing the gap.

6. Corrugated Metal Gasket

When the bolt loading on the flanges and heads is adequate, corrugated metal gaskets are a reliable and cost-effective option for the gaskets. The gasket's ability to seal directly results from the constant load, also known as pressure that it is subjected to. This type of gasket is used in various applications because it can withstand harsh environments. Some examples of these environments include those found in steam transfers and hydrocarbons.

7. Rubber Sheet Material Gasket

To form this kind of gasket, sheets of industrially produced rubber are punched or cut into the desired shape, and the rubber itself comes from industrial production. Rubber sheet gaskets have exceptional resilience or adaptable, making them an ideal sealing material; however, their temperature resistance is limited.

Conclusion

Bearing Centre is a global supplier of seals, gaskets and engineering components. It offer a variety of products that can help keep your machinery running smoothly and efficiently. If you are looking to know more about seals & gaskets , spiral wound gaskets, gasket, and engineering components , you can contact us at Bearing Centre. We will be happy to help you find the right product for your needs.

The Top 5 Advantages of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals:

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:05:53 GMT

The Top 5 Advantages of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals:

Hydraulic seals are crucial parts of numerous equipment types. They are renowned for their exceptional sealing properties in pressure and oil systems. Hydraulic equipment operates using cylinders to complete its task. A piston, a piston rod, and an outer casing make up the cylinder. Hydraulic cylinder seals are essential parts of several mechanical devices, machinery, and apparatus. The practical sealing ability of these seals accounts for their popularity. Oil and pressure systems are the most common hydraulic seals and supply applications. Polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, polyurethane, and rubber frequently make these seals. Piston, rod, wiper, O-Ring, bonded, and symmetric seals are some of the most commonly used.

What are hydraulic seals?

Gasket-like rings are used to close gaps between hydraulic cylinder components. Hydraulic cylinders contain various parts that come into contact with the fluid. Fluid cannot leak around these components. While offering a leak-proof seal, hydraulic seals are created to fit the features of a hydraulic cylinder. Even if the piston of the hydraulic cylinder moves and fluid pressure increases, the component won't leak. The hydraulic seal will stop leaks around the element by keeping fluid in the appropriate container.

Advantages of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals:

Pressure adaptability and preventing contamination:

Hydraulic seals may function in both low-pressure and high-pressure systems. Additionally, these seals aid in rescuing your automated application from contamination. The automatic system's features can be precisely covered from dirt penetration by the seal.

Controlling leaks and preventing blowouts:

To prevent system leakage, hydraulic cylinder seals are necessary. They are mainly used to stop leaks in machinery or equipment. The goal is to enhance performance while undervaluing rehabilitation efforts. Businesses use hydraulic seals in industrial settings to prevent or lessen blowouts on oil plants.

Cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance:

One of the most well-known sealing manufacturers in the world, it has been in the company for more than 50 years. Their company is recognised for delivering hydraulic seals at competitive costs. As a result of their low price, dependability, and low maintenance needs, numerous businesses and industrial facilities acquire these seals in large quantities. The ability to quickly change a seal makes hydraulic seals so intriguing.

High Durability and Adaptability:

Numerous manufacturers produce hydraulic cylinder seal kits. Some are strong and offer a long service life. They use premium materials to create cutting-edge seals that keep machinery operational and prolong seal life. Their hydraulic seals can function well in challenging conditions.

Safety and Water Resistance:

Hydraulic seals offer exceptional resistance qualities that allow them to endure water, chemicals, wear and tear, and both. Because of this, most mining businesses utilize their wear-resistant seals to speed up the extraction of minerals. Lastly, hydraulic seals kits are safe for various industries, including companies producing drugs and chemicals.

Summing it up:

Maintaining strong hydraulic seals is essential for maintaining long cylinder life. Bearing Centre must be exposed to lubricant to prevent accelerated wear and tear on their elastic surfaces. The signs that require attention are clear to notice. Maintain the quality of your hydraulic seals and supplies to keep your hydraulic cylinders operating at peak efficiency.

The impact of wheel size on a caster's performance on various surfaces:

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:58:01 GMT

The impact of wheel size on a caster's performance on various surfaces:

Casters are extremely important in their daily lives, especially when they need to move or carry big objects or cargo. There are several factors to take into account while selecting any caster wheel. Temperature conditions, caster design, caster material longevity, floor protection, and simplicity of maintenance are a few of these variables. How about the caster wheel's size? Have you ever wondered why they come in a variety of sizes? This essay aims to answer this basic query while examining the connection between the size of the caster wheels and how well it performs on various floor types.

Here are some of the impacts of wheel size on a caster's performance on multiple surfaces which are mentioned below:

Uneven surfaces:

Flooring frequently contains fissures, thresholds at doorways, or neighboring surfaces that aren't relatively level, such as those seen at expansion joints. Grates, potholes, bumps, and other issues make the uneven pavement outside even more difficult. Each of these unequal characteristics poses a challenge for the caster. The heavy duty caster wheels South Africa provide the best quality, and they must roll up and over the obstruction to continue advancing. Because the vertical component of the caster's motion is relatively significant compared to the horizontal part, pushing the caster up and over the obstruction may need quite a bit of force for wheels with tiny diameters. Larger wheels will find the obstacle to be much less of a hindrance. The caster will appear to navigate the obstruction with ease and continue rolling with a lot less effort.

Soft surfaces:

A depression is created around the wheel when a caster wheels presses into a soft surface, like a carpeted floor. The caster must roll up and out of the depression to advance. Due to the weight of the load being distributed over a broader area, larger wheels offer advantages in this scenario. They generate considerably less of a depression and are easier to roll over the depression, just as larger wheels were before stated as being easier to roll over trash. As a generalization, they can observe that larger-diameter wheels will perform better than smaller-diameter wheels in each situation, including uneven, soft, or debris-covered surfaces.

Surfaces with debris:

Debris may be present even on perfectly smooth outdoor pavement or inside floors. Heavy duty caster wheels in South Africa may prevent the caster from moving forward. A pebble is small at 1/4 inch, and they used to provide a barrier that is 25% of the caster's radius when using a 2-inch caster. The little caster must scale this substantial barrier. The same pebble occupies only 6% of a 6-inch caster's radius when it is in its path. The stone appears more like a grain of sand to this more prominent caster and is simple to roll over.

Final thoughts:

One factor that affects a caster's performance is its wheel size. Additionally, significant factors are things like bearing style, tread width, and shape. To determine which variables to combine in your case, you need to have a high-quality wheel from the bearing centre to reduce the effects on the caster's performance.

Know the Rubber Gasket Market Opportunities:

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:35:33 GMT

Understand Market Opportunities for Rubber Gaskets

The Worldwide Rubber Gasket Market Outlook from 2022 to 2028 informs readers about various categories and applications that may impact the global market. The study identifies dominant market segments and critical variables that may affect the global Rubber Gasket market. The paper gives readers a clear understanding of how to examine both global and regional industries. Each player's profile includes pertinent information, including product kinds, business descriptions, sales, production base, applications, and other characteristics. Major industry suppliers, important geographic areas, demand and supply, applications, innovations, revenue costs, and obstacles are all revealed in the research. It discusses market trends, constraints, and drivers.

Here we will learn About the Market Opportunities for Rubber Gaskets:

What is Rubber Gasket?

An EPDM gasket seal covers the junction of two surfaces and fills the space between two substrate portions to prevent liquid or gas leaks. Because of its adaptability, this versatile component can be employed for various tasks. It is possible to utilise rubber gaskets for:

Anti-vibration
Mounts for supporting
Reduces noise
Sealing

These kinds of gasket are typically located between two pipes. Gaskets are frequently employed as protection from the environment, such as in a camera lens to fend off moisture and dust and as a barrier between two objects. They are also sometimes used as a barrier between two things.

How do Rubber Gasket works?

A rubber gasket is an essential part that efficiently seals against the flow of liquids and gases. You will need them if you wish to connect two surfaces with certain irregularities. A seals and gaskets are remarkable flexibility allowing them to fit snugly into places and create a perfect seal. Rubber gaskets are appropriate for various industries, including food processing, oil and gas, and water supply, among others, due to their different qualities. Gaskets are the best solution for covering imperfections and fusing surfaces. Many gaskets are made from materials that can be distorted because they are intended to fill holes between surfaces.

Increase in the Market:

The market for rubber gaskets was valued at USD 56.9 billion in 2018 and was launched to develop at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2018 and 2025. The solid economic prognosis of rising car production and global sales may be responsible for this market expansion. Due to the slow increase in durables consumption and automotive manufacturing, spiral wound gaskets may experience market growth for commercial rubber below the global average.

In the automotive industry, industrial rubber is widely used in many applications, such as gaskets, belts, etc. The increased demand for electric vehicles aids the increase in automobile manufacturing. Many foreign companies are setting up operations there to serve those customers.

Opportunities in the Market:

Numerous industries, which include packaging, manufacturing, engineering, and construction, use rubber products. It produces reliable results with various polymers and chemicals to build goods, including surgical equipment, respirators, pacemakers, and feeding nipples. For instance, calendared or coated rubber is used to construct reinforced items like drive belts, air brake diaphragms, and conveyors on a rotating or stationary drum. On the other hand, sponges are made by shaping and curing non-reinforced rubbers. As a result, the market is anticipated to benefit significantly from introducing unique goods.

Final thoughts:

With strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis, and a comprehensive description of the market conditions in the projected period, the Rubber Gasket Market Research Report keeps a close eye on the leading competitors. Bearing Centre is the best option to increase the market rate. It is an expertly written, in-depth study emphasising key and secondary drivers, market share, top categories, and regional analysis.

Understanding the Various Types of Roller Bearings:

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:28:21 GMT

Understanding the Various Types of Roller Bearings:

Nowadays, a roller bearing is a special bearing that utilises rolling components to support loads and lower friction. To keep the moving pieces apart, it uses cylinders. These bearings are made up of barrel-shaped rolling parts rather than spherical balls. Compared to ball bearings of comparable size, they can carry larger loads but are slower.

Here, we can see the various types of roller bearings

Cylindrical Roller Bearings:

The radial and thrust load capacities of cylindrical roller bearings are both high. Although not genuine cylinders, they do contain cylindrical-shaped rollers. To lessen stress concentrations, these rollers are instead capped or end-relieved. High-speed applications are made possible by the minimal friction caused by this design. The inner or outer ring ribs serve as the rollers' guides. For easier assembly, the inner and outer rings can be divided, and both can be fitted tightly. Although cylindrical roller bearings designs are similar to needle roller bearings, their diameter and roller length measurements are more comparable.

Thrust Roller Bearings:

Thrust bearings handle just thrust loads and have minimal radial load capacity. Similar to other types of roller bearings, roller thrust bearing uses rollers. They have self-aligning capabilities and convex rollers.

Gear bearings:

Roller bearings that combine with epicyclical gear are known as gear bearings. A concentric alternation of gear wheels and rollers with equal gearwheel pitch and roller diameters is used to depict each component. Conjugated rollers and gear wheels have identical widths when used in pairs. The engagement is herringbone-shaped or skews of the end faces. A gear bearing could be utilised as a kinematically simple planetary gear mechanism in timepieces and measuring devices.

Needle roller bearings:

Due to their small diameter, needle-like cylindrical rollers found in needle roller bearings have a unique appearance. In roller bearings, the length of the rollers is often just a little bit greater than its diameter. When it comes to needle bearing, the size of the rollers is at least four times greater than its diameter. Because more rollers may fit in the same space with a smaller diameter in ball bearings , there is a more significant surface region in contact with the ethnicities. They can therefore support heavy loads. Automobile parts, including the transmission and rocker arm pivots, require needle bearings. They are also utilised in pumps and compressors.

Summing it up:

In rotary applications, roller bearings replace sliding with low friction rolling motion. They provide cylindrical, spherical, and tapered roller bearings. Roller bearings have more load capabilities than ball bearings of the same size.

Soft floor casters vs hard floor casters: what is the difference?

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:56:25 GMT

Differences Between Soft floor and Hard floor Casters?

Have any idea about the gasket? The gasket is nothing but a seal or grommet that holds two things together. Are you looking for information on the difference between soft and hard floor casters? If yes, you will get a clear view here. You should look for essential factors when purchasing office chairs, whether used on a soft or hard floor. There are many different sizes and forms of casters available.

Consequently, deciding which option is ideal for your application might be challenging. Casters can be divided into two major categories those with hard tread and those with soft tread. The important differences between each classification will be highlighted here to help you move closer to selecting the ideal caster wheel for your application.

This Blog will help you get one step closer to choosing the proper caster wheel for your application.

Hard floor casters

Generally, a hard wheel rolls more quickly than a wheel with a soft tread. This makes choosing hard wheels for scenarios where you will carry your product across carpeted flooring a far more appealing alternative. Hard wheels are less than ideal for applications where a silent cart is required because they will be noisy on vinyl, tile, and hardwood surfaces. You can also use seals & gaskets on the wheel. Hard tread casters have additional advantages like:

Sustain fitness throughout time
Little force is required to keep the product rolling.
More robust
Lives tend to be longer.
More affordable for applications involving big loads

Soft floor casters

Its main advantage is the caster's capacity to reduce noise and absorb vibrations. Soft wheels should be specified when hard flooring is used. If you use a soft caster on carpeted flooring, have floor mats. You can add a rubber gasket to your wheel for better stickiness.

In that, they can get flat and then accept a set. Soft wheel casters are similar to car tyres. Although soft wheels can eventually return to their standard shape using spiral wound gaskets, these warped casters are already replaced in many situations. Soft tread casters also provide the advantages listed below:

Rides with more cushion
minimal floor damage and low likelihood of destruction
Possess the capacity to manage both heavy and moderate load levels.

It is important to remember that before choosing a caster for your product, you must identify your preferences and requirements for caster performance. If your cart's ability to generate the least amount of noise is your priority, you can try with a rubber seal. Make sure to rank the most important criteria for your application in a hierarchy and meet the needs starting at the top.

Casters and safety

Your back and legs could be strained by a chair's worn-out and filthy castor.
Free-moving casters run the risk of causing mishaps.
Hard casters may harm the hard floor.

Bottom Line

Most chairs have the standard hard wheels for carpeted surfaces. However, numerous situations exist where a chair would be better off with soft casters, such as when used on wood floors, you can try with spiral wound gaskets . You can get such chairs in a bearing centre, which will offer you a quality product.

Tips for choosing the right thrust ball bearing

dharmesh@gbim.com (Dharmesh GBIM) — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:48:50 GMT

Tips for choosing the right thrust ball bearing

Do you know when people use thrust ball bearings? The thrust bearing is used when you are working on a mechanical project. Ball thrust bearings are made to boost your mechanical efficiency by reducing friction. Several industrial applications frequently use thrust ball bearings to enhance their efficiency. Installing a suitable bearing is essential to get the most out of your equipment.

Using the wrong bearing can reduce efficiency, increase maintenance needs, and, in the worst situations, make equipment failure expensive to repair. The fact is that several bearing types do not simplify your decision-making process. Selecting the right industrial bearings can be difficult.

Here you get a tip for choosing the right thrust ball bearing:

What is a thrust ball bearing?

Thrust ball bearings are a unique class of bearing created to support axial stresses. The components of this kind of bearing are a ball in the centre of a cage between two washers. The washer prevents the ball from moving axially while freely rotating inside the cage. Thrust ball bearings are perfect for high axial load applications like turbines and pumps because of their design. Heavy machinery like mining and construction equipment also makes use of them. Linear bearing is also less complex in their design than other types of bearings, which lowers their cost.

Check for accuracy

Thrust ball bearings can support axial loads in one or two directions. The balls, which roll with very low friction and carry the load, transfer the load between the raceways. Due to their design, thrust ball bearings are not appropriate for heavy radial loads.

To ensure appropriate functioning and precise load support, it is important to choose the right size and type of linear bearings and rails south Africa for your application. The bearing also needs to sustain the required speed and load capacity.

Selecting needle bearings that fit your unique requirements is important since thrust ball bearings are made to offer a high level of precision and accuracy. High-precision thrust ball bearings will perform more consistently and deliver successful results.

Speed

Needle bearings are designed to perform well over a specific range of speeds. A fast-moving system will require different bearings than a slow-moving system. Even if they are slightly out of alignment, high-speed bearings must continue to function securely because this might have a far more substantial impact when turning quickly.

Temperature

To make the most of a spinning system, you must know how temperature changes affect its parts. A system's journal bearing can generate a lot of heat, and how they respond to heat from other sources is also essential. The bearing's lubrication needs to be adjusted for the temperatures it will operate.

Load

The bearing load can be measured in several ways. The right radial load angle is applied to the shaft. Forces that act in the same direction can be measured using axial load. In a system, axial and radial loads can combine to create a moment or combined load. A bearing over the expected range must support all three types of loads.

Conclusion

If you are planning to buy a thrust ball bearing, you can choose a bearing centre that will offer you the best accuracy and speed of the bearing. The above listed are all the few tips you need to consider for selecting the right thrust ball bearing.

Different Types of Ball Bearing

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 08:53:37 GMT

Know About Different Types of Ball Bearings

The ball bearing has a niche area when it comes to the field of bearing as it can handle both thrust and radial loads. Every bearing has been given a name based on its rolling element, and it applies to the ball bearing also. These bearings provide high performance and give a long lifetime to transfer the loads from the balls to the inner races. Ball bearings have a multitude of different designs, each with its own unique features and different applications.

In this article, we will discuss the Different Types of Ball Bearings:

Deep-Groove Ball Bearing

This is the most widely used ball-bearing type in the world. It is because of its versatility and overall performance. They are characterized by having very deep raceway groves where the outer and inner rings have arcs with a slightly larger radius than balls. They also have a non-separable ring in them. They are excellent for high radial load capacity and high speeds, and they can accept axial loads in both directions.

Angular contact ball bearing

In this type of ball bearing, the direct line that connects the outer ring and inner ring balls have a given angle in the radial direction (Contact angle). This type of angle is generally designed with three different kinds of contact angles. These bearings can bear axial loads but must be used in pairs or in combination because the contact angle cannot be used singly.

Self-Aligning ball bearing

The self-aligning ball bearings include a double row of balls which are guided by a double row inner ring raceway and cage. They also contain the special features of a continuous spherical outer ring allowing the inner ball/ring complement to swivel within the outer ring. This type of bearing is recommended when the alignment of the shaft and bearing is a problem that a shaft could deflect. Self-aligning roller bearings are more suitable for absorbing these radial forces.

Duplex angular contact ball bearing

These are bearings that pair two or more angular ball bearings in a tandem, back-to-back, or face-to-face arrangement. Bearings that are duplex face-to-face (DF) or back-to-back (DB) may support axial loads in both directions. In comparison to face-to-face duplex bearings, back-to-back duplex bearings may support more moment loads. Tandem duplex bearings are more axially load-bearing than single bearings in a single direction.

Four-point contact ball bearing

These bearings have a distinctive design where the inner ring is divided into two halves, resulting in four points of contact. It is between the balls and raceways under radial stresses, hence the term "four-point contact." As a result, these roller bearings can support axial loads traveling in both directions as well as a mix of radial and axial loads. Compared to angular contact bearings, these bearings are built to endure higher load capacities and more demanding environments. They work best with heavy weights that oscillate often.

Conclusion

While these types of ball bearings are designed for different applications, there are various other factors that determine the load capacity. It includes the material used, size, and the number of balls, which is critical depending on its load requirements.

Tips on How to Maintain Car Door Rubber Last Longer

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:48:40 GMT

Methods for Making Car Door Rubber Last Longer

Many would be aware of the crucial role the door rubber plays in keeping vibration, noise, and harshness down in vehicles. The rubber protects the car door when it is closed or opened and also prevents rain from getting inside the cabin. It helps in giving comfort to the vehicle, but the fact is rubber doesn't last forever. It needs replacement at regular intervals.

This article will help you in maintaining the car door rubber gasket to last for a longer duration:-

Inspecting rubber damage

A quick inspection will give you an idea about the condition of the rubber gasket . Just open every door of your vehicle and check whether there is any damage to the rubber. If found, then analyze the percentage of damage. Don't forget that if you fail to repair the damaged door rubber, then it can lead to water getting inside your vehicle. This will then lead to the formation of rust. So it is highly recommended to change the gasket as soon as you find any damage at your easiest convenience.

Always try to park in the shade

Regular maintenance of the door gasket is not a big task. This includes simple things like parking a vehicle in the shade. It will prevent the rubber from getting exposed to rain and the sun. Don't take it lightly, but these natural elements can shorten the life span of hydraulic seals . When the rubber is exposed to more sun, it becomes brittle and will break down easily. You can apply silicone fluid which can keep the door rubber moist for a longer duration. If the rubber gasket gets exposed to too much water, then water will find ways to penetrate inside the gasket.

Clean the dirt regularly

It is important to clean the dirt regularly from the car door rubber. If a lot of dust sticks in the gasket , it will result in a reduction of the vehicle life span. In order to stop this, you should regularly flush the rubber between the doors and wash the car. This will ensure that no further debris or dirt contaminates the rubber. Allocate time according to your convenience and regularly clean the dirt from the rubber door gasket.

Replacing rubber door

Replacing the rubber door can be easily done by yourself. All you need is the correct hydraulic seals /door rubber for your car model and weatherstrip adhesive that can create a permanent bond. However, one should not forget some important things during this process. For instance, you must make sure that no glue is left behind in the door. Remove other panels that can possibly interfere with the removal process. Additionally, you will need some clips to keep your rubber in place while the adhesive dries.

Conclusion

The above-given are some of the tips you should follow to avoid any damage to the car rubber door gasket . So, consider these as important suggestions that will save you money as well as reduce overall damage to the vehicle.

Difference Between Casters And Wheels? - Bearing Centre

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 11:37:36 GMT

Difference Between Casters And Wheels

People often use the words wheels and casters interchangeably to talk about things that move. Even though both wheels and casters are things that roll, they are not the same. Read on to learn more about wheels and heavy duty caster wheels and how they differ.

What Are Wheels?

Wheels are round objects made to move when pushed or pulled on. They are a type of simple machine, like levers, wedges, axles, and pulleys. Wheels have been around for a long time and have been found in artifacts from 4500 BC, but no one knows when they were first made. Wheels can be made of different things. Some are made of mate rubber and others of polyurethane (PU).

What Are Casters?

An assembly wheel unit affixed to an object is called caster. You can find them on office chairs, grocery carts, hand trucks, industrial machines, and more. Most caster wheels have a metal frame with a wheel inside. They are put up with fasteners that hold the frame to a certain thing. The wheel is placed inside a metal frame allowing it to move when pushed.

Differences Between Wheels And Casters

Casters are not the same as wheels. Casters are not as simple as wheels. As was already said, they are made of a round object that can roll when pushed or pulled. They are more complicated. They also have a wheel and a metal frame that allows them be used with something else.

Caster comes in more types than caster wheels because they have metal frames. Casters can turn and can move from side to side.

Wheels and casters are both useful in different ways because of how they are made. If your object cannot move independently, casters might be the best way to make it move.

Wheels are easier to put in place than casters. You cannot just screw a wheel to something or use some other method. You will need a frame, which is where the casters come in. All caster wheels in South Africa have a frame that holds a wheel. This frame is usually made of stainless steel or aluminum.

How To Choose The Best Product

In business, it is important to choose the right tools. Wheels and casters should beHow To Choose The Best Product chosen based on what you want to do.

If you need help figuring out which option is best for your business, contact caster wheel experts in South Africa . They will show you the different options to determine which is best for your business.

Bearing Centre have exceptional experience and have worked with businesses like yours for years, so they know what questions to ask to ensure that you get exactly what you need when placing your order.

Tips For Proper Bearing Maintenance - Bearing Centre

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:21:55 GMT

Tips For Proper Bearing Maintenance

Bearings are used in many different things. If not taken care of, the device will not work as well as it could, and if it goes too long without being checked, it could cause damage.

Because of this, we have put together tips and tricks for maintaining roller bearings to ensure they last longer, have less downtime and increase productivity. These will save your business money in person-hours and repair costs.

Tips to take care of your roller bearings

1. Proper Handling and Storage

They should be handled and stored properly to keep moisture, dust, or dirt from entering the bearings. First, bearings should be kept horizontally in their original packaging in a clean, dry area at room temperature.

When bearings are handled without reason, like when their wrappings are taken off too soon, corrosion or other problems can happen. Bearings are small, fragile parts that need to be handled with care. So, parts that have been dropped shouldn't be used since that could cause them to break down too soon.

2. Regular Inspection of the Shaft and Housing

Regular inspections of the shaft and housing ensure that the bearing is good enough to work. Wipe the surfaces clean with a soft cloth and make sure to get rid of any nicks or sharp edges.

3. Proper Mounting

You should mount your bearings correctly, depending on the bearing and how it fits. Depending on the type of load, the speed, and the amount of vibration, radial ball bearing rings can be mounted in several ways, from a loose slide fit to a tight press fit.

The rolling elements could be damaged if you put pressure on the wrong ring when putting something together. You should also avoid fits that are too tight or loose, a bad finish on the bearing seats, and shafts or housings that are not round.

4. Choose Your Replacement Carefully

When a bearing has reached the end of its useful life, you should replace it with one of the same quality or better quality than the original. A low-quality alternative is more likely to break and could cause more expensive equipment to break down in the long run.

5. Corrosion Prevention

When water or humidity sits on ball bearings for a long time, rust and corrosion can happen. When this happens, the bearings will wear out faster than they should, which will hurt your performance and productivity. Then, that will make your operating costs go up. When working with bearings, you should always wear gloves.

6. Call in the experts

Lastly, if you are not sure, ask an expert. A ball bearings specialist can tell you the best way to take care of your bearings and help you figure out the problem if there is one. It can be as easy as sending the problematic bearings to a professional who will look at them and lubricate them if necessary.

Conclusion

Proper roller bearing maintenance is necessary if you want your equipment and machinery to work as well as possible. Using these tips and tricks of Bearing Centre , your bearings will last longer and perform better, saving you money on operating costs, downtime, and repairs.

Tips To Clean And Maintain Casters Wheels - Bearing Centre

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:10:05 GMT

Tips To Clean And Maintain Casters Wheels

Most business owners know that buying new caster wheels is a significant investment that should last long. The best caster wheels need to be taken care of to keep working for a long time. By carefully cleaning and maintaining caster wheels, business owners and others can get the most out of their money and keep from having to buy new wheels for at least a few years.

Things to keep in mind while taking care of heavy-duty caster wheels in South Africa

1. Turn It

Turn your chair over so that the wheels face up and the seat is on the floor. Get another chair to sit on to reach the wheels without stress on your back.

2. Scrape It

Don't even think about putting the wheels in hot water until this step is finished. Use your fingers to take off stickers, pieces of paper, or paper clips that are stuck. Use a butter knife to get rid of any debris that is stuck. The knife can go through the slots and under the wheel cover. Use the knife and rubbing alcohol to get gum off your wheels. Be careful not to make any holes in the plastic wheels, as this could make them hard to roll..

Get a pair of tweezers to pull out any hair that might be stuck in the wheel. If you don't have tweezers, you can try using tape to pick up small pieces of trash.

3. De-Wheel It

Most chairs have heavy duty caster wheels that can be taken off. But you need a screwdriver to open some of them.

4. Clean It

If you're sure your wheels don't need a deep clean, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth. Make sure to wipe the inside and outside of the wheel cover. Use cotton swabs to reach places that are hard to get to. If you think your wheels need a thorough cleaning, soak them in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse under a cold tap.

5. Dry It

Dry each one with care. You don't want to leave any water inside the wheel, or it could get dirtier or start to squeak.

Use a clean rag, a paper towel, or even a hairdryer.

6. Lubricate It

Spray a little lubricant inside each wheel with a spray lubricant. Wipe away any extra, so it doesn't attract more dirt.

7. Re-Wheel It

Pop or screw back on the reels! Check the treads and structure of a caster wheel often for damage. If you need to replace a damaged wheel or track before it becomes a bigger problem, that forces you to replace the whole caster. Most business owners should set up a monthly inspection schedule to ensure the caster will last long.

Conclusion

Before buying a lubricant contact Bearing Centre and make sure you know what wheels you have. If they are made of plastic, use silicone oil and if they are metal, use oil without grease. If you use the wrong lubricant, your wheels might keep getting dirty even after cleaning them.

7 Factors To Be Considered In Bearing Selection - Bearing Centre

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 04:57:42 GMT

7 Factors To Be Considered In Bearing Selection

Installing the right bearing is essential for getting the most out of your equipment. When the wrong bearing is used, it can lower efficiency, require more maintenance, and, in the worst cases, cause equipment to stop working and cost a lot of money to fix. The fact that there are different types of bearings doesn't make your choice any more straightforward.

It can be hard to choose suitable industrial bearings. During use, industrial bearings and power transmission equipment create a complex matrix of forces, such as speeds, temperatures, and pressures, that often interact in nonlinear ways.

Here are seven of the top factors worth thinking about when choosing a suitable journal bearing

1. Load

There are several ways to measure bearing load. Radial load is put on the shaft at the right angle. Axial load is a way to measure forces that act in the same direction as the shaft. Radial and axial loads can work together to make a moment or combined load in a system. A bearing must be able to handle all three types of loads over their expected range.

2. Tolerance

ISO and JIS standards determine how well cylindrical roller bearings with spacers fit and how well they turn. It is best to use paths with an accuracy level of 5 or higher in machines that need to work with high precision and speed. Machines that need to run with high accuracy can use deep groove ball bearings , radial thrust ball bearings , or cylindrical roller bearings.

3. Speed

Every bearing is made to work well at a specific range of speeds. A system that moves fast will need different bearings than one that moves at a slow rate. High-speed bearings must keep working safely even if they are slightly out of alignment, which can have a much more significant effect when turning quickly.

4. Temperature

To get the most out of a system that rotates, you need to know how temperature changes affect its parts. Journal bearing can add a lot of heat to a system, and how they react to heat from other factors is also very important. The bearing's lubrication must be set to the temperatures at which the bearing will be used.

5. Rotation Accuracy

Most journals bearing 0-level tolerance bearings are enough to meet the needs of the host. However, when the accuracy of the shaft's rotation is critical, such as in machine tool spindles, precision machinery, and instruments, higher tolerance deep groove ball bearings should be used.

6. Rigidity

This amount of change is minimal and can be ignored most of the time. However, in some machines, like machine tool spindle systems, the static and dynamic stiffness of the bearing has a significant effect on how the system works.

7. Friction torque

Ball bearings have less resistance to friction than roller bearings. The friction resistance is low when a pure radial load is put on a radial contact bearing. Friction resistance is common when a pure axial load is placed on an axial contact bearing.

Choosing journal bearing is not finished until the long-term industrial maintenance services are examined.

Selecting an approach can be like selecting any other piece of hardware: you have to find a balance between price and performance. A more vital bearing may cost more but will need less maintenance and replacement. Other things to think about are how easy it is to lubricate and check the directions.

Why Do You Need Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels In Your Business? - Bearing Centre

Thu, 05 May 2022 14:29:23 GMT

Why Do You Need Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels In Your Business?

Heavy-duty caster wheels will be the best choice for your company. Most of the time, People use heavy-duty wheels when things are placed, arranged, and designed to make them more accessible and safer for people to work with them. Wheels of sound quality make it easier to move much weight. Let us look at why you need heavy-duty caster wheels for your business.

Five Reasons To Have Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels

1. Reduce Starting and Stopping Efforts

When you move something on casters, you have to make sure the object stays motionless for a long time. This means that it can be challenging. Heavy-duty caster wheels make it easier for employees to move things attached to casters and stop them, making their lives easier.

2. Bearings Increase Mobility

Because the bearing is so significant, we cannot forget it! Wheels have a raceway of ball bearings within the wheel casing that roll when the casters move. This provides a buffer between axle and wheel. Heavy-duty casters have high precision bearings that drive the wheel more freely.

3. Objects Are Easier To Push With Narrower Wheels

Road bikes have smaller wheels than mountain bicycles, and you can go a lot faster on a road bike than you can on a mountain bike. They will have smaller wheels on ergonomic casters, but they will not be as small as non-egonomic ones. The thinner wheel, the easier it is to push something with a caster.

4. A Practical Tread Shape Improves Caster Performance

The tread of the caster is the last part of the wheel that comes into direct contact with the ground. Think that the tread's shape does not have much to do with how well it fits your body. You would be wrong. It is more common for the heavy-duty caster to have a crown or rounded end than to be squared off at the end. This again makes it easier for workers to move caster-mounted items.

5. Long Swivel Leads Reduce The Battle Between The Swivel And Rigid Casters

People put things on wheels with both fixed and swivel wheels. A mix of rigid and swivel casters is often the best way to move an item. Mixed casters mean more force when rigid and fixed casters are not in line. Heavy-duty casters have longer swivel leads, which means that the swivel casters can get in line faster, which makes it easier to move around.

Is your business looking into a heavy-duty caster to make your day-to-day work easier? There are many different ways that casters can be used. A team of experts would love to help you figure out if heavy-duty casters are the right choice for your workplace and job.

Tips For Selecting A Linear Bearing To Increase The Performance Of Motion System - Bearing Centre

Thu, 05 May 2022 14:15:47 GMT

Tips For Selecting A Linear Bearing To Increase The Performance Of Motion SystemThis is a subtitle for your new post

There are many things to think about depending on what the bearing will be used for. For a conveyor system, you would look for precision and speed. Still, you would look for accuracy and firmness.

Here are seven tips for choosing linear bearings and rails in South Africa that will help you ensure that your linear motion system will work well and make your customers happy.

Seven Tips For Choosing Linear Bearings & Rails in South Africa

1. Choose Your Priorities And Criteria

All engineering has trade-offs. Before choosing your linear bearing:
Ensure you know what the system needs, such as how accurate it is, how big it is, how smooth it moves, how long it lasts, and how much it costs.
Create an error budget for the system and figure out how much the bearing can contribute.
Put all metrics at the top of the list so you can make intelligent decisions.

2. Understand Error Sources

A basic linear bearing system comprises a carriage on one or more rails and moves along them. Rolling parts are often used in precision motion systems to reduce friction like balls or rollers. It can have two primary sources of error:

3. Running Parallelism

Bearings are not perfectly straight because of machining and assembly tolerances and mistakes when mounting them.

4. Deflection

If there is too much space in the bearing , the load can move from where it should be. To improve running parallelism, ensure the mounting surfaces are machined to tolerances and alignment features. This can add a little to the cost, but it's usually worth it. To reduce deflection and increase the preload, the running friction will increase, making it more difficult to move smoothly and shortening the part's life.

5. Do Not Overlook The Effects Of Orientation

Choosing a linear bearing starts with the layout, including how many axes of motion and how much space the bearing bearings have. The load and performance requirements are considered with tails and approaches used arsen. Orientation can have an on how b. A Cartesian system will be subjected to very different forces on the wall.

6. Include All Loads

The bearing must be sized appropriately to meet its lifetime requirements. If a load is not moving, it can be called static. Determine the magnitude and direction of the forces on each axis and the whole assembly. Do not forget to consider both the load you will put on the machine and any power that the device itself might have. Dynamic loads are made up of the static load of the mass and the emotional load that happens when you move.

7. Use Caged Bearings

Ball-type linear bearings can be made with a ball cage or a separate piece. Ball cages are made to closely fit the surface of the balls, which helps them move in a more orderly way for better high-speed performance. They keep metal from touching metal, which reduces wear and noise.

The first step in choosing linear bearings and rails in South Africa for your project is figuring out the application's needs. Analyse that information based on the trade-offs discussed above to determine two or three of the most promising configurations for more study.

9 Reasons Why Bearings Fail

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:07:03 GMT

Reasons Why Bearings Fail

Here Are 9 Reasons For Bearing Failure

There is always a danger that products will fail, no matter what you do. The same may be said for bearings , but it doesn't mean you can't avoid many problems that cause costly downtime.

This blog will walk you through the primary causes that might contribute to bearing or journal failure and how to avoid them. You can get the most life out of your bearings and make your application more robust by learning more about these potential difficulties and knowing how to stop them.

1. Lubrication Failure

According to a recent study, insufficient lubrication is responsible for up to 80% of bearing failures. Insufficient lubrication, the use of inappropriate lubricants, or extreme temperatures that deteriorate the lubricant are all examples of this.

As excellent as overheating or excessive wear in a bearing, look for discoloured rolling elements such as blue or brown and rolling-element outlines.

Here's a fix: Use a suitable lubricant in a reasonable volume, equivocate douse loss, and relubricate at appropriate intervals.

2. Contamination

Unknown chemicals contaminate temperament lubricants or cleaning solutions, causing contamination. Dirt, dissolving grit, dust, steel chips from contaminated work areas, and unclean hands or equipment are all examples.

Keep an eye out for dents in the rolling elements and raceways, which indicate vibration.

Here's a Fix: To eliminate the possibility of contamination, filter a liniment and cleanse workspaces, tools, fixtures, and hands.

3. Improper Mounting

In many cases, orientation should be mounted on a rotating ring with a press fit.

Denting, wear, rupture rings, high handling temperatures, early fatigue, and bearing disaster can all result from various circumstances. These include demanding vigour or blows to an outdoor race, ascending into housing by dire on a middle ring, lax missile fits, lax housing fits, excessively parsimonious fits, out-of-round housings, and a horrible finish on a temperament seat.

Here's a Fix: Follow proper ascent instructions and get yield training to ensure that all employees understand the difference between an adequately commissioned mounting and one that has been incorrectly designated.

4. Misalignment

Misalignment can result in overheating and separator failure due to bent shafts, out-of-square missile shoulders, out-of-square spacers, out-of-square clamping nuts, and crude designation due to slack fittings.

It's worth noting a worn trail that isn't parallel to the raceway borders of a non-rotating ring.

Here's a Fix: Use precision-grade locknuts and inspect shafts and housings for runout of shoulders and temperament seating.

5. False Brinelling

During lubrication, the rapid transition of balls in a raceway while the apparatus is idle wears divided. Furthermore, a lack of temperamental revolution does not permit uneducated liniment to lapse to a location. Fake brinelling is the result of both of these circumstances.

During a rolling-element depiction, you might witness linear wear outlines in an axial instruction or no lifted edges as opposed to outlines due to inadequate mounting.

Here's a Fix: Remove or catch any quivering that could indicate a ball in motion. Make sure to use lubricants with anti-wear compounds as well.

6. Corrosion

Moisture, acid, low-quality or shabby grease, improper wrappings, and precipitation from impassioned feverishness reversals can cause gnawing on finely finished round and drum bearing surfaces.

Look for reddish-red stains or deposits on rolling components, raceways, cages, and increased quivering followed by wear, an increase in radial clearway, or a loss of preload.

Here's a Fix: Erosive fluids should be diverted away from temperament regions. For considerably antagonistic surroundings, choose hermetic orientation and cruising outmost seals. Using a correct temperament material, such as stainless steel, can help if you can't equivocate an erosive environment.

7. Electrical Damage

Even with low currents, a constant flow of exchanging or approaching current can cause electrical harm.

Brownish outlines may be honored as a pivot on a large portion of a racetrack or around the racetrack.

Here's a Fix: Educate or regulate insulated bearings to prevent electrical currents from being generated by a temperament.

8. Overheating

Overheating is usually caused by high handling temperatures and poor lubrication. High temperatures can cause oil to drain (purge), reducing the lubricant's efficiency. Burning can cause a loss of lubricating fluids from a grease, resulting in the formation of a dry, crusty soap that can seize a bearing in high-feverishness circumstances. Higher temperatures also cause a metal's suppleness to be revoked, resulting in early failure.

Any blemishes on rings, rolling elements, or cages should be noted. Temperament components will distort under enraged situations. A lubricant can also be revoked or destroyed at higher temperatures.

Here's a Fix: To avoid overheating bearings , use thermal or overkill controls, proper feverishness routes, and auxiliary cooling.

9. Improper Storage and Handling

Inadequate storage exposes the orientation to odors and dust. Excessively high temperatures might shorten the shelf life of grease, so always check with a douse maker for storing recommendations. Opening boxes and shredding wrappings to handle orientation might let dirt in and expose the direction to erosive factors.

Keep an eye out for odors and temperatures that indicate decomposition and/or an open storage place.

Here's a Fix: Keep the orientation in a dry place at room temperature. Always wrap them in orientation to keep them clean while in storage, and unwrap them in a designated location.

You've already made a massive step toward limiting machine failures by knowing the various conditions that might cause bearing or journal failure and the signs to look for. Regular preventive maintenance can keep your bearings performing at their best for as long as possible, saving you time and money.

What Are The Benefits Of Rubber Gaskets?

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 12:59:39 GMT

What is Rubber Gasket?

A gasket is a component that helps to rubber seal a joint while the seal is located at the point where two linked surfaces meet. Rubber Gaskets are used in various industries, including gas and oil and food and beverage.

A rubber gasket is a handy component that keeps liquids and gases out and is ideal for filling in imperfections and joining two surfaces together. A gasket's properties include being manipulable and able to warp into the small space for which it was created.

Bearing Centre rubber gaskets are commonly used in piping and plumbing applications, and they provide good resistance and rubber sealing for low temperatures, pressures, and mild chemical conditions. Let's look at the benefits of rubber gaskets.

Benefits of rubber gaskets

1. Chemical resistance

Rubber gaskets can be utilised in some chemical facilities since they are compatible with acids and alkalis. Rubber gaskets are commonly used in drainage pipes as a sealant for transferring various liquids.

If the sealant is of poor quality, the seal may fail, causing the pipeline to leak. Some rubber gaskets are poor or moderately resistant to petroleum fluids and should only be used when their performance satisfies the specified criteria.

2. Prevent leakages

One of the most important benefits of utilising our rubber gasket is that it prevents leaks as the gasket is a piece of material that bridges the gap between two surfaces. It connects machine parts to reduce friction. Gaskets protect machines from wear and tear, allowing them to be utilised safely.

3. Withstand high temperatures

Many industries employ gaskets, including petrochemicals, water and gas, and medicines. Chemically resistant and temperature-resistant components are essential in these sectors. The High-Temperature Gasket, for example, can withstand temperatures of up to 1000°C.

4. Safety

Rubber Gaskets play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of a system and are made to react to any pressure build-up. You could end up with a ruptured pipe or perhaps an explosion if you don't use a rubber gasket , and it is critical to select the correct gasket for the application.

5. Pressure

You must check the minimum and maximum pressures required to apply gasket pressure. The hardness of the rubber gasket changes with pressure needs to provide the most outstanding performance as a good sealer.

6. Strength

Rubber Gaskets have high tensile strength and excellent physical qualities. In addition, depending on the rubber gasket's life cycle and usage, the rubber versions' wear resistance ensures a longer product life.

Final Words

Please choose from our selection of rubber gaskets at the Bearing Centre . From the tiniest bearings and seals to the largest motors, we recognise the value of each component, which is why each product we stock through a rigorous quality certification procedure before being added to our inventory.

Materials for Constructing Linear Bearing

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:28:31 GMT

Materials Used for Constructing Linear Bearing

The simplicity of simple linear bearings is one of its advantages. Plain bearings, especially when contrasted to recirculating approaches, are simple to specify, install, maintain, and replace. Choosing the wrong directions may result in poor performance, bearing deterioration, or early failure.

Linear bearing materials include bronze, ceramic, graphite, plastic, and stainless steel. Corrosion resistance, self-lubrication, and rotating motion are all unique material characteristics.

The following materials are used to make linear bearings and rails in South Africa

1. Steel

Steel, mostly made of carbon and iron, is the most used material for linear bearings and rails . Steel linear bearings have outstanding mechanical qualities, allowing them to sustain enormous loads while moving smoothly. Carbon steel and stainless steel are the most prevalent steels in manufacturing linear bearings. The hardness of steel rises as carbon content increases; this influences the performance.

2. Aluminium

Aluminium is resistant to corrosion and chemicals. It is less costly and softer than steel. Aluminium linear bearings have a lesser load capacity than linear steel bearings. They may provide smooth and accurate motion.

3. Plastics

Plastic bearings lubricate themselves. They are also particularly resistant to corrosion since they do not have any metal surfaces. On the other hand, plastic bearings operate as a thermal insulator since they do not quickly dissipate heat and may distort; they may also expand in the presence of moisture, resulting in more friction than expected.

Plastic linear bearings are softer and less expensive than metallic bearings, and they have a lower coefficient of friction. Nylon, polyethene, and PVDF are common polymers used in linear bearings and rails in South Africa , and they are frequently coated with a self-lubricating coating. They are occasionally reinforced with fibres and fillers to improve their weight-bearing capacity. Softer shaft materials may be utilised with plastic linear bearings. They do, however, have reduced load capabilities and are restricted to room temperatures.

4. Bronze

Bronze is a copper and zinc alloy with additions such as manganese and phosphorus. Bronze linear bearings can withstand more load than plastic linear bearings. They create more friction than plastic bearings, necessitating lubrication.

5. Ceramics

Silicon nitride, aluminium oxide, zirconium oxide, and silicon carbide are the most common materials used to make ceramic linear bearings. They have high stiffness, which allows them to move at high speeds with accuracy and precision. They feature a high hardness, which extends their service life and abrasion resistance while also reducing the particles created by the sliding of bearing components. They are also suitable for use with vacuum and ESD-sensitive electronics and equipment.

Ceramic rolling elements are used in recirculating linear bearings and rails in South Africa due to their more incredible speeds.

Different materials are often used for linear bearings and rails. It is typically more challenging to eliminate friction with the guide rail. Material wear is focused on the linear bearing's contact surface, which is softer. The guide rails, shafts, and bases are often made of hardened steel, grind steel, and anodised aluminium.

Types of Expansion Joint

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:10:47 GMT

Expansion Joints Type

An expansion joint is a mid-structure separation in building construction to alleviate building materials induced by building movement. Expansion joint systems bridge the gap and restore building assembly operations while tolerating predicted actions. Development coordinated transitions are critical for a sealed, safe, and energy-efficient building envelope.

8 Important Types of Expansion Joints

Single Unrestrained

This is the most basic expansion joint possible, with just one bellows section and end connectors. In terms of anchoring and guidance, this form of expansion joint requires maximum control over the nearby pipes.

Universal Expansion Joint

A central pipe portion connects two below parts in this expansion junction. This design allows for significant lateral deflection. In addition to lateral movement, the universal can allow for axial and rotational motion. This expansion joint does not have the necessary hardware to withstand pressure thrust. Like the single unconstrained growth common, the universal expansion joint must be adequately secured and supported.

Single Tied Expansion Joint

This expansion joint is identical to the single unrestrained expansion joint, except it includes tie rods. When tie rods are added to the expansion joint, the bellows are prevented from overextending. The tie rods serve as limit rods, with stops placed to enable axial movement to a particular direction.

Tied Universal Expansion Joint

This expansion joint is identical to the universal expansion joint, except the tie rods are built into the unit. By using tie rods, you may limit pressure thrust. The pressure balancing development joint will not permit external axial movement until this pressure thrust force is overcome.

Pressure Balanced Elbow Expansion Joint

This expansion joint controls the pressure thrust and balances the pressure push, so the nearby pipe or equipment is not anchored. This pressure-balanced elbow expansion joint may be configured as a single or universal joint depending on how much lateral movement is necessary.

Gimbal Expansion Joint

There is just one bellows segment in this expansion joint. The gimbal expansion joint uses two pairs of hinges coupled to a common centre floating ring to enable angular rotation in any plane. The gimbal expansion joint is often used in threes or with the hinged development joint.

Hinged Expansion Joint

This expansion joint has a single bellows portion and is only intended for angular movement in one plane. The hinge hardware is stiff in the axial direction to prevent axial movement of the expansion joint in piping systems. The hinged expansion joint is often used in threes or gimbal expansion joints.

In-Line Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint

This expansion joint is unique because it can absorb lateral, axial, and angular movement. This in-line pressure balanced expansion joint is used where primary anchoring is impossible, or pressure loads for equipment such as pumps and turbines are too high.

Other Types of Expansion Joint include

Externally Pressurized Expansion Joints
Toroidal Expansion Joints
Thick Wall Expansion Joints
Slip-type Expansion Joints
Rectangular Metallic Expansion Joints
Refractory Lined Expansion Joints
Fabric Expansion Joints
Rubber (Neoprene) Expansion Joints

Designers may now wrap the whole building exterior while ensuring life safety by selecting joint expansion systems that connect and are guaranteed for continuity of seal across like or different technologies.

Components Of Spiral Wound Gaskets

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 09:51:09 GMT

Components of Spiral Wound Gaskets

Spiral wound gaskets were designed to meet the needs of the oil refinery industry and are now widely used in a variety of industries such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Today, this metallic gasket is employed in industrial plants because it can endure high temperatures, pressures, and chemical attacks while avoiding leaks within its specified lifespan.

Components of spiral wound gaskets are:

The Outer Ring

When inserting a gasket into a bolted flange joint, the outer ring, also known as the centering or guide ring, is used to center the gasket. Bolts are usually used on the junction to ensure proper alignment when installing the gasket, while carbon steel is commonly used to make this outer ring.

Sealing Element

The spiral winding, also known as the sealing element, is the section that makes the seal and prevents leaks. The filler material and spiral wounds that establish the correct seal are also located. PTFE, a flexible graphite material approved for high temperatures, is commonly used as filler materials in the oil and gas industry.

Inner Ring

The spiral wound gasket's inner ring is a critical component as this part of the gasket keeps the gasket from buckling or being damaged in any way. This is critical because damage to the gasket could travel through the pipeline and cause internal pipe or pump damage. This ring component is optional, although it will protect the filler material from damage if flung around or used in high-pressure sealing situations.

Some of the Advantages of using spiral wound gaskets are:

Padding, sealing, leak prevention, mounting, protection against environmental contaminants, and vibration reduction are all functions of spiral wound gaskets.
They can withstand high pressures, high temperatures, and corrosive conditions, and they require less clamping force than solid gaskets.
These gaskets give padding like a spring due to their chevron-shaped design, making them suitable for a range of work conditions.
These gaskets also avoid gear failure and the associated costs due to their dependability and robustness.
By combining different winding materials and metals, spiral wound gaskets are designed to fit a wide range of working circumstances, and they're also quite easy to install.

The demand for engineering components is felt on numerous levels in the industry. There's no denying that technology tools and equipment influence how an industry operates. To purchase engineering components such as spiral wound gaskets and other bearings, you must find a company, such as the Bearing Centre, that can efficiently handle the work.

At Bearing Centre , we have a wide range of designed goods to fulfil industry needs. We have a long history of invention, which has seen us pioneer several new items in the industry.

Over time, our products have grown in popularity with a reputation for excellence, dependability, and unrivalled technology. Our materials are put through a variety of tests maintaining quality assurance equipment.

Types Of Linear Bearings & Their Applications

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:19:56 GMT

Types Of Linear Bearings & Their Applications

Linear bearings are utilized in applications where a component must travel straightly with great precision. The object may need to be restored to its original location with high repeatability, while linear bearing are available in various designs and load levels.

Linear Bearings Types Are Classified Into Two Categories:

Rolling linear bearings
Plain linear bearings

1. Rolling Linear Bearings

The most common type of linear bearing is a rolling linear bearing, which has a minor frictional surface for linear motion. The rolling elements are balls or rollers housed between the mating grooves in the bearing and guide rails.

The linear guide's linear speed is related to the ball or roller diameter; as the ball diameter grows, so does the linear guide's linear speed. The linear bearing's loading capacity in a specific direction is affected by the contact angle, which is measured on the horizontal.

The radial loading capacity is directly proportional to the contact angle, while the lateral loading capacity is proportional. A 450-contact angle can support weights in all three directions: radial, reverse radial, and lateral.

There are many different types of rolling linear bearings, and they can be classified in a variety of ways depending on their design:

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings, often known as linear ball bearings, have spherical rolling components (e.g., steel balls). They feature a low friction coefficient, a longer service life, and a high degree of precision. Rolling linear bearings of this type are the most common. Because of their spherical geometry, they can be used in various linear bearing designs.

Needle Linear Bearings

Needle linear bearings or Needle Roller Bearing also have needles cylindrical rollers with a length-to-diameter ratio of 3:1 to 10:1. Because the load is dispersed over a more significant number of smaller rollers, they have more stiffness and load capacity than balls or cylindrical bearings . Because the rollers are smaller, the contact area is more extensive and reduces deformation.

2. Plain Linear Bearings

Without rolling elements, plain linear bearings rely on the sliding contact of two surfaces. They have a simpler structure, simpler functioning mechanisms, and significantly less expensive than linear roller bearings. Because the contact area is larger, the surface pressure is reduced. They have a higher load capacity, are lighter, and better absorb shocks and damp vibrations.

They have more friction., reduce he linear guide's speed and increase its wear. Lubrication must be maintained. Various sliding materials or materials with a self-lubricating coating are typically utilized to minimize the friction coefficient. They also have a lesser travel accuracy, making them unsuitable for high-precision applications.

Plain linear bushings, also known as linear sleeve bearings, are hollow cylinders with the journal (shaft guide rail) sliding on their inner surface. The inner surface is typically treated with self-lubricating compounds (e.g., PTFE). At the same time, linear sleeve bearings can tolerate both axial and radial loads as they are employed in light to medium-duty applications because they have a lesser load capacity and rigidity than box-way and dovetail slides.

We at Bearing Centre are the most prominent suppliers (Authorized Distributors and import straight from manufacturers such as NSK, SKF, and TIMKEN) to bring you high-quality linear bearing products at affordable rates.

Common Material Used To Make Gaskets And Seals

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:22:28 GMT

Common Material Used To Make Gaskets And Seals

Gaskets & seals can be used for a variety of purposes in residential as well as industrial areas. One of their primary purposes is to prevent leaking at all levels where two rigid materials are coming together. Some people prefer using cam profile gaskets and some root for hydraulic cylinder seals . We are going to look at the materials being used to come up with gaskets & seals:-

Natural Rubber

One of the most commonly used materials to come up with gaskets & seals has to be natural rubber. It is used so often because it has versatile use and can be used for general purposes. It is entirely water-resistant, tells you that it will be effective for an extended period. That is why it is widely used in the case of water tanks and pipes. There are all the changes in the world that pipes get leaked, but if you use natural rubber for gaskets, you wouldn't have to worry too much here.

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is very much in use in the case of gaskets & seals . One of the biggest reasons people would prefer this material over others is that it is weather resistant. So if you want two pipes to come together outside your house, you can choose silicone rubber. It can be used inside your home, too, making it an extremely flexible option. Even if you use this material in high temperatures, there wouldn't be any damage done to it.

Neoprene Rubber

Neoprene rubber is quite like silicone rubber. This material is widely used to come up with cam profile gaskets and hydraulic cylinder seals as it is considered quite an effective material to be used for either of them. On top of that, the material is entirely weather resistant. Since it can stay good in any temperature ranging from negative 31 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, you can choose it as an ideal option regardless of the temperature you are trying to apply it to.

Cork

Cork is one of the best materials in use for gaskets . This material is also known for high compression as well as being flexible. It is a renewable material, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a durable and robust material for gaskets & seals. Even if your place catches fire, this material will not let anything happen to your pipes as it is entirely fire-resistant.

Neoprene Sponge

The great thing about this material is that you can use it in open and closed-cell forms. It will make sure that dust, dirt and moisture don't impact it in any manner. So if you're trying to get gaskets & seals for the pipes or water tanks in the exterior of your house, you should use this material to make sure that pipes and water tanks stay well for a more extended period.

These are some of the most commonly used materials for gaskets & seals. Most of them are versatile and have high compression as well. You can choose any of these materials from a reputed brand!

6 Caster Wheel Materials & Its Characteristics

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 13:30:24 GMT

6 Caster Wheel Materials & Its Characteristics

The use of casters is found very important in industries. With the help of casters, you can easily maneuver all kinds of equipment in the industry, including carts, racks and dollies. Have you ever thought about the composition of castor wheels? There are all kinds of caster wheels to be used for varied purposes.

Whether it is the regular duty castor wheels in South Africa or the heavy-duty castor wheels in South Africa, the material can be common in each one of them. Here are some popular types of materials along with their features:-

Cast Iron

One of the materials to be used to come up with castor wheels is cast iron. One of the significant reasons to root for this material is its high capacity. It is weather-resistant so that you can use it irrespective of the temperature within the interior or exterior of your house or industry. The chair casters or furniture casters made up of this material will also have durability.

Forged Steel

If you use it for typical applications in the industry, the material is bound to have a long run. But it would be preferred in the exterior than the interior of a place. The thing here is that this material can cause damage to the floors. If you don't worry too much about floor protection, you can use this material to come up with castor wheels for your place. If you need it for an industry, you might prefer heavy-duty caster wheels in South Africa.

Neoprene

The major benefit of using this material for castor wheels in South Africa is that it will reject all sorts of debris coming its way. It means that the maintenance of castor wheels made up of this material would be far more manageable when you compare it with other names on this list.

Nylon

Multiple benefits of caster wheels are made up of this material. It will withstand all sorts of solvents, just like a monoplane. On top of that, it can last well in any given weather conditions. So if you need to carry loads outside where the sun is shining bright all day long, nylon can be the best material to come up with heavy-duty caster wheels in South Africa.

Polyolefin

This material is considered to be lightweight. So it will be easier for your workers to move things from one place to another. If something goes wrong with caster wheels in the future, you can easily carry it to a mechanic and get it repaired quickly. It is well suited for wet and corrosive applications as well.

Rubber

If you want to use casters inside a place where floors need to be protected, rubber is the best material to come up with heavy-duty caster wheels in South Africa. The operation under these caster wheels will be done quietly as the material doesn't make much noise.

These are 6 of the commonly used materials to come up with caster wheels. Each of them has got its benefits and you have to see which one suits your needs the best!

Troubleshooting automotive air conditioning

Sun, 10 May 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Troubleshooting automotive air conditioning

There are two basic types of automotive air conditioning systems: one uses an expansion valve to remove pressure from the liquid refrigerant while the other uses an orifice tube.

How an A/C system works

The compressor pumps low temperature refrigerant gas and compresses it into a high pressure, high temperature gas. The refrigerant is sent to the condenser in front of the radiator, where the condenser removes some of the heat via the ambient air passing through its fins, causing the refrigerant to change from a hot gas to a warm liquid.

In an expansion valve A/C system, the warm liquid moves through a receiver-drier, which removes moisture to maximise the efficiency of the refrigerant’s heat exchange capability. Then the refrigerant is passed through the expansion valve, which has a sensing line attached to the suction of the A/C compressor, allowing it to maintain pressure.

In an orifice tube system, the warm liquid refrigerant passes directly from the condenser to the orifice tube. The orifice tube system maintains the pressure at the suction of the A/C compressor using a clutch to cycle the compressor on and off. The expansion of the warm liquid through the expansion valve or orifice tube causes a pressure drop, and therefore a temperature drop.

Air from the passenger's compartment then passes across one side of the coils in an evaporator, and the low temperature liquid refrigerant passes through the other side. Heat is removed from the air in the passenger’s compartment by the refrigerant and returned to the A/C compressor suction as a low temperature gas.

In the orifice tube system, an accumulator located between the evaporator and the A/C compressor suction has moisture removal desiccant like the receiver-drier used in the expansion valve system. However, it also collects any un-evaporated refrigerant to prevent liquid lock of the compressor.

Common A/C problems and possible solutions

Symptom: Low compressor discharge pressure

Leak in system (repair), defective expansion valve (replace), suction valve closed (open), freon shortage (add freon), plugged receiver drier (replace drier), compressor suction valve leaking (replace), bad reed valves in compressor (replace).

Symptom: High compressor discharge pressure

Air in system (recharge system), clogged condenser (clean condenser), discharge valve closed (open), overcharged system (remove some refrigerant), insufficient condenser air (install large fan), loose fan belt (tighten), condenser not centred on fan or too far from radiator (centre and check distance).

Symptom: Low suction pressure

Refrigerant shortage (add refrigerant), worn compressor piston (replace compressor), compressor head gasket leaking (replace head gasket), kinked or flattened hose (replace), compressor suction valve leaking (replace hose), moisture in system (replace drier), trash in expansion valve or screen (replace drier).

Symptom: High suction pressure

Loose expansion valve (tighten), overcharged system (remove some refrigerant), expansion valve stuck open (replace), bad compressor reed valves (replace), leaking head gasket on compressor (replace head gasket).

Symptom: Compressor not working

Broken belt (replace), broken clutch wire or no 12v power (repair wire or check for power), broken compression piston (replace compressor), bad thermostat (replace), bad clutch coil (replace), low refrigerant (add refrigerant).

For more information on automotive air conditioning systems and help on how to troubleshoot, contact the Bearing Centre team .

Extend seal life in high temperature applications

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Extend seal life in high temperature applications

Industry standard thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are generally chosen for hydraulic equipment used in high pressure sealing applications. But, when these seals are exposed to very high temperatures, they can warp or even melt, resulting in sealing system and equipment failure, which costs time and money.

The Resilon series of high-performance polyurethane seals from Parker offers excellent sealing performance in high temperature applications. Resilon’s proprietary formula includes a PPDI polymer backbone that sets it above other thermoplastic polymers, with low internal heat build-up and a higher softening temperature, offering greater heat resistance, compression set resistance and resilience.

Resilon 4350 series

Parker’s new Resilon 4350 polyurethane features high temperature nanotechnology to prevent polymer degradation, giving extended seal performance for all applications and temperatures, and saving downtime and money spent on repairs. Its properties allow a 30 percent increase in sealing force in very high operating temperatures and it can endure high temperatures of up to 250°F without failing, as well as temperature spikes up to 300°F.

Comparison tests with competitive products show that Resilon lasted 20 percent longer at operating temperatures of 250°F before leaking, and when leaks did eventually occur, they were minimised by the high sealing force.

Resilon 4350 comes in Parker Preferred Profiles for Fluid Power Seals or custom designed profiles. Seals can be either molded or machined. The series is ideal for injection molding applications, but can also be used for piston seals, rod seals, wipers and O-Rings for a variety of hydraulic cylinders and shock absorbers used on off-road, industrial and construction equipment.

Contact the Bearing Centre team today for more information about Parker’s Resilon series of high-performance polyurethane seals for long sealing life.

Improve pneumatic system safety

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Improve pneumatic system safety

Mitigating potential damage to products and safety risks to personnel posed by unexpected power failures in automated manufacturing applications is an essential part of overall system design. When any interruption in operation occurs, the equipment needs to meet safety standards to prevent dangerous situations from occurring.

Power outage or a leakage in the supply line are the two most common causes of a system stop. Power outage in pneumatic systems is usually associated with a drop in the air pressure or loss of air supply. The pneumatic system needs to be designed to address this situation to prevent a load dropping unexpectedly, being ejected or knocked off production line due to cylinders being out of synchronisation.

Rock locking cylinders provide a safety net

Parker's ISO standard P1D series of rod locking cylinders holds loads safely in position in case of pressure drop. These cylinders require signal pressure to work, and when air supply is interrupted, the drop in pressure causes a loss of signal pressure, causing a set of internal springs to push the jaw clamps to lock the piston. When pressure is restored, the cylinder becomes operational again.

Parker supplies two basic types of rod locking cylinders:

For dynamic applications. These rod locking cylinders (P1D-L) act as a brake by engaging while the rod is moving. When there is no signal pressure, high force springs make the piston move axially. The movement is applied to the cylinder and this is then converted into radial movement of clamping sleeves using high precision steel balls, causing the hardened sleeves to press onto the piston rod with a high, stable holding force.

For static applications. With these rod locking cylinders (P1D-H), the rod lock unit is usually externally flange-mounted on the front end of the cylinder body. Be aware, though, that the sharp edge of the jaws can be damaged if the piston rod is not stationary before the rod lock unit is engaged. The cartridge, which is mounted transversally in the rod lock unit, provides the locking force. The piston rod passes through the cartridge and, when signal pressure is interrupted, the force from the internal springs pushes the over-the-centre mechanism to lock the piston, with the jaws clamping onto the piston rod and holding the cylinder firmly in position.

It is important to note that rod locking cylinders can only be used in dry piston rod applications and should not be used as the only safety component in an application; they are designed for emergency use.

Contact the Bearing Centre team today to learn more about rod locking cylinders and how they can improve the safety in your place of work.

Abrasion resistance solutions for hydraulic hoses

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Abrasion resistance solutions for hydraulic hoses

The majority of hydraulic hose failures occur due to regular abrasion, which can be prevented, ultimately reducing equipment failure and safeguarding workers. Specialised hose shields prolong the life of a hose and are necessary to prevent abrasion damage in hose assemblies.

Parker provides a selection of abrasion resistance products, including hose abrasion sleeves, protection shields and spiral hose guards, as well as the ToughCover, SuperTough and ToughJacket series with built-in abrasion resistant hose covers.

Hose abrasion sleeves

Created for abrasion resistance and for keeping hose assemblies together, one of Parker’s abrasion sleeve products is Partek, a lightweight, urethane-coated nylon sleeve. It has a tubular weave design with smooth walls that enables the hose to move freely inside the sleeve, inhibiting abrasion. Partek can be fitted post-assembly and comes in two versions, allowing you to determine how much abrasion resistance your hose assembly requires – Partek ‘AS’ can bear more than 200,000 abrasion cycles, while Partek ‘PS’ can bear more than 500,000 abrasion cycles.

Hose protection shields

Hose protection shields are a cheaper solution for smaller sections of hose exposed to abrasion. These plastic shields are joined with cable ties and can be easily installed without disconnecting or removing the hose. Avoid using them for larger sections of hose that undergo heavy abrasion.

Spiral hose guards

Protective spiral hose guards, like Parker’s Spring and Armor Guards, will protect hose assemblies exposed to harsh abrasive situations. They also prevent hose kinking and offer crush resistance. In addition, Parker’s polymer spiral wraps, such as the NEXWRAP chafe guard, ParKoil spiral wrap and PolyGuard heavy-duty hose protector, can be attached to existing hose assemblies

Abrasion resistant hose covers

Parker’s built-in abrasion resistant hose covers offer superior protection for heavy-duty hydraulic applications, such as over-the-sheave and high friction environments. The ToughCover series is made from synthetic rubber and is 80 times more abrasion resistant than Parker’s standard rubber cover, SuperTough offers 450 times more resistance and ToughJacket is 650 times more resistant.

Which is best?

Use hose sleeves or guards for:

Use built-in abrasion resistance for:

Contact the Bearing Centre team to find out which abrasion resistance solution is best for your equipment and application.

Loosen rusted parts easily

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Loosen rusted parts easily

Metal parts and equipment that have been exposed to the elements over time often become rusted and frozen. The rust and other deposits build up with age, misuse or neglect. These stuck parts make what should be a routine repair or replacement job a nightmare. A wrench could work on its own, or, if that doesn’t work, you could try a drill, hammer or chisel – but this all takes time and effort. In addition, all this struggling can end up in broken part, equipment or injury.

Use the secret weapon

How can you free rusty nuts and bolts efficiently? It is better to use a penetrant or lubricant that is designed to get into narrow spaces to loosen stuck parts. A penetrating oil is a must-have for any mechanic’s toolbox. Gasoila’s Free-All penetrating oil spray has been used by mechanics for over 40 years to get the job done fast. While other penetrating oils use lubricants to loosen parts, Free-All is formulated with a special rust-eating agent that actually removes the layers of rust, carbon, lead and other deposits. As a result, Free-All works instantly to free frozen parts.

Here’s how easy it is to use: Spray the oil liberally onto the affected area and allow a few minutes for penetration before loosening the part. An added bonus is that Free-All will continue to protect against rust. It can be reapplied if needed.

How it works

Free-All is silicone-free so safe for paint and shop environments. It is ideal for automotive, plumbing, marine and general industrial applications. Include Rust-All in your toolbox and make wrestling with old, rusted parts a thing of the past.

Contact the Bearing Centre team today for more information about Free-All and how it can help you in your workshop.

Oil change in 30 minutes or less

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Oil change in 30 minutes or less

An oil change need not be headache or require a lot of time, money or a wide range of equipment to use on the different machinery. Simplify the process and do away the usual frustrations of oil spills and potential injuries by utilising Parker’s QuickFit System.

An oil change usually involves a lot of struggling in tight engine compartments as workers grapple to use their tools effectively in narrow spaces, risking burns and other injuries. In addition, valves and hose connections often need to be accessed at multiple points, further increasing the risk of leaks and spills. All these challenges require extra time as well as training for each piece of equipment in the different vehicles in order to complete the process.

An easy solution

A cleaner and safer oil change can be completed using Parker’s QuickFit Oil Change System – and it can be done in under 30 minutes. The three-step process involves a QuickFit valve that connects directly from the vehicle to the final containment location, giving you absolute control over the process. This eliminates the risk of oil spills and safety hazards, which in turn lowers operating costs and increases profits by saving time and money spent on excessive training.

Change the oil in three easy steps

Step 1: Purge the filter. Attach the compressed air supply to the filter purge tool, then attach the purge tool to the QuickFit valve. Hold a lever on the filter purge tool for 10 seconds to push oil through the filter into the engine sump.

Step 2: Disconnect the filter purge tool, and the oil will be evacuated. Connect the waste oil hose with a FEM female quick coupler to the QuickFit valve, then turn on the waste oil pump to remove the oil from the engine sump. Replace the oil filter.

Step 3: Refill the engine with clean oil. Connect a clean oil hose with a FEM female quick coupler to the QuickFit valve and turn on the oil pump to refill clean oil through the new oil filter. Once it reaches capacity, disconnect the oil line.

Contact the Bearing Centre team today to find out how you can transform your facility into a cleaner, safer and more productive space.

A Move Towards Eco-Friendly Bearings

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 22:00:00 GMT

A Move Towards Eco-Friendly Bearings

In the past few decades, there has been a global shift towards greener, more eco-friendly business models. The growing amount of scientific evidence proves that industrialised nations are having a negative impact on the future health of our planet. This has put a fair amount of pressure on industrial companies to find cleaner solutions for their production methods.

For the bearing industry, it doesn’t need to be a case of ‘reinventing the wheel’, but rather, re-designing the crucial elements that a bearing requires to function.

Water-Based Lubricants

Oil is the most common type of bearing lubricant and quite obviously, the most damaging to the environment. While there is always a great effort to keep these mineral oil-based lubricants from becoming environmental contaminants, the manufacture, application and disposal of these products is still a problem and large quantities inevitably end up in the eco-system.

To solve this problem, manufacturers are working on producing more efficient water-lubricated bearings. Mixing ionic liquids such as fluid salts into water, creates a galvanically generated protective layer for the bearing, allowing the shaft to glide just as it would with traditional oil lubricants. The ion-water is far more environmentally friendly, even reducing the energy consumption of the operation compared to its oil-based counterparts. It also still prevents corrosion, despite being water-based!

Magnetic Bearings

Another leap towards greener operations has seen the development of ‘frictionless’ technology. Industrial machines create an enormous amount of friction which gives off an equal amount of heat. Less heat friction results in a cooler operating environment, reducing the amount of energy needed to regulate temperatures.

Magnetic bearings support moving parts without physical contact – basically levitating the parts! This means little to no friction, no mechanical wear, no need for lubricant and no maximum speed! The advantages are obvious, and the technology is continually advancing to make these kinds of efficient and environmentally friendly solutions available to everyone.

While there is still a long way to go, the growth and interest in ‘cleantech’ or green industrial solutions is noticeably increasing. Have you considered how to make your business more environmentally friendly? Chat to our team about the solutions that available to you and don’t get left behind!

Clamping Down On Counterfeit Bearings

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Clamping Down On Counterfeit Bearings

As we’ve discussed before, fake or counterfeit products are an enormous problem in almost every market and unfortunately this issue extends far into the industrial market, particularly with bearings. Evidence proves that, despite various attempts to educate customers, counterfeit bearings continue to flood the market. This is a major concern. Fake products cause a potential safety risk for applications that rely on good quality manufacturing and materials to function correctly.

While the situation may seem beyond the average consumer’s control, companies recognise their customers concerns and are constantly working on solutions to assist with differentiating between real and fake bearings. SKF has created a programme and a mobile app that provides resources to validate the authenticity of their products. The app allows consumers to photograph a bearing and submit it for an authenticity test.

SKF also works closely with local task forces, conducting raids on known counterfeit bearing workshops in an attempt to clamp down on the source. In the YouTube video below, you can follow the Chinese authorities as they take down a local bearing workshop, producing counterfeit bearings. What’s most concerning is the awful working conditions, the clearly underage workers, and how even this small operation has access to advanced equipment.

So, how do end-users protect themselves and their equipment? The answer is simple: only ever purchase your bearings from authorised distributors of trusted manufacturing brands. Bearing Centre is proud to be an authorised distributor of quality brands and products.

Roller Chains: Keeping Your Machines In Motion

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Roller Chains: Keeping Your Machines In Motion

Roller chains, also known as bush rollers, offer a simple and efficient solution for transmitting power as well as coupling a motor to its load. They are used in many types of common machines, from the more domestic such as cars, motorcycles and bicycles, to large industrial and agricultural applications such as printing presses and conveyers.

How do They Work?

The construction of a roller chain is fairly straightforward and features a series of chain links connected by side links (inner and outer links). A toothed wheel, called a sprocket, connects the chain to the motor and pulls it into motion. The roller chain’s design allows it to reduce friction while in motion, making it more efficient and less prone to wear and fatigue.

Extend The Life of Your Roller Chain

Lubricant is the primary solution for combating corrosion, wear and fatigue – the most common reasons for roller chain failure. Keeping your roller chains continuously greased will ensure that they are protected against contamination which can shorten the product’s life. In applications that are particularly dirty, such as farm equipment, motorcycles, chain saws and bicycles, proper and frequent lubrication is vital. It’s also important to use the correct lubricant. Some oil-based products actually attract dirt, causing a build-up of thickened, dirty grease that will increase wear and fatigue. The use of a ‘dry’ lubricant spray is a better option.

Signs of Roller Chain Failure

When a roller chain reaches the end of its service life, the pitch between the links begins to increase, causing the chain to stretch. It’s not the actual metal that stretches but rather the pivoting pins and bushes wearing down. This results in the chain no longer fitting the sprocket correctly and will be evident by a loud grinding noise or vibration. The general rule is that when a chain becomes between 1.5% and 2% longer than its original length, it’s time to consider replacing the chain and sprockets.

Tensile vs Fatigue Strength

To determine how strong and hardy a roller chain is, we consider both its tensile strength as well as its fatigue strength. Tensile strength measures how much weight or load a roller chain can withstand before breaking, while fatigue strength measures the quality of how the chain was manufactured - testing the steel, its heat treatment, the link plate’s fabrication and the various chain elements.

Roller chains are an important part of many different kinds of machines. If you’d like to learn more about these common but vital components or if you need assistance with choosing the correct product for your application, get in touch with us today!

Understanding Elastomeric Couplings

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Understanding Elastomeric Couplings

A coupling is a mechanical device that is used to connect two rotating shafts together, allowing them to transmit power. Elastomeric couplings, which fall under the category of flexible (non-metallic) couplings, are designed to not only transmit torque, but to accommodate for varying degrees of misalignment (up to 3 degrees) between the shafts as well.

The Benefits Of Flexible Couplings

Elastomeric couplings feature two central hubs and either one or two elastic elements, through which they transmit torque. The elastic material is designed to wear out, saving the metal components from costly maintenance. Unlike other kinds of couplings, elastomeric couplings don’t require lubricants (saving more costs and maintenance) and the elastic material helps to dampen vibration and reduce noise. They are also less expensive than their metal counterparts.

The Limitations Of Flexible Couplings

While they’re known for their resilience, elastomeric couplings are essentially made from rubber or plastic, which means they are sensitive to chemicals and high temperatures. Exposure to heat build-up, environmental factors, chemical contamination and loading fatigue are the leading causes of elastomeric coupling failure. As a coupling, they also have quite a large outside diameter, making them difficult to balance and sometimes unusable in a particular assembly.

Types Of Flexible Couplings

Elastomeric couplings are grouped according to the way their elastic element transmits power. These fall into three different types, namely compression, shear, or a combination of both.

As their names suggest, in compression type couplings the elastic elements are compressed as torque is transmitted. Common types of compression elastomeric couplings include jaw and donut elements.

In shear type couplings, when torque is transmitted the elastic elements absorb some of the force by twisting and stretching. Common types of shear elastomeric couplings include tire, sleeve and moulded elements. Combination compression and shear types are not very common but function in a similar way to gear couplings.

Of the many different kinds of couplings available, elastomeric couplings are often the more popular choice thanks to their lower cost and maintenance features. If you’re in the market for these flexible couplings or would simply like some more information, get in touch with the Bearing Centre team today . We’ll be more than happy to assist you with your coupling requirements!

An Introduction To Rod End Bearings

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 22:00:00 GMT

An Introduction To Rod End Bearings

Rod end bearings are mechanical joints that, while common and widely used, are essential in nearly all mechanical devices that require mechanical controls. Also known as heim joints (after their North American patent) or rose joints (after their British patent), rod end bearings are typically found in steering links, control rods, and tie rods – basically where any precision articulating joint is required or where a clevis end cannot be used.

How Are They Made And Used?

Using materials such as steel, stainless steel, high-carbon steel and aluminium, a rod end bearing is essentially a ball swivel with an opening through which a bolt (or other attachment) may be passed, pressed into a circular casing to which a threaded shaft (either male or female) is attached. Male rod end bearings feature external threading while female rod end bearings are designed with internal threading.

Similar to a human bone joint, rod end bearings are used on the ends of control rods, allowing them to rotate in a precise and controlled manner. The advantage of this is that the bolt or rod passing through the ball can be misaligned at any angle other than ninety degrees. Steering columns in most vehicles require rod end bearings, enabling the tie rods to rotate in accordance with the direction of the wheel. Female rod end bearings are used in helicopters, allowing technicians to fine-tune the direction of the blades.

A Short History

Credit for the invention of this useful component is attributed to German engineers (the exact dates and names are unfortunately unknown). During World War II, the spherical rod end bearing was developed for Nazi aircraft control systems. It was discovered by Allied engineers when a German plane was brought down and disassembled. Realising the importance of the unique joint, British and North American companies were awarded the patent to reverse engineer and produce these parts, which quickly became used in many different applications during, and especially after, the war.

Today, rod end bearings can be found in nearly every type of mechanically controlled application, from cars, trucks and motorbikes, to tractors (lawn), race cars and boats. So, if you’re in the market for this unique join or just want to know more about how it can be used in your particular application, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

All You Need To Know About Needle Roller Bearings

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 22:00:00 GMT

All You Need To Know About Needle Roller Bearings

Needle roller bearings are the smallest and lightest of the roller bearing family , which includes tapered, cylindrical and spherical roller bearings. In recent years, needle roller bearings have become the popular choice for design engineers and are being recognised for their technical advantages within specific applications. Their small, long and thin cylindrical rollers have a high length-to-diameter ratio, like a needle – hence their name.

Benefits And Comparisons

The small rollers in needle roller bearings are highly effective at reducing the friction of a rotating surface. The bearing’s large surface area, which is in contact with the bearing raceway journals, creates a technical advantage, particularly for applications that require minimal space and weight. Needle roller bearings can handle relatively heavy loads for their diminutive design.

Their size also makes them more cost-effective compared to the alternatives in the extensive bearing catalogue. Needle roller bearings are also more compact in comparison, having a smaller difference between the diameter of the bearing and the diameter of the shaft.

Typical Structure

There are four main types of needle roller bearings, including caged roller, drawn cup, precision race and thrust roller. Their typical structure includes an inner race or just a shaft, a cage to contain the needle rollers and an outer raceway. Selecting the correct type of needle roller bearing for your particular application depends on a variety of factors such as the necessary load capacity, load type and speed, as well as the expected temperature limits, lubrication requirements and service life.

Common Applications

Needle roller bearings have been around for more than 60 years, but with the general move towards a reduction in weight, space and energy consumption, they’ve become the bearing of choice for many important applications.

Needle roller bearings are most commonly used in automobile, agricultural and construction components, including compressors, transmissions, gearboxes, pumps, torque converters, suspensions, U-joints and rocker-arm pivots. They’re also found in domestic appliances such as portable power tools, pump clutches and spindles.

If you require a light-weight, cost-effective and compact component to counteract any frictional issues, then needle roller bearings are an excellent option. For more information on the different types of needle roller bearings and which would suit your unique application, call our helpful team today!

Ball Bearing Failure and Prevention

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Ball Bearing Failure and Prevention

Research into the manufacture and production of ball bearings has proved that only one percent should fail to reach their full-service life expectancy. That’s a very small percentage, which also proves that if your ball bearings fail, there must be a very good reason. Determining the reason for ball bearing failure can prevent future failures and provide essential information for proper planning and maintenance.

Luckily, experience has shown that ball bearings fail for only a handful of very specific reasons, all of which can be avoided. So, make sure you’re familiar with these principle causes. You’ll save your company from a host of unfortunate consequences, including increased downtime, replacement costs, operating efficiency, damage to machinery and, in the worst case, injured employees.

Improper Lubrication

Lubrication is vital to limit friction and extend a bearing’s service life. Improper lubrication is the number one cause of bearing failures, so this is the first thing you need to check. Failures are often the result of using too little or too much lubricant, using the incorrect lubricant or contaminated lubricant, using mixed lubricants that are incompatible, as well as following the wrong lubrication interval specifications.

Make sure you follow the bearing manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and maintenance. These guidelines not only ensure your warranty stays valid, they also provide information on how to store, handle and inspect your lubricants. Many people assume that one lubricant will work for every application, but this is hardly ever the case. Investing in the correct lubricants is an investment in your machinery in the long run.

Incorrect Installation

Even the smallest contaminant, dent or scratch can severely reduce the life of your ball bearings, which is why mounting and installing bearings is a job that requires skill and the use of proper tools. Make sure your maintenance staff are well trained on how to correctly handle, remove and install bearings. It’s also important that prior to installation, your bearings are stored according to the manufacturer’s careful specifications.

Overloading

Each bearing is designed with a particular limit for load, speed and temperature. If these limits are exceeded, the bearing can suffer from irreparable damage. Overloading is often the result of operational changes and stresses, or operator error. The first sign of overloading is an unusual noise or increased temperature within the application. If your bearings have been accidentally overloaded, make sure to replace them rather than risk further damage.

These are the three main causes of ball bearing failure, but as you can see, each issue can be easily overcome with proper care and foresight. Understanding how to prevent ball bearing failure will ensure you get the maximum life out of your parts, saving you plenty of money and production time.

For more information on any of your bearing-related concerns, contact us today ! We’ll make sure you get the most out of every bearing you purchase through our network of trusted manufacturers.

A Recap of Rolling Element Bearings

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 22:00:00 GMT

A Recap of Rolling Element Bearings

Bearings, specifically rolling element bearings, are found in nearly everything that has moving and spinning parts, from motors and gearboxes to conveyor systems and industrial machinery. While it’s easy to understand why these components are so common in so many industries, what you may not realise is that each device can be quite different from the other, depending on the specific application for which it has been designed.

Composition

The basic structure of a rolling element bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, balls or rollers, and a retainer or separator. Or simply, two races separated by a group of rollers. The rollers come in a variety of different shapes which determine each device’s load capacity as well as its lubrication requirements.

The rollers can be arranged in either single or multiple rows and the bearings can be assembled with protective housings or sealing mechanisms. The different types of rolling element bearings can include rollers that are ball-shaped (the most common), cylindrical, tapered, spherical (barrel-shaped), conical or needle.

Loads

Rolling element bearings can support two types of loads, namely radial loads and thrust loads. Radial loads are shear forces that occur across the bearing races, while thrust loads produce force against the face of the bearing. It’s important to determine what type of load (as well as the amount) your bearing will be undergoing, as this will help you to select the correct type of bearing for your application.

Maintenance

Taking care of any rolling element bearing begins and ends with lubrication. Proper lubrication will ensure that the rolling elements stay cool, clean, free from contaminants and functioning correctly. In motors or gearboxes, bearing elements are greased effectively by elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL). This is a type of fluid-film lubrication. The hydrodynamic action enhances surface elastic deformation and the high pressure increases the lubricant viscosity. If properly cared for, rolling element bearings can often outlast the machines in which they’re running!

Bearings provide endless possibilities, which is why we’re so passionate about them here at Bearing Centre. Allow us to assist you in determining the right type of bearing for your application by considering the type of loads that the bearings will endure, as well as the environment in which they’ll be functioning. We’re here to help you achieve the most out of your machinery, so get in touch today !

Press-in Front Wheel Bearings From SKF

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Press-in Front Wheel Bearings From SKF

We’ve covered how to know when your wheel bearings need replacing and how important it is to be aware of the signs of possible bearing failure. If you’re in a situation where your bearings need replacing and you plan on replacing them yourself, it's vital that you have the right tools for the job, as well as replacement parts from a trusted supplier.

Installing front wheel bearings can be particularly tricky, especially if your vehicle has an ABS sensor. With the right tools, tips and parts, however, nothing is impossible. Press-in front wheel bearings from SKF have been designed with a unique feature to make the process a lot easier. They all feature a built-in magnetic impulse wheel on one of the bearing’s two seals.

When installing the bearing, it’s important to remember that the seal with the ABS impulse ring needs to be closest to the ABS sensor, otherwise the ABS system will fail. To identify the correct seal, simply use a metal paperclip to determine which side is magnetic. If the paperclip ‘sticks’ then you’ve found the ABS impulse ring. Always handle the bearing with care when installing it. Even the slightest damage to the impulse ring can prevent the ABS system in your vehicle from functioning correctly.

For a step-by-step installation guide, this “How to” video from SKF is an excellent tutorial on how to remove and replace a generation 1 press-in front wheel bearing with ABS tone ring. Covering all the tools you’ll need, safety procedures, inspection protocols and various tips and tricks, Keith from SKF ensures that by the end of the video, you’ll have no trouble taking on the task yourself.

If you still feel, however, that you need a little more assistance or advice, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Bearing Centre – we’ve got all the expertise as well as world-class parts from our various trusted supply partners. Give us a call today!

Are You Familiar With Insert Bearings?

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Are You Familiar With Insert Bearings?

Insert bearings are simply standard radial bearings that have been adapted to fit into a housing, which is why they are often referred to as adapted radial bearings. While they are commonly sold with a housing, they can also be purchased without one. Along with wide inner ring bearings, insert bearings are used in many different industries, from agriculture and food processing, to printing.

How do they work?

Both types of insert bearings are used for mounting on shafts. Standard bearings require specific installation tools to be pressed into a shaft, while insert bearings can be slip-fit directly onto the shaft and locked into place using setscrews or a locking device. To accommodate the locking collar and provide extra shaft support, the inner ring of the bearing extends to one or both sides.

Wide inner ring bearings, which are inserts used for heavier-duty applications, feature a wider inner ring that extends past the width of the outer ring on both sides. The extension on one side accommodates a heavy-duty seal while the other extended side holds another seal and the locking device. These inserts have become increasingly popular as an affordable bearing option that can fit most applications.

Insert Bearing Benefits

It’s important to note that not all applications will be able to accommodate a one-size-fits-all insert bearing. Make sure you understand the specifications of your particular application before making your purchase. If you need further assistance, be sure to speak to your quality bearing supplier about what options would suit your application the best. We are always here to help!

Flange Bearings – What You Need To Know

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 13:18:00 GMT

Flange Bearings – What You Need To Know

Flange bearings, also known as flange mounted bearings or flange units, are used to mount ball bearings to a perpendicular surface. The term ‘flange’ refers to a projecting flat rim, collar, or rib on an object, serving for strengthening or attachment or for maintaining position on a rail.

With flange bearings, the sealed bearing is contained inside a preassembled flanged housing, allowing the inner ring to rotate freely within a robust and stable environment.

There are many different types of flange bearings, all engineered for a specific application and all with different designs and cages, as well as load and performance capabilities. All flange bearings, however, are designed to be highly robust and resistant to water or contaminants. This makes them ideal for supporting heavy loads such as additional mounted apparatuses with rotary or linear motion.

Flange bearings are also much easier to replace compared to press-fit rotary bearings, as the housing can be unbolted and removed.

The housing, a precision-ground surface perpendicular to the bearing axis, comes with either two, three, or four mounting holes, and can be diamond-shaped, triangular or square. With so many different variations, it’s understandable that flange bearings are made from a wide selection of materials.

The most common are cast iron, lightweight die-cast zinc, pressed steel, plastic, nylon, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), acetal polymers and stainless steel. Each unit is fitted with a spring-lid oil cap as well as rubber grommets to reduce noise and vibration.

Flange bearings are used in several different industries but are commonly seen in lighter-duty applications such as automated conveyors, belt drives, machine construction, food industry, medical processing, and some agricultural machines. Their ability to handle heavy loads and resistance to water and chemicals, makes them ideal for food industry processes, despite their limited temperature ranges.

Flange bearings are durable and versatile units that can be beneficial for many different applications. If you’re in the market, make sure you choose the correct bearing type for your particular application, to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Bearing Centre stocks an extensive range of bearings and housings from some of the most reliable and most prominent bearing suppliers in the world. Contact us today if you need expert advice on choosing the correct bearing to suit your application.

Three Common Causes Of Thrust Bearing Failure

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Three Common Causes Of Thrust Bearing Failure

It’s not actually common for crankshaft thrust bearings to fail but when they do, the result can be catastrophic for the engine. Aside from the significant costs for repair, a thrust bearing failure can pose a serious safety threat to operators in the general area. So, what is the purpose of a crankshaft thrust bearing and why do they sometimes fail? Here we answer your questions and advise on how to prevent an engine disaster.

In an engine block, crankshaft thrust bearings are placed into grooves formed in the block’s webbing. Their purpose is to limit the crankshaft’s forward and backward movement by keeping the crankshaft within a specific area of motion. By controlling the majority of the forward and backward movements, tolerances within the entire rotating assembly can be preserved which, at high revolutions, is essential for maintaining the engine’s lifespan.

The three most common causes of thrust bearing failure (and how to avoid them) are as follows:

Contaminants and Surface Finish

The presence of dirt and contaminants is damaging to every type of bearing, so it’s also an obvious cause of failure in thrust bearings. Make sure you have an effective maintenance schedule in place and that cleaning is performed with clean cloths and refined oil. Polishing the surface of the thrust surface, preferably with a polishing machine, is also important. If any grinding marks are left on the crankshaft face, they can act like wiper blades, removing the thrust bearing’s essential oil film.

Misalignment

Without proper care, cleaning and maintenance, the thrust bearing may become misaligned and begin grinding against a surface, causing sparking. This results in “hot spots” which can damage the overall operation. It’s important to maintain a thrust surface that is set at 90° to the crankshaft centre-line, producing a thrust face that is square to the axis of the main bearing journal.

Overloading

Overloading is usually caused by either operator error or as the result of a distorted crankcase. In both instances, overloading will cause unnecessary wear and tear, as well as possible thrust bearing failure. To avoid overloading as an operator, it’s important not to idle excessively or attempt to “hot rod”. If the problem lies with the crankcase, try to remove any additional loads and repair the bearing using a 90º oil routine.

At Bearing Centre, bearings are the core of our business and automotive bearings are no exception. Contact us today if you have any thrust bearing concerns, or need some expert sales advice.

Why V-Belts Are A Triumph Of Industrial Design

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Why V-Belts Are A Triumph Of Industrial Design

In the industrial world, drive belts are some of the most common systems used to link at least two rotating shafts together, transmitting power from a drive to a driven shaft. Of the many different kinds of drive belts available , V-belts (also known as wedge belts) are the preferred choice for power transmission , providing the best combination of traction, speed, load bearing, and service life. So, what sets the V-belt apart from the rest?

Since the industrial revolution, belt drive designs have had to continually adapt to the demands of more powerful machinery and expanding industrial markets. The creation of the V-belt was an instant game-changer, solving the slippage and alignment issues of previous belt designs. The main difference of the V-belt is its shape, which resembles a trapezoid or ‘V’ shape – hence its more common name.

Apart from being easy to install, V-belts require no lubrication and are designed to dampen shock load. Their unique shape makes it impossible for the belt to slip off once correctly installed and they tend to wedge tighter into grooves as the load increases. The greater the load, the more effective the V-belt becomes at improving torque transmission.

V-belts are usually made from rubber or polymer, neoprene and urethane synthetic materials. They also often contain fibre chords to reinforce and strengthen the belt. These chords can be made from cotton, polyester, or in some cases, even steel or fibreglass. The added fibres also help to minimize stretch, which in turn reduces friction and a build-up of heat, extending the life of the belt.

For high-power applications, it’s common to see two or more V-belts joined to operate alongside each other. This arrangement is known as a multi-V-belt drive or classical V-belt drive. You’ll find V-belt designs on all kinds of engines and devices – they really are incredibly effective and useful.

If you’re in the market for any kind of high-quality power transmission products , be assured that the range of solutions at Bearing Centre will guarantee that your product requirements are always met. Contact us today!

A Basic Guide to Lock Nuts and Washers

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

A Basic Guide to Lock Nuts and Washers

If you’ve ever had to do some basic home DIY or spent some time working on wheels or engines, you’ll be familiar with nuts and washers and how they are used to fasten bolts. You’ll also know that if these bolts are attached to anything that vibrates, the nuts and washers are eventually going to loosen. That’s where lock nuts and lock washers come in. These mighty little components have been designed to grip the heads of the bolts they’re threaded to, preventing them from vibrating loose.

Lock Nuts

A lock nut is an ingenious device that can resist loosening when properly threaded onto a bolt. They come in two different types: prevailing torque lock nuts – related to the amount of torque needed to thread the nut; and surface bearing lock nuts – a free spinning nut that must be tightened against a bearing surface to activate the locking mechanism. Follow these steps to use your lock nut correctly:

Just like a normal nut, place the lock nut against the threaded end of a bolt, making sure that the raised surface is facing out, so that the flat surface is flush against the work surface after tightening.
Tighten the lock nut using your hand until it feels snug, then use a torque wrench to tighten the lock nut until it reaches the correct level of tightness.

Lock Washers

Lock washers are used to keep the nut and bolt in place by preventing them from turning, slipping or coming loose. There are a wide variety of lock washers, each designed for a specific application, but their basic purpose is always the same – to keep the nut and bolt secure. Lock washers are also made from a long list of different materials and have been used in applications that range from railway, marine and automotive machinery, to basic household items. To use a lock washer correctly, follow these steps:

Place the lock washer between the nut or fastener head, and the corresponding work surface.
Ensure that the lock washer’s teeth are completely engaged with the surfaces it’s between. This is imperative. If the teeth don’t engage properly, it won’t hold. Ignore this step if you’re using a split washer, which doesn’t have teeth.
Using your hand and then a torque wrench, tighten the nut or bolt to the specified torque.

While these may seem like straightforward applications, we’re not all DIY experts, and it’s never a bad idea to have a grasp of the basics. If you’re in the market for lock nuts or lock washers , don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful sales team . They’re available all year round to assist you!

Don’t Neglect Your Trailer Wheel Bearings

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Don’t Neglect Your Trailer Wheel Bearings

There’s a lot to think about when you first purchase a trailer. Between choosing the right size, weight, price and storage capacity, it’s hardly surprising that most of us would never even consider the wheel bearings. These small components, however, are a vital part of the trailer’s overall function and they need to be maintained. Without proper wheel bearing maintenance, the safety and integrity of the trailer, as well as everyone else travelling alongside you, will be compromised.

Follow this check-list to make sure your trailer wheels and bearings are always in good condition:

To start, you need to lift the wheel off the ground. Make sure the opposite wheel is chocked and place a jack stand under the axle of the tire you’re going to raise. Jack up the trailer’s axle, elevating the trailer high enough for you to easily access the wheel.
Once the trailer wheel is in position, grab the tyre on opposite sides and spin it with your hands. The wheel should spin effortlessly without being loose or stiff. Check for unusual grinding noises which could indicate bearing damage.
Check the hubcap for dryness or whether it is noticeably warm. This could mean there is increased friction from the bearings which can lead to failure.
Remove the dust cap from the centre of the hub (a screwdriver works well) and check the bearing grease. If the grease looks burnt or you spot tiny slivers of metal, it’s time to replace the old lubricant.
To check the bearings, use a socket set to remove the bolts that secure the rim to the axle and remove the wheel. Use a screwdriver to pop-off the axle cap and remove the cotter pin which keeps the end bolt in place. Loosen the hub nut and slide off the hub.
Inspect the two bearings on each side of the hub by removing them. Check for any grooving or damage, or if they are unusually loose. These are all signs that the bearings need to be replaced.

Once you’ve completed your checklist on both wheels, remember to contact your trusted local bearing supplier for advice on the best grease to use, as well as the options for replacement bearings .

A Guide To Correctly Mount Your Bearings

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 22:00:00 GMT

A Guide To Correctly Mount Your Bearings

Bearings are built to last and as such, they should outlast the life of the machine in which they function. So why does this rarely happen? Bearings are such an essential part of so many pieces of equipment and yet they are often the main source of the issue when a problem occurs. There are many reasons that bearings fail but one of the most common comes down to how the bearing is initially installed. Following this guide will ensure that your bearings are always mounted correctly, guaranteeing a longer lifespan for your bearings and your machinery.

Pre-Mounting

Prior to mounting, make sure that you understand and follow-through on storing and handling your bearings correctly. The environment around your stored bearings should be clean, cool and free from humidity, dust and vibrations. As always, cleanliness is vital. Make sure the bearings and your work area are spotless. You should also have your tools on hand and be thoroughly confident with the safety procedures.

Cold Mounting

Cold mounting, or mechanical mounting, is one of the primary methods to mount a bearing properly. This method is typically used for small- to medium-sized bearings (with outside diameters up to four inches) and requires the use of fitting tools. Don’t be tempted to use a hammer and a pipe for the job; it will just cause unnecessary damage. Fitting tools ensure that the correct amount of force is applied to both the bearing rings and protects the rolling elements from impact. Always make sure you have the correct tools and that they are sized correctly.

Hot Mounting

Hot mounting involves heating the bearing to allow it to expand and slip into place more easily. While this a popular choice for mounting bearings, if not done with the right technique, this method can be damaging and potentially dangerous. The best way to heat a bearing is with an induction heater. By heating the bearings prior to installation, induction provides better control, efficiency and safety in comparison to the less effective methods such as an open flame, hot oil, hot plates or ovens.

Hydraulic Mounting

For very large bearings, hydraulic mounting is the most effective method. Hydraulic mounting typically requires the assistance of oil injection, as well as a hydraulic pump and pressure gauge . There are a variety of oil injectors, hydraulic nuts and pumps. Some are even designed specifically for a single type of bearing. They have all proven, however, that this method is very successful in easing the installation process and minimising potential damage.

By understanding the various methods for installing different types of bearings, you’re giving yourself the best opportunity to ensure your equipment lasts as long as it should. If for any reason you’re unsure or need more advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our highly capable team . We are available 24/7 and will always be willing to assist with your needs!

Extend The Life Of Your Electric Motor Bearings

Sun, 09 Jun 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Extend The Life Of Your Electric Motor Bearings

Electric motors are simple, reliable and often overlooked, despite being some of the most important pieces of equipment in manufacturing processes. Unfortunately, without consistent maintenance, electric motors will often fail prematurely, and nearly 80% of electric motor failure is the result of bearing failure. So, how do you make sure your electric motor bearings last? Follow these tips and you’ll not only extend the life of your bearings, you’ll save your electric motors too!

Cleanliness Is Key

To get the most out of your motor and to protect the bearings, make sure that dirt and process materials don’t begin to build-up. Keep it clean! Dust is a serious contaminant and one of the main causes of bearing failure. If dirt starts to accumulate, it can insulate the motor and cause unnecessary and damaging heat. Use compressed air to clear away dirt and keep your motor bearings clean and dust-free.

Proper Lubrication

As with every bearing that requires grease, make sure that your electric motor bearings are getting the correct kind and the right amount. Lubricant prevents the bearings, as well as their rolling elements, from wearing down and protects them against rust, dirt and other contaminants. On the other hand, be careful not to over-grease your bearings. This can result in a burst seal which can be catastrophic to the bearing and the motor.

Correct Installation

Bearings that have been installed incorrectly will wear down far quicker, usually as a result of friction. Make sure you understand your specific bearing’s installation process and learn as much as you can before attempting to do it yourself. Bearings should be handled with care – never install a dropped bearing and never pound the bearing or ring. Use the correct tools for the job and if you’re ever in doubt, consult with your bearing supplier for help. You’ll be saving yourself time and money in the long run.

Replace Or Upgrade When Necessary

Once your bearings do begin to wear, it’s important to replace them before they fail completely and cause any damage to the motor. If you’re not set on replacing your used bearings with identical bearings, speak to your authorised bearing distributor for advice on upgrading. New and improved versions of older bearings are always being launched into the market so if you can buy a better replacement then why not do so?

Bearings are built to last, and if you follow the few pointers above, there is no reason that your electric motor bearings will fail before they should. Keep up to date on your maintenance and look out for signs of trouble such as excessive noise, vibration and temperature increase. And always ask your bearing supplier for help if you’re not entirely confident doing things yourself – they are the experts and they are there to guide you.

Adjusting Roller Chain Lengths With Offset Links

Sun, 26 May 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Adjusting Roller Chain Lengths With Offset Links

When discussing offset links for roller chains , it’s important to understand the basics of a roller chain. A roller chain is made up of roller links and pin links. Roller links make up the interior assembly of the chain and consist of two bushings that are press-fit into roller link plates. These may or may not include free-rotating rollers. Rollerless chains, for example, do not include rollers. The same roller links can be used for both multiple- and single-strand chains.

So, what is an offset roller chain link? Also known as ‘half links’ or ‘crank links’, an offset chain link is used when making a chain length with an odd number of pitches, or to shorten a chain length by one pitch. Featuring a combination of a roller link and a pin link, offset links are available in two different designs:

Single-Pitch Offset Links

Single-pitch offset links (slip-fit type) come complete with an unassembled slip-fit pin in the link plate. One end of the pin will be milled flat to prevent it from turning in the link plate after installation.

Two-Pitch Offset Links

Two-pitch offset links (press-fit type) consist of one offset link and one roller link assembled together. The press-fit assembly of this link is highly beneficial. It increases the link’s structural integrity, making it more durable, reliable, and suitable for heavy impact loads or high-speed driving. This is why a two-pitch is often the preferred choice of offset link.

Unfortunately, an offset link will always reduce the chain’s working capacity, so it’s important to note that neither type of offset link is recommended for use, particularly in performance orientated drives.

To join two ends of a chain together, the most common components used are roller chain connecting links . They are also available in either a slip-fit or press-fit configuration, depending on the intended application. Slip-fit links are the popular choice for general chain applications, while press-fit links are recommended for greater load carrying capability.

If you’re interested in which chain links are the most suitable for your particular application, or if you have concerns about possible chain failure in your assembly, don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team for advice.

Suitable Bearings For The Food & Beverage Industry

Sun, 19 May 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Suitable Bearings For The Food & Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry is usually home to some of the harshest environments in which bearings need to operate. With machines that have many moving parts, the bearings found in this industry are important, everyday components. They also have to adhere to the strict safety regulations, designed for manufacturing processes that come into contact with edible products.

The challenges that these bearings face on a daily basis are many. They include extreme temperatures such as excessive heat from environments that involve cooking and baking, or excessive cold from refrigeration or freezer applications. Wet environments, where regular wash down processes take place, expose bearings to excessive moisture and harsh sanitation chemicals, both of which cause bearings to degrade.

To avoid continuously replacing your bearings in this sensitive and harsh environment, it’s vital to select the correct type of bearing for the application. This ensures optimal system longevity and reliability.

Non-Corrosive Bearings

To handle wet and corrosive environments, bearings need to be made from non-corrosive materials. The most common of these are stainless steel, chrome, and zinc chromates. A wide variety of speciality bearings have been developed specifically for the food and beverage industry. These include hybrid ball bearings and moulded ball bearings, which offer higher performance in water and extended operating lives, compared with stainless-steel bearings.

Proper Lubrication

In addition to the bearing material, it’s also important to consider the type of lubrication being used. Not only does the bearing lubricant need to be effective, but it also needs to be approved for use in environments where food or beverages are being manufactured. These are typically food-grade lubricants which are odourless, tasteless, non-toxic and resistant to the daily wash-downs.

As with all types of bearings, it’s essential to assess and understand the specific application before selecting the most appropriate bearing. Always consider speaking to a professional for advice and guidance if you’re not entirely confident you’ll make the right choice. At Bearing Centre, we offer 24/7 support , 365 days a year. We won’t let you down.

Answering Your Most Frequent Bearing Questions

Sun, 12 May 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Answering Your Most Frequent Bearing Questions

As an industry leader in Africa, we are constantly receiving questions about bearings. And since bearings are the core of our business at Bearing Centre, we are passionate about answering every query as professionally and promptly as possible. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a short list of the most popular questions that come through (usually related to the many industry acronyms in use), along with a clear, simple answer.

What Does MTBF Stand For?

The term MTBF directly translates to Mean Time Between Failure. Put simply, it’s the predicted time between failures of a mechanical system, under normal system operation. The ISO standard bases a bearing’s L10 (its basic life) on the life that 90% of a large group of identical bearings can attain. To work out the MTBF or average life of your bearings, assume that its approximately five times the L10 of that specific bearing.

What is The ABEC Scale?

The ABEC scale, developed by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) in America, is the industry accepted method for measuring the tolerance of a ball bearing. The scale uses five classes, numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, to distinguish between the widest tolerance and tightest tolerance. While the scale doesn’t take into account important factors such as material quality, rolling surface and ball precision, it’s accepted that the higher the ABEC rating, the better the efficiency and speed of the bearing.

Does a Higher ABEC Rating Mean Less Noise?

Not necessarily. While some evidence might suggest the correlation, it has not been proven. This is because, as mentioned above, the scale doesn’t take into account important factors such as material quality, smoothness of the rolling surface and ball precision. Lubricant plays a big part in how quiet a bearing system will be, so it’s very difficult to determine which is the greater influence.

How Fast Can a Bearing Spin?

The alleged world record for a spinning bearing is 660,000 RPM. This was tested on a free-spinning bearing at its maximum RPM, using compressed air. Of course, this doesn’t mean every bearing will have that capability. A bearing’s speed is highly dependent on its size, material, tolerance, precision level and the amount or type of lubrication used.

Can a Bearing be Refurbished?

In some cases, yes. It does, however, depend on factors as such as the economic gains (if any), the accumulated wear, maintenance cycles, lubrication history, environmental consequences, the MTBF, and many more. It’s always cheaper to simply replace small bearings but for large slewing rings, spherical roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and bearings with a 15cm core or bigger, it would certainly be worth the effort to refurbish rather than replace.

Some of the other popular questions that come our way include: What's the difference between bearing seals and shields? Do stainless steel bearings offer protection from rust? What is the best bearing grease? What is the difference between a ZZ and 2RS? For the answers to these, browse through our extensive blog posts , the answers are definitely there.

We hope this list and our blog comes in handy for the many visitors that browse our website but if there’s anything that we haven’t covered, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Protect Your Bearings From Corrosion

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Protect Your Bearings From Corrosion

For bearings, corrosion is an often undetected and deadly enemy. While stainless steel and chrome steel bearings are designed to be resistant to corrosion, they are still vulnerable, particularly when stored incorrectly in harsh environments, where humidity and condensation can ultimately lead to rusting. Even the smallest exposure to chemicals, dirt and other contaminants, can increase the risk of corrosion and significantly reduce the life of your bearings.

By the time rust appears, it’s usually too late to save your bearing. Deep-seated rust is caused by prolonged exposure to water, forming grey-black streaks, cracks, flakes and premature bearing failure. The true cost of rust is measured by the downtime it causes and the costly replacement of machines components, so prevention should always be your first line of defence. Here, we detail the four most successful ways to protect your bearings from corrosion.

Better Materials

To improve the corrosion resistance of standard steel bearings, choose a design that uses stainless-steel balls. These bearings typically use standard grade 400 stainless-steel which has a decent load capacity as well as moderate corrosion resistance. For even better resistance, grade 300 stainless-steel bearings are available; however, their load capacity will be reduced. Hybrid bearings, using ceramic balls and stainless-steel races, are the ultimate choice for effective rust prevention. Ceramic is chemically inert, making it highly resistant to corrosion, and hybrid bearings in the right applications have been known to run faster, operate at higher temperatures and further reduce vibration.

Protective Coatings

By applying a protective coating to your bearings, you can create a barrier that should prevent contaminants from reaching the bearing surface. In some cases, the inner and outer rings are both covered in a protective coating, of which the most common types are chromium and nickel plating, zinc thermal sprays, and black oxide. An added benefit of a protective coating is that it hardens the raceways and increases the life of the bearing.

Tighter Seals

For bearings that are used in highly corrosive environments, a tighter, stronger seal, made from higher-quality materials, is often an effective method for preventing rust. Specially designed seals that can prevent water, micro-dust and chemicals from penetrating the bearing, are often the first and best choice for resisting corrosion.

Grease

In an environment where machinery is constantly exposed to humidity or moisture, a water-resistant grease or lubricant is a safe bet to ward off rust. The grease acts as a protective coating, creating a barrier between the surface of the bearing and any possible contaminants. It’s important, however, not to use too much grease, as this can cause its own set of problems.

If you’re concerned about corrosion, but you’re not sure how to get started or if you need additional advice, do the necessary research or give our helpful team a call . We can assist you in choosing the correct the bearing for the job and advise on why it’s the best option for your specific application. At Bearing Centre, we won’t let you down!

Bearings At The Heart Of Clutch Control

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Bearings At The Heart Of Clutch Control

If you’ve ever driven a manual vehicle, you’ll be familiar with the process required to switch gears and apply power while the car is moving. But have you ever considered how the clutch, gear and power system in your car really works? And did you know, that at the very centre of every clutch operation is a particularly special component called a clutch release or throw out bearing? Let’s have a look at the function of this bearing in more detail.

In simple terms, the clutch allows control of the engine power when a vehicle begins to move, gradually increasing power as the clutch is released. When you depress the clutch to change gear, it interrupts the power, transferring it from the engine to the transmission and drive wheels. So, where does the clutch release bearing come into all of this?

The clutch release bearing is typically a thrust-type angular contact ball bearing, mounted on an iron casting called a hub. The bearing slides along a sleeve or hollow shaft at the font of the gearbox. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the bearing moves towards the flywheel and pushes against the pressure plate’s spring-release fingers. This action moves the pressure plate levers against the force of the pressure plate springs, which in turn moves the pressure plate away from the clutch disc and interrupts the power flow.

During the transfer of power, the clutch release bearing rotates with the pressure plate assembly and absorbs the rotary motion of the spring fingers against the linear motion of the fork. When the clutch is released, the bearing moves back away from the pressure plate, allowing the plate’s springs to force against the clutch disc and engage the flywheel. Once fully engaged, the bearing remains stationary.

To withstand such high-stress conditions, clutch release bearings are packed with lubricant during manufacture and usually don’t require any maintenance. For more insight into these useful components or if you’re in the market for clutch-release bearings , don’t hesitate to contact your trusted local supply team at Bearing Centre .

Take Care of Your Bearing Grease

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 13:01:00 GMT

Take Care of Your Bearing Grease

Lubricant is essential for bearings to operate properly. A d ecent grease or oil will reduce friction, prevent contamination or corrosion, and extend the service life of your bearings. So, if you’re putting in the effort to care for your bearings, it would be sensible to put as much care into the lifespan of your bearing grease.

The shelf-life of a bearing lubricant is determined by the amount of time the product can be stored before the properties of the lubricant begin to change and become less effective. This time-period changes depending on the product’s grading, formula and various storage conditions. To extend the shelf-life of you bearing grease, it would help to keep the following points in mind.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve purchased your bearing grease, it’s important to keep the product in its original container. Don’t be tempted to move the grease into a new container; this only encourages contamination.

It’s also vital to keep the lid sealed when you’re finished using the grease. If, at first, you’re not sure how much product you’re going to need, rather purchase a smaller container. This way, you’re not constantly opening and closing the lid. Most companies supply their lubrication products in a variety of packaging sizes so that you always have this option.

Another important consideration when making your purchase is whether or not the lid can re-seal once it has been opened. If not, then you need to make sure you will be using all the product in one go or be extra careful when handling and storing to avoid unnecessary contamination.

The conditions of your storage area are also very important to the life of your bearing grease. Ideally, lubricant should be kept in a clean, dry and cool location. A hot, humid environment will shorten the lifespan of you bearing grease, so you need to ensure that you have control over the temperature of the storage area.

Remember, even the smallest amount of dust, debris or moisture can contaminate your bearing grease so pay attention when you’re using it and always make sure it’s stored correctly. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll always get the most value for the money you spent. By keeping your grease in good condition, you’re also extending the life of your bearings, so it’s a win-win situation.

For more advice on which bearing lubricant is best or on how to grease your bearings, give the friendly team at Bearing Centre a call today !

The Explorer Spherical Roller Bearing From SKF

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 22:00:00 GMT

The Explorer Spherical Roller Bearing From SKF

Did you know that SKF was the first to bring the spherical roller bearing to market, back in 1919? The original design by engineer Arvid Palmgren is similar to the spherical roller bearing that is used today but since its invention, SKF has been continuously improving them for modern machines. Their range of sealed spherical roller bearings is now the widest on the market, and it’s the following unique features that give the SKF Explorer spherical roller bearings , such high performance.

Symmetrical Rollers

The rollers in the SKF Explorer are manufactured to such tight dimensional and geometrical tolerances that they are practically identical in a roller set. The improved symmetrical rollers are self-aligning, to accommodate any misalignment, and provide optimal load distribution while preventing stress peaks at the roller ends. Along with a new patented heat treatment of the bearing rings, the SKF Explorer has improved service life and increased resistance to wear and contaminants.

Floating Guide Ring

All SKF spherical roller bearings have a floating guide ring instead of a fixed central flange on the inner ring. This ring unloads the rollers in a precise manner so that they enter the load zone in the optimal position. The rollers are also self-guiding to ensure that friction, and the heat caused by friction, is kept to an absolute minimum.

Sealed Bearings

The SKF Explorer spherical roller bearings now also include a standard range of sealed bearings, said to be the widest on the market. The SKF sealed bearings are designed to resist contamination, reduce the use of lubricant and improve production time.

In addition to these improvements, the SKF Explorer spherical roller bearing has a high load capacity and is capable of accommodating both heavy radial and axial loads in both directions. All spherical roller bearings from SKF contain strong window- or prong-type cages, making them hugely robust.

These products are the result of over 100 years of quality engineering and have certainly set the industry standard. Bearing Centre is proud to be an authorised distributor of SKF products and industry solutions and is always available to offer you the guidance and support you need when making your purchase.

Back To Bearing Basics

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Back To Bearing Basics

Bearings are the core of our business at Bearing Centre, but it’s been a while since we’ve focused purely on what these highly engineered, precision made components are and how they make our lives so much easier.

What Are Bearings?

Your basic bearing resembles a metal wheel with caged metal rollers or balls. The purpose of this design is to enable machinery or devices to roll or move at very high speeds while carrying large loads with ease. The rolling mechanism of the bearing reduces the friction between the two surfaces that come into contact during motion, making it easier to move in either a rotary or linear direction.

The term ‘bearing’ comes from the verb ‘to bear’, as in to ‘support’ or ‘carry the weight’ of another object. Bearings can be found in applications across the board, including vehicles, aeroplanes, tools, industrial machines, construction equipment, ceiling fans, office equipment, toys and even everyday household appliances. The general idea is that if an object rolls, spins, twists, turns or moves, it most likely has a bearing in it.

Different Types of Bearings

There are many different kinds of bearings, but the two main types are ball bearings and roller bearings. Ball bearings are the most common and are usually made from stainless steel, chrome or ceramic. The design of a ball bearing, which uses metal balls to separate the bearing from the inner race, allows it to handle both radial and thrust loads with a lower weight capacity.

Heavy loads can damage a ball bearing so if the application requires a bearing with a higher load capacity, then a roller bearing is the better option. Roller bearings, which are designed with metal cylinders instead of balls, can endure much heavier loads because the weight is distributed over a larger surface area within the bearing. The drawback of a roller bearing, however, is that it can only manage radial loads and it not suited for thrust loads.

For more information on the various types of ball and roller bearings available, it’s advisable to contact your trusted local supplier. At Bearing Centre, our extensive range of bearings includes all ball and roller bearings, miniature bearings, linear bearings and solutions, as well as needle bearings and bearing kits. Contact us today for all your bearing needs!

Tools To Safely Remove Your Bearings

Sun, 10 Mar 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Tools To Safely Remove Your Bearings

Special tools are required to remove mechanical and industrial parts such as bearings, particularly when they’re installed within rotating machine shafts or shafts inside a hole (blind bearing). These tools are called bearing pullers, and they’re typically made from tool-grade steel, iron or other alloyed metal, to ensure they’re harder than the parts on which they’re working. There are many variations of bearing pullers, each designed for a specific type of application.

Bearing pullers are either manually hand-powered or powered by a hydraulic cylinder to reduce the cost of physical labour. Pullers are designed with three main parts: the centre bolt, the gripping jaws, and the T-handle on the turn screw. Some come with a male hex end to match the drive socket. They come in various sizes; the smallest is used to remove millimetre-wide bearings, while heavy-duty pullers can be used on large, industrial or commercial machinery.

Types of Bearing Puller Tools

Bearing splitter plates or separators are used to reach spaces where puller jaws might not easily fit. They’re ideal for removing bearings, pulleys, gears and bushes that are fitted close to their housing or other components. These tools are the safest types of bearing pullers to use. They are designed with two plates that tighten around the inner race of the bearing, wedging beneath it and thrusting the bearing up and off the shaft.

The most common types of tools for removing bearings are two- and three-arm bearing pullers, or external pullers. They range from one- to forty-ton capacity and feature two or three jaws that are slim and tapered, allowing the ends to get easily behind the bearing to its race. The centre screw strings provide high levels of torque with little effort, pushing on the top of the shaft and applying upward thrust to the race.

Internal bearing pullers are used for removing grooved ball bearings or bearing sets from blind holes. Unlike external pullers, these tools feature three jaws in two different styles: a standard jaw or a long jaw. Internal pullers use a sliding hammer function to apply upward thrust and shock to the bearing, allowing it to be pulled out of the hole or housing.

At Bearing Centre, we stock a world-class supply of tools to complement our range of bearings , including the very best bearing pullers. Contact us today if you are in the market for a bearing puller or need assistance with your bearing maintenance.

Which Bearing Closures Are Best?

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Which Bearing Closures Are Best?

While we’ve covered the basics of ball bearings and roller bearings , what you may not be familiar with are bearing closures. Bearing closures are available in two simple types, namely shields and seals. Both are considered integral parts of deep groove bearings as they retain lubrication, prevent contaminants from penetrating the internal surfaces and can ultimately protect and extend the life of the bearing.

There are various types of closures that can be supplied with a single bearing, and some can even be specially designed to suit a particularly unique application. Both shields and seals have their purpose but deciding which one to use or which combination can be tricky. To determine the correct closure for an application, you first need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Shields are made from either plastic or metal and are secured to the outer race on each side of the bearing. This design effectively retains lubrication and protects against grease contamination. Shields have no limitations when it comes to speed, but their sealing efficiency is low. This is where seals are more efficient, offering a much higher protection from moisture and dirt. The trade-off is that the high-contact pressure against the inner-race causes friction, restricting operating speeds and increasing the temperature.

Common Shield Types

The most popular type of shielded bearing is the Z Type. It features a single metal shield on only one side of the bearing. This design gives the Z Type it a minimal clearance, but it doesn’t handle heavy loads, high speed or high precision. An alternative option is the ZZ Type or ‘2Z’ shielded bearing, which features a metal shield on both sides of its sides. While the ZZ Type cannot be removed once it has been installed, it doesn’t make contact with the inner ring, so there is no impact on the operational speed.

Common Seal Types

A popular type of sealed bearing is the 2RS which features a moulded rubber (nitrate) seal, bonded to a steel insert and fixed into a groove in the outer ring. Since this seal makes contact with the inner ring, it provides far better protection from environmental contaminants than a metal shield. The bearing’s speed capabilities, however, will be limited and rubber tends to react with certain chemicals, so it’s important to be mindful of this when selecting your lubricant. An alternative seal is the 2RU. While similar in design to the 2RS, this type of seal does not make contact with the inner ring, so it does not affect the torque of the bearing.

These are just a couple of the more common closures that are available. There are many other types and variations and, as mentioned, a combined option is also possible. If you’re interested in learning more about seals or shields, or if you’re having trouble deciding on the proper option for your application, make sure you contact your knowledgeable, local supplier. Contact Bearing Centre , we offer all our customers 24/7 support.

A Round-Up Of Roller Bearings

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 22:00:00 GMT

A Round-Up Of Roller Bearings

One of the earliest known types of rolling-element-bearings, roller bearings have become the most widely used in the world today. While their structure may be similar to ball bearings, the difference is that roller bearings are specifically designed to support heavy radial loads. Roller bearings are popular for their cost-effectiveness, durability, tolerance, temperature range, availability, variety and easy maintenance.

The structure of a roller bearing is relatively simple. Instead of metal balls, it uses cylinders (rollers) to separate the moving parts of the bearing. This design evenly distributes the load or weight over a larger area, allowing it to support both radial and axial loads with very little rotational friction. There are four main types of roller bearings, each designed for a specific kind of application but also interchangeable where necessary.

Cylindrical Roller Bearings

As their name suggests, Cylindrical roller bearings use cylinders (as opposed to balls in ball bearings) as the rolling element, allowing them to distribute loads across a broader surface. This feature means they are capable of handling high radial load capacity, even at high speeds. Cylindrical roller bearings can be made in various different ways, depending on the application’s radial load requirements. They can have single, double or even multi-rows of cylinders and are generally used in precision machine tools.

Spherical Roller Bearings

Spherical Roller Bearings are self-aligning, can accommodate both heavy radial and axial loads in both directions and are known to be extremely robust. Their design features two rows of symmetrical rollers that are thicker in the middle and thinner at the ends, housed within an inner ring. They are named for their outer ring which includes a spherical raceway. Spherical roller bearings have been specially designed to work with severe misalignment and are commonly used in harvesting machines, air-blowers, paper and textile machines, woodworking machinery, cranes, as well as many other industrial and non-industrial applications.

Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered Roller Bearings are expected to be high-performance bearings, capable of handling large radial and axial loads in a single direction. Their design features four basic components: an inner ring called ‘the cone’, an outer ring called ‘the cup’, tapered rollers, and a cage that houses the rollers. Their unique assembly makes tapered roller bearings excellent thrust bearings. They are typically used for heavy-duty, moderate speed applications such as agricultural, construction and mining equipment, as well as gearboxes, engine motors, reducers and conveyance vehicles.

Needle Roller Bearings

What makes needle roller bearings unique is the length and size of their cylindrical rollers. The standard length of the long, slender rollers is set to between three and ten times their diameter, meaning the ratio between the bearing’s outside diameter, and its inscribed circle diameter is very small. This design gives needle roller bearings a high radial load capacity, making them ideal for applications where radial space is limited. They are commonly found in textile machines, power tools, office equipment and home appliances.

If you’re in the market for roller bearings and need assistance selecting the best products for your particular application, please contact the dedicated team at Bearing Centre . Our highly-trained staff are available 24/7 to help you.

Bearings In Common, Everyday Objects

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Bearings In Common, Everyday Objects

If you’re unfamiliar with bearings and have visited our website to learn about these important components, you may believe that they are purely for use within an industrial setting. It may then surprise you that the same types of bearings that are so vital for industrial applications, also play an important role in the many products and appliances that you use every day. Nearly everything that has moving parts will require some kind of bearing; from toys and office equipment to common appliances and electronics, bearings are essential for creating a smooth flow of motion.

Bearings in Toys

To keep the fun rolling (or in the case of the ever-popular fidget toys, spinning), any toys with wheels or components that roll or spin, will have ball bearings as part of their design. This applies to many toys that have upheld their popularity over the last few decades, including skateboards, roller-skates, scooters, yo-yos, skipping ropes, fishing rods and remote-controlled cars (there are even bearings in the remote-control itself). In all these toys, bearings allow for high-speed, efficient functionality and safety.

Bearings in Office Equipment

Bearings of all kinds can be found in most standard office equipment. Printers, copiers and fax machines generally use deep-groove ball bearings or needle bearings. In a photocopier, the bearings need to be able to conduct electricity at high temperatures to remove any static, or the copied image will be distorted. There are even tiny ball bearings in the hard drive of your computer! Bearings are also used in heavy-duty filing cabinets as well as general storage equipment.

Bearings in Home Appliances

Since most of the appliances in our homes are stationary, it’s difficult to imagine they would require bearings, but think about the spin-cycle in your washing machine or the rolling drum in your tumble dryer, both these features need bearings for proper operation. Likewise, if these appliances begin to make a concerning noise, it is usually down to a faulty or worn-out bearing. The door on your refrigerator uses bearings, allowing to open and close smoothly on its hinges. Other items in your home that use bearing mechanisms are bar stools, sliding drawers and even your Lazy-Suzan (rotating tray)!

Bearings in Electronics

As with all the previous examples, electronic gadgets such as your DVD or Blu-ray player, video game system, laptop and hard drives, anything that has a spinning or movable component will have various types of bearings to ensure the parts keep functioning correctly. Bearings are such a crucial part of your electronics that without them, they would fail.

So now you understand how important bearings are in applications from every kind of industry. Whatever your next project, you can trust the experts at Bearing Centre to assist you with your exact requirements, however unique. To find out more, contact us today !

What You Should Know About Wheel Bearings

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 22:00:00 GMT

What You Should Know About Wheel Bearings

Why are wheel bearings so important? The simple answer is that they quite literally keep the wheels attached to your vehicle. When you consider the alternative, it suddenly becomes clear that we should all know a lot more about these often overlooked but vital components in our vehicles; how they function and, most importantly, how to prevent them from failing.

Whether you use an aircraft, car, truck, motorbike, or bicycle for transport, wheel bearings are the important parts that keep you moving safely and smoothly. So how do they do this? Wheel bearings, usually made from high-quality steel, have two important roles to play. The first is allowing the wheels on your vehicle to rotate freely with minimal friction, and the second is to support the weight of your vehicle over the many thousands of kilometres you may travel.

How do they work? A wheel bearing is a set of small metal balls that are held together and roll between two smooth metal rings called a ‘race’. With the help of grease or lubricant, the bearings rotate in relation to the wheel’s rotation, allowing them to spin very fast with as little friction as possible. On a car, the wheel bearing fits tightly inside a metal casing called a ‘hub’, in the centre of the wheel. The hub holds the lug bolts that are used to bolt the tyre onto the wheel.

Most wheel bearings are made from hardened steel and are designed to last for 160 000km or more if they're maintained correctly. As with any type of bearing under constant stress, they do eventually wear out, particularly if the seal on the bearing is damaged or worn. For a wheel bearing, the most dangerous contaminants are water and heat. Heat, from a lack of lubrication and intense friction, can quickly destroy a bearing and if water penetrates the bearing seal, the corrosion it causes will also do unrepairable damage.

So, how do you know if your wheel bearings are threatening to fail or need to be replaced? In a recent blog post we covered a few helpful tips that will get you up to speed on the signs of a bad wheel bearing. Otherwise, you can always give the Bearing Centre team a call . We will be happy to assist you with any queries you might have regarding your wheel bearings.

Know When Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacing

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Know When Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacing

Wheel bearings are a crucial component in the operation of any vehicle, providing friction-free movement and rotation of the hub assembly, and thereby ensuring smooth rotation of the wheels. Without wheel bearings, your wheels simply wouldn’t work and yet, when a vehicle begins to show signs that something is wrong, these small but critical components are often overlooked. Like all parts under daily stress, wheel bearings may begin to wear out, but luckily, there are a few distinct signs that point to this particular problem.

Grinding or Grating Noise

One of the most common and easily identifiable signs that your wheel bearings need to be replaced is if you hear a loud grinding or grating noise from the wheel or tyre area of the moving vehicle. The noise should get louder as the vehicle accelerates because the excess heat causes the lubrication of the bearing to wear out, resulting in metal-on-metal friction.

Steering Concerns

When a wheel bearing wears, it loses its smooth exterior and becomes pitted, causing vibration. The vibration is transmitted into the tyres and can make the car feel ‘loose’ or less responsive, particularly when steering. When braking, the tyres may feel like they are ‘pulling’ to one side and you may even experience noticeable vibration or wobbling in the steering wheel.

Uneven Tyre Wear

Tyres wear down for many reasons, but it can also be a sure sign that your wheel bearings are starting to fail, particularly if the tyre wear is uneven. When wheel bearings are worn, they become loose, resulting in a wheel that wobbles when it moves. Even the slightest movement can cause a tyre to wear down abnormally, which is why it’s important to rotate your tyres periodically.

These signs could also be the result of a far bigger problem within the vehicle, but if you notice them, it’s always worth keeping the wheel bearings in mind as the possible culprit. Make sure you have a professional determine the cause of the problem and if it happens that you need to replace your bearings, always invest in a quality brand from a reputable supplier . For any information regarding the most suitable bearings for wheels, contact the helpful team at Bearing Centre today .

Which Bearing Lubricant Is Best

Sun, 13 Jan 2019 22:00:00 GMT

Which Bearing Lubricant Is Best

If you’re a novice when it comes to working with bearings, it’s important to understand the vital role that lubrication plays in the running speed, temperature, torque level, noise level and, ultimately, the overall life of your bearings. The thin film that lubricants provide between contact areas is essential for reducing friction and minimising bearing wear.

Not all lubricants, however, are created equally; some perform better in cool conditions or low-speed applications, while others are specifically designed to cope with high pressure and heat. The many options can be confusing, but if you understand what the different types of lubricants are designed to do, you’ll have a better chance of selecting the correct one for your specific application.

Vacuum Environments

For applications that are sensitive to contaminants, particularly those in a vacuum, dry coatings are ideal. The film, usually made from molybdenum disulphide or tungsten disulphide, provides a permanent coating (no need to re-apply) that is resistant to water and dilute acids, performs reliably in a wide range of temperatures and is mostly maintenance free.

Perfluorinated (PFPE) lubricants are also highly suited for vacuum or clean-room environments. PFPEs are not flammable, do not react with plastics or elastomers and are highly resistant to many chemicals. They are also oxygen compatible, have low vapour pressure, and some can even withstand temperatures of up to 300ºC.

Low Speed

Oils are popular lubricants because they are easy to apply and maintain their consistency in a wide range of temperatures, as long as the temperature remains constant. Oils are better suited for low torque applications, requiring only a light drizzle to be effective. While they can be used in high-speed applications, oils don’t remain in place as well as other lubricants and would need to be constantly replenished.

Silicone lubricants, while also not suitable for heavy loads and high speeds, have a wide temperature range and excellent water resistance. They do not react to other materials and are safe to use with most plastics.

Food

Food-grade lubricants are designed to adhere to the strict hygiene regulations in the food and beverage industries. If there is the possibility of bearings coming into contact with food, specially approved lubricants are used to avoid contamination. Approved greases that are highly resistant to industrial cleaning processes are used in all the areas where there is no contact such as the joints, slides, links and rolling elements.

Automotive

The lubricant most widely used in automotive parts is dampening grease. This type of grease prevents unnecessary noise such as rattles and squeaks and ensures the switches and gears have a smooth, quality feel to them. Dampening grease can be used in slow rotating bearings such as in potentiometers.

All Rounder

The most commonly used lubricants for a wide range of applications are called mineral or synthetic lubricants. These versatile and popular lubricants have variations that are used for general or high-speed use and low noise applications. They are water resistant and are perfectly capable in low or high temperatures.

This information should give you a relatively good idea of which bearing lubricant is best, for your specific application. If you’re still a bit unsure, the knowledgeable team at Bearing Centre is always on hand to offer their expert advice. Give us a call today and ensure you make the right choice.

Synchronous Drive Gear-Belts - All You Need to Know

Sun, 16 Sep 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Synchronous Drive Gear-Belts - All You Need to Know

Synchronous drive gear-belts, also known as toothed belts, timing belts, cog or cogged belts, are an essential part of many mechanical devices that require high-powered transmission . In simple terms, they are flexible belts with an inner surface that has been moulded with teeth. During operation, they are designed to run over pulleys or sprockets with matching teeth, ensuring that the belt remains in place and does not slip.

Purpose And Function

The basic purpose of synchronous drive gear-belts is to transfer motion. When these belts have been correctly matched and tensioned with their respective pulleys or sprockets, there should be no slippage, resulting in a smooth transfer of motion for timing and indexing (the source of their other names). They’re commonly used as an alternative for chains or gears, with the advantage that gear-belts produce far less noise and require little to no lubrication.

Various Applications

Synchronous drive gear-belts are known for being able to produce and deliver more power than your average friction-drive belts, so they’re often used in high-power transmissions such as automobile and motorcycle engines. They’re even used to power the high-speed, two-stroke engines of Microlight aircraft, as well as Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the supercharger used in dragsters! Gear-belts are also found in more common mechanical devices such as sewing machines and photocopiers.

Materials And Fabrication

Machines that use synchronous drive gear-belts rely heavily on the belt’s quality and lifespan. If the belt becomes worn or breaks, the machine cannot run, and it could cause a catastrophic failure. Originally, gear-belts were made simply from a natural textile covered by natural rubber, but advancements in synthetic materials have made a significant difference in extending the belts’ lifespan. Today, gear-belts are being made from synthetic rubber, polyurethane, nylon, Kevlar and carbon fibres, all of which aim to reinforce the structure and integrity of the belt.

Bearing Centre stocks a comprehensive range of transmission products and solutions . We ensure that all our products and solutions are the best in their class, giving our customers the peace of mind that they need when making a purchase. Contact us today for more information.

Avoid Over-Lubricating Your Bearings

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Avoid Over-Lubricating Your Bearings

We’ve covered the importance of lubrication in many previous posts and stressed how proper lubrication could extend the life of your bearings , prevent damaging your stainless steel fasteners , as well as how lubricant is an essential component when installing seals . What we often fail to consider is what happens when bearings are over-lubricated. Many people may believe that it’s impossible to use too much lubricant but, as with most things in life, moderation is the key to optimum functionality.

Using too much grease to lubricate your bearings can lead to severe complications within your machinery. During operation, the build-up of grease in the bearing cavity can start to churn. If grease is churned enough, it can suffer rapid oxidation (chemical degradation) as it begins to lose its base oil, becoming increasingly thicker and less lubricating. This thickened grease can also be pushed out of the cavity all together and distributed all over the windings from the rotor assembly.

With little to no lubrication, operating temperatures will increase, leading to collapsed seals, bearing failure and energy loss. The excess heat can eventually ‘cook’ the remaining grease, causing it to thicken into a hard, crusty solid that is difficult to remove, blocking any new grease from reaching the core of the bearings and speeding up wear of the rolling elements. In short, the true danger of over-lubricating your bearing is total machine failure and costly equipment downtime.

Another negative result of over-lubricating is the increase in pressure. Lip seals tend to fail around 500psi, so any additional pressure from the grease-gun (which can produce up to 15 000psi) will cause the lip seals to rupture, allowing contaminants to enter the bearing housing. An increase in pressure can also cause the hard, crusty grease to break apart, sending it directly into the bearing track, leading to accelerated wear and ultimately, overall failure.

Fortunately, over-lubricating is fairly easy to avoid. If you have an established maintenance plan in place and utilise the calculations to determine the correct amount of grease to use and how often to apply it, you shouldn’t have a problem. The formula for calculating the volume of grease applicable to the size of the bearing is as follows:

G (grease amount in ounces) = 0.114 x D (bore diameter in inches) x B (bearing width in inches)

If you’re still not confident that you’ve followed the formula correctly or if you need assistance with establishing a successful maintenance plan, always contact a professional for assistance. At Bearing Centre, we offer a range of on-site services and training courses to ensure you’re getting the maximum efficiency from your machinery, as well as your business.

All About Oil Seals

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:00:00 GMT

All About Oil Seals

Oil seals go by many names, such as shaft seals, dirt seals, grease seals, lip seals, and many other variations of these. They are essentially simple devices used in rotary shaft equipment to prevent lubricant from escaping and for excluding contaminants such as dust, dirt and water. An oil seal’s most important function, however, is that it protects every type of ball, sleeve and roller bearing in the rotating shafts. The seals also prevent the integration of two different fluids that shouldn’t mix, such as oil and water.

How do oil seals work?

The basic principle of an oil seal is fairly straightforward. It is installed adjacent to the bearing, with the flexible lip against the rotating shaft and the casing pressed into the housing to hold the seal in place. It’s important that the sealing lip is lubricated to prevent it from overheating as a result of any generated friction. It’s also crucial to understand which type of seal is appropriate for your particular machinery. Before selecting your seal, consider the environment, temperature, pressure and shaft speed of your machine, as well as the type of medium the seal will come into contact with during operation. These considerations will all determine the size, colour, and type of lip material or sealing element to choose, and whether it can be sealed in or sealed out.

What material are oil seals made from?

Oil seals are made from multiple compounds and materials. Some of the oldest, still in use today, are leather and felt compounds. The trend in mass production, however, has seen a move towards synthetic rubber or elastomers. Nitrile is by far the most popular material but developments in PTFE have created a surge of interest in buyers needing seals for high-speed shaft rotation applications. Viton is taking over from the polyacrylic and silicone, as it works better in high-temperature applications and has a high-resistance to abrasion and harmful chemicals.

There are various sizes of industrial and ordinary oil seals, ranging from 0 to 33cm (13in). These varieties are also designed for different temperatures. As long as your seal matches the original equipment it’s intended for, you can be sure your machine will perform at its best. For further guidance and information regarding oil seals, don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team . We are always available to assist you with your bearing , seal and gasket needs .

Choosing The Correct Seal For Your Bearings

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Choosing The Correct Seal For Your Bearings

Bearing seals are used to retain fluids and prevent contamination of the bearing race. The seals must create the least amount of friction and wear, allowing the bearing to perform consistently at its best. They must also provide the most amount of protection for the bearing, even under extreme pressure and environmental conditions. There are enormous amounts of seals to choose from when you’re in the market, so how do you know which type of seal is the most appropriate one for your particular bearings?

There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right bearing seal, starting with the type of bearing you are using. Some bearings have unique features and can only be used under certain conditions. These will have their own types of seals, specifically made to suit them, as will the more common types such as roller bearings, ball bearings and tapered thrust bearings. The type of lubricant you use will also play a part in the selection process. Some seals are more suitable for oil, while others work better with grease.

Other factors that could influence your final choice could include: the shaft arrangement or possible misalignment; the available physical space; the amount of seal friction or maximum temperature; environmental effects; and the cost. Once you have determined the requirements as well as the external conditions that are relevant to your bearing assembly, you will most likely need to decide between the two most common types of seals: contact or non-contact.

Contact Seals

Contact seals provide an effective seal by their ability to exert continuous pressure to the surface area of the bearing with a narrow sealing lip. Contact seals are a reliable solution, particularly if the surface finish is kept smooth and lubricated. The direct contact with the bearing shaft can, however, create friction and heat which can lead to mechanical damage or contamination. The best way to avoid this situation is to put a non-contact seal in front of a contact seal, for added protection.

Non-Contact Seals

Non-contact seals are designed to work better with grease lubricants as they contain a narrow gap, arranged either radially, axially, or a combination of both, between the rotating and stationary components. The benefit of non-contact seals is that they produce virtually no friction and therefore do not wear, making them ideal for high-speed and high-temperature assemblies. If the gap is not kept well-greased, however, it may let in contaminants or allow fluids to leak out.

If you’re in the market for bearing seals and unsure of the correct type to purchase, always contact your trusted local supplier for advice and guidance. Bearing Centre stocks a wide selection of seals and gaskets from tried and tested brands, and our team is available 24/7 to assist with your queries. Call us today !

A Speedy Solution From SKF For Your Worn Shafts

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:00:00 GMT

A Speedy Solution From SKF For Your Worn Shafts

Using the SKF Speedi-Sleeve to cover a worn area of your shaft is as simple as pushing it into position. There is no need for disassembly or machining, and no special equipment is required, barring a rubber mallet and a pair of pliers. Any special tools needed for installation are supplied. This thin-walled sleeve (0,28mm or 0.011in), developed by SKF, provides a counterface surface that is optimised for radial shaft seals, minimising costly downtime.

For an adequate seal, the radial shaft seals must run against a smooth, round counterface (a surface that comes into contact with another in a frictional environment). If the counterface becomes worn, the seal will no longer function optimally, leaking lubricant and allowing contaminants to enter the shaft. The SKF Speedi-Sleeve is manufactured from proprietary-grade stainless steel, making its surface wear resistant and increasing its overall strength and flexibility. It also features undetectable lubricant pockets that allow lubricant to settle on the sleeve, preventing the sealing lip from running dry and causing excessive wear.

Installing the SKF Speedi-Sleeve is simple, but it should still be done with care. Make sure the counterface surface is clean and smooth by removing any burs and filing down any rough spots. To make installation of the sleeve even easier, SKF have designed the Speedi-Sleeve with a removable flange. The flange only needs to be removed in cases where it may reduce the supply of lubricant or interfere with other system components, otherwise, it can remain in place. Never heat the sleeve before installation.

Removing the sleeve is done by directly applying heat until it expands enough to slide off the shaft. Alternatively, the sleeve can be removed by cutting or twisting from the flange. It’s important to remember that once you remove the sleeve, it cannot be reused. The standard size range covers sleeves for shaft diameters from 11,99mm to 203,33mm (0,472in to 8in), but non-standard sizes can be manufactured depending on production quantities. Both the original and new-generation sleeves have been extensively tested, proving their effectiveness against abrasion and overall reliability.

For assistance with selecting the correct sleeve size, it’s best to contact a trusted local supplier .

Bearing Centre is proud to be an authorised distributor of SKF products and industry solutions and is always available to offer you the guidance and support you need when making your purchase.

Understand The Different Types Of O-Ring Materials

Sun, 05 Aug 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Understand The Different Types Of O-Ring Materials

We’ve covered the basic history and common uses for O-rings but if you’re in the market for these mechanical pieces, it’s always worth considering what type of material they’re made from. We know that O-rings, also called packing or toric joints, are widely used as sealing products in a variety of applications. The original O-ring design hasn’t changed much but the development of materials, particularly in the last few decades, has allowed for specialty O-rings that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure, as well as hazardous chemicals.

O-rings can now be made from a vast scope of different materials, each designed to function optimally in a specific application. While industries have certainly benefited from the variety of choice, it does become difficult deciding on the best type of material for your application if you’re not familiar with each material’s unique properties. To help you determine what will work best for your project, we’ve listed the more common materials used to manufacture O-rings below, with their various efficiencies and possible deficiencies.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane O-rings are known for their toughness and resistance to abrasion. The material is used to make everything from foam sponges to spandex. Polyurethane seals are perfect for applications that need a durable rubber that can withstand challenging environments, high impacts and heavy loads. It does not, however, have excellent heat resistance so this needs to be taken into account.

Neoprene

Neoprene O-rings are commonly used to seal refrigerators and air-conditioners. This material is resistant to weather, combustion, water, chemicals, fluids and gasses, making it one of the more versatile and widely used materials for manufacturing O-rings. Some neoprene products, however, contain lead-based agents, making them extremely hazardous to human health.

Nitrile (Bruna, NBR)

Nitrile is an economic material that is widely used because of its resistance to abrasions and tears. It is best suited as a general-purpose seal for petroleum-based oils and fuel, water, some hydraulic fluids and dynamic applications. Nitrile works better in applications that have limited temperature requirements and should not be used with brake fluids or ozone.

Ethylene-Propylene Rubber (EPR, EPDM)

In contrast to Nitrile, EPR O-rings have a high resistance to ozone and can be used with various hydraulic fluids as well as brake fluids, steam, silicone oils and alcohol. EPR O-rings are even used in the aerospace industry’s hydraulic pumps. They are, however, very susceptible to wear and tear so avoid mineral oil products and hydrocarbon fluids with these O-rings.

Fluorocarbon (Vikton, FKM)

Fluorocarbon is a versatile and widely used material with a high resistance to swelling, permeation, high temperatures and chemicals. These O-rings are used in many different automotive, appliance and chemical processing industries. The only applications they cannot be used in are ones that have very low temperatures and use ketones or amines.

These are just a few of the many materials used to make O-rings. If you’re in the market for these products and need more information, give us a call today . We’ll be happy to help guide your selection.

Interesting Facts About O-Rings

Sun, 22 Jul 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Interesting Facts About O-Rings

O-rings are manufactured across the globe and are the most common seals used to contain fluid. They usually consist of a doughnut-shaped ring (the technical term for the shape is a toroid) made from a variety of pliable elastomers such as Neoprene or silicone. O-rings are widely used for sealing joints and connections in hydraulic and pneumatic systems , but their use extends far beyond the industrial industries. Here, we cover the O-ring’s interesting history and their vast range of applications, some that may be quite surprising.

History

The original U.S. patent for the O-ring belonged to Niels Christensen, an immigrant from Denmark who played with the idea of using rubber rings to seal the air brake system he was designing for streetcars. In 1936, he discovered that if a rubber ring was set in a groove that measured one and a half times the minor radius of the ring, it created the perfect seal for pistons and cylinders. Christensen was awarded his patent in 1939, but during World War II, the US government declared the O-ring a “critical war-related item” and the rights to manufacture them were handed over to many other companies. Christensen received a hefty compensation payment at the time but his heirs continued with litigations, resulting in a further payment from the government in 1971.

Common Applications

In the transportation, aviation and even aerospace industries, O-rings are a critical component for preventing chemical exposure, limiting vibration and protecting occupants from extreme exterior temperatures. In the medical field, syringes, pumps, filtration equipment and various connectors require special FDA-grade O-rings. For food and beverage dispensing, O-rings need to be specially made to the highest sanitary levels. And, of course, in the industrial markets, O-rings are key fixtures in valves, fittings, connectors, gas pumps and storage tanks. These types of O-rings need to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals and enormous pressure so they’re usually manufactured from specialised compounds designed for each unique application.

Surprising Applications

You may not have been aware before, but O-rings are used everywhere from your home appliances and office equipment to scuba gear and paintball guns! Some of the most surprising orders come from orthodontists, who use silicone O-rings in dentures to ensure that liquid doesn’t leak into the implants. O-rings are also used in tattoo guns to prevent noisy vibration and steadier operation. In paintball guns, it’s important that air doesn’t escape from the various gun components or it will malfunction. O-rings are replaced frequently in these units because they are such a vital part of the larger application.

So, as you can see, there is no denying the versatility and importance of these seemingly simple rubber rings. For more information on the various types of O-rings and which one is suitable for your specific application, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team at Bearing Centre.

The True Cost Of Using Counterfeit Bearings

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 22:00:00 GMT

The True Cost Of Using Counterfeit Bearings

Fake or counterfeit products are an enormous problem in almost every market and unfortunately this issue extends far into the industrial market, particularly with bearings. With the rise of advanced technology in third world countries, it’s becoming easier to illegally replicate a reputable manufacturer’s product, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between the fake and genuine brand of bearing. Consumers are unwittingly being conned into buying inferior products and the results can be disastrous.

Consider that roller bearings are used in nearly every industrial machine, vehicle, machine tool, aircraft, train, medical apparatus… the list is endless. Almost every industrial application that uses bearings requires safety standards of the highest level and this is where the true cost of using counterfeit bearings becomes painfully clear. While they may be difficult to identify, fake bearings will always be made from substandard materials, putting operators, machinery and companies at risk.

There have been numerous documented cases of counterfeit bearings being the cause of major machine failures, factory damage, injuries, expensive plant downtime and the loss of product guarantees. These are serious risks that are often being taken by completely unsuspecting buyers. Unfortunately, the counterfeit industry is a dangerously big business that preys easily on small-to-medium enterprises under pressure to perform under tight deadlines. In these situations, the initial cost is always an overriding factor, regardless of the long-term risks and loss of revenue during the inevitable future downtime.

So, what is the solution? How do end-users protect themselves and their customers? The answer is simple: only ever purchase your bearings from authorised distributors of trusted manufacturing brands. Do your research and get educated. Always make sure your purchasing source is reliable and if you suspect that it’s not, inform the relevant manufacturer immediately. Raising awareness is the first step towards ending the plague of counterfeit products in the market.

Genuine manufacturers are also doing their bit to protect consumers and flush out the counterfeit sources. In 2017, SKF, a leading bearing and seal manufacturing company founded in Sweden, destroyed 15 tons of confiscated counterfeit bearings valued at over one million euros. NSK, the largest global manufacturer of bearings in Japan, has partnered with the World Bearing Association (WBA) to form the Anti-Counterfeiting Committee. Bearing Centre works closely with these two brands and is proud to be an authorised distributor of their quality products .

All You Need To Know About Pneumatic Valves

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 22:00:00 GMT

All You Need To Know About Pneumatic Valves

Pneumatic valves control the pressure, flow rate, direction, and amount of air that moves through a pneumatic system. Countless industrial applications depend on pneumatic systems to control their power source, and while the medium in the system is a fluid (as in a hydraulic system), the way in which it is controlled and delivered is different. There are also several types of pneumatic valves that can be used to control the pressure and flow of fluid. The most common are pressure relief valves, flow control and directional control valves.

Pressure Relief Valves

For as long as we have had the ability to boil water , there has been a need to create a safe and efficient way to manage the steam and resulting pressure. Pressure relief valves, also known for obvious reasons as safety valves, have a spring-loaded valve that is designed to open at a specified pressure setting and release fluid until the pressure returns to a safe level. These types of valves may be used for compressible or incompressible fluids in applications from air storage devices to large centralised compressors.

Flow Control Valves

Pneumatic systems (as well as hydraulic systems) often feature flow control valves. The purpose of this kind of pressure valve is to regulate the speed of the fluid in the system. They are designed to respond to signals from a control meter or temperature gauge and are usually fitted with actuators and positioners. The two configurations feature either a variable restriction that opens and closes the valve, or one that allows flow in one direction while restricting the opposite flow.

Directional Control Valves

As a flow-control valve, directional control valves are a fundamental part of pneumatic machinery. They form part of a large class of pneumatic valves that have multiple variants, from a simple check valve to a more complex valve with varying ports. Quite simply, they allow fluid to flow in different paths from various sources. The directional valve features an operator that shifts the valve between positions. They consist of a spool inside a cylinder that can be controlled either electrically or mechanically.

Other variants of pneumatic valves include poppet valves and spool valves, each with their own specific features relevant to the application they have been designed for. When choosing a pneumatic valve, consider that most come with either standard or non-standard mounting configurations. It’s always best to do your research before making a selection as there are often inconsistencies between the various manufacturers. If you’re unsure where to start or need advice on an existing system, don’t hesitate to give the Bearing Centre team a call . We will gladly assist you in finding the pneumatic valve most suitable for your system.

Signs That Your Hydraulic Hose Needs Replacing

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Signs That Your Hydraulic Hose Needs Replacing

As we’ve covered before, there is no simple way to determine how long your hydraulic hose is going to last – there are just too many variables that could influence its lifespan. The general rule is that hoses and fittings should be replaced every 1-2 years but that is highly dependent on the quality of the products and under what conditions they are being used. The shelf life of a rubber hose is around ten years (check the manufacturing date on the lay-line) but even that is negotiable when you take into account how the hose has been stored and what kind of environment it has been exposed to.

The only way to truly keep track is by following a preventative schedule and keeping a logbook of all your replacements and equipment failures. Over time, you’ll begin to see a trend as to how long your hoses last in your specific environment, allowing you to plan better for the future. In the meantime, however, there are some very clear warning signs that you can keep a look out for, letting you know that it’s time to replace those hoses before an accident occurs.

If you notice any of the following conditions during your regular checks and maintenance, you should plan to replace your hose assembly as soon as possible:

Crushed hoses – these can lead to a dangerous pressure build-up.
Oil leaks around the fitting or hose – this might require the whole assembly to be replaced. Contact a professional to get their opinion.
Exposed wire and surface damage such as nicks or scuffs – the result of significant abrasion.
Kinks – often the result of incorrect routing. If left, kinks can cause irreparable damage and pressure build-up but if caught early, you may be able to re-route.
Twists – another installation or routing error. The hose may need to be swivelled and reconnected if there is not already significant damage.
Cracked fittings – these should be replaced immediately, particularly if red rust is present. The hose may also need to be replaced if the corrosion is extensive.

These early warning signs, if acted on timeously, could help extend the service life of your hose and the entire assembly, so keep up with regular inspections and train your staff on what to look out for. When you need to repair or replace any parts, contact Bearing Centre for trusted service and supplies. Remember, a new hose assembly is a lot more cost effective than the results of a dangerous failure.

Buying Cheap Pressure Hoses Will Cost You

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Buying Cheap Pressure Hoses Will Cost You

Recently, our markets have become flooded with imports, competing with the top manufacturers by offering cheaper parts and lower cost assemblies. When the costs of pressure hoses vary so dramatically, buyers and maintenance managers can get confused, opting for the cheapest option as a way to save costs or choosing the middle ground, in the hopes that the quality will be better. Unfortunately, while the outlay of costs may be small to begin with, choosing a standard product over a premium product will ultimately cost your business substantially more in the long run.

Your machinery relies heavily on its working parts, so it’s certainly worth investing in the best possible options . If you knew that a premium product would last twice as long as a standard product, would it still be worth going for the cheaper option? What if the premium product had a lifespan five times that of the standard product? The initial investment suddenly doesn’t seem as daunting as you thought. With machinery, you have to consider that you’re not just investing your money, you’re investing in the production, the safety of your operators, the entire operation – surely that’s not worth compromising?

The hard truth is that cheap products are guaranteed to be low-quality products and the facts regarding low-quality products are as follows:

A high risk of premature failure.
A very short lifespan
A high risk of mechanical failure.
A high risk of collateral damage from an unexpected failure, such as injury or death, down-time, hydraulic fluid loss, missed deadlines and damage to the entire assembly.
Higher maintenance costs.
Higher replacement costs.
Higher repair costs.
Higher labour costs.

Those are a lot of risks to take for the sake of saving on the purchase price.

The other mistake that buyers make is not considering the warranty of your assembly. It’s common to see hoses and fittings from various manufacturers attached to a single machine. Whether it’s for cost reasons or simply down to product availability and timing, it’s important to remember that assembly warranties are typically only valid if the hoses and fittings are from the same manufacturer.

Selecting the best possible hose and fittings for your assembly and sticking to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will ultimately optimise your investment and lower your cost of ownership in the long run. Bearing Centre stocks a wide spectrum of hydraulics and pneumatic solutions from accredited and highly regarded suppliers. Contact our highly capable team today to learn more about our extensive range of high-quality products.

Route Your Hydraulic Hoses Correctly

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Route Your Hydraulic Hoses Correctly

One of the major causes of premature hydraulic hose failure is improper installation and routing of the hose assembly. When installing a hydraulic hose, routing the assembly is more than just connecting the pieces together and tightening the connections. While common sense is a factor, there are a few routing rules you should follow. Following these pointers will ensure that the service life of your assembly lasts as long as it possibly can, without any dangerous failures.

Twists and Bends

Hydraulic hoses are flexible but the steel wire reinforcement limits that flexibility which is why it’s so important to avoid a twisted hose assembly. A mere seven-degree twist can reduce the service life of a high-pressure hydraulic hose by as much as 90%! Along the side of the hose is a continuous text called a ‘lay-line’. Check the lay-line while you are installing the hose to ensure that there are no twists. If you suspect that the hose might be twisted, simply loosen the ends and use the ‘double wrenching’ method to tighten them again.

At bends in the hose, always allow enough hose length (at least 25mm) out of the fitting socket so that the bend radius is not less than the recommended minimum. Bending the hose tighter than it will allow causes unnecessary stress on the hose as well as the fittings and could result in a kink, restricting the fluid flow, or even a collapsed assembly. Using the adapters and hose fittings correctly will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Elbows and Clamps

Adapters such as elbows have many purposes and as mentioned, should be used to neaten up the hose assembly and keep the hose from being damaged. Adapters are designed to join hoses together, join them to a component and change the size or thread of a connection. They come in many different forms and when used correctly, can assist with installing the assembly successfully and extending the life of your hoses.

Hose clamps are used to secure the hose in its correct place and to support it against any exterior movement or abrasion. One of the many causes of hose failure is when the hose is subjected to outside forces that remove the protective cover and expose the wire reinforcement. If this reinforcement comes into contact with moisture it will rust, causing the hose to deteriorate far quicker than it was meant to.

Provide Some Slack

When a flexible hose is pressurised, the length and diameter can increase by as much as 3% either way. This is why it’s important to always allow some bend or slack to the hose route or you risk the hose being pulled out of the fittings and, after a while, a complete failure of the hose assembly. Be careful not to allow too much slack though, as this can cause its own set of problems (tangling, twisting, rubbing together) and look untidy.

So, pay careful attention to how the hose is routed during installation and follow these guidelines to ensure that your hose is protected, and geared to perform for its maximum service life. At Bearing Centre, we are constantly upgrading our training in hydraulics and pneumatic solutions so that we can stay ahead of the curve, offering our clients only the best in quality, workmanship and service. Give us a call today!

The Cost of Compromising Your Hydraulic Assembly

Sun, 27 May 2018 22:00:00 GMT

The Cost of Compromising Your Hydraulic Assembly

As consumers, we have a market flooded with products to choose from so, naturally, we take the opportunity to shop around. The goal is to save money, either by cutting back on quality or by mixing and matching products from different suppliers. When it comes to hydraulic hoses and their assembly, however, this is a grave error, and many buyers may not realise that their choices could have catastrophic consequences.

Hydraulic technology is used extensively across the world in the construction, mining and agricultural industries but the very nature of their use puts enormous strain on the equipment, particularly the hoses, which will inevitably fail. This is why it is so important to consider the true long-term costs of compromising on the quality of your hydraulic hose assembly and whether it is truly worth the risks.

Personal Injury

Failure of a hydraulic hose is costly, but to the people operating the machinery nearby, it can be deadly. When a hose bursts, it can cause a sudden explosion of steam, hose material or dangerous chemicals, resulting in serious injury, burns and sometimes even death. The most lethal accidents are hydraulic fluid injection injuries. Also known as 'The Lethal Strike' or 'The Liquid Bullet', a hydraulic injection injury is commonly sustained when an operator is inspecting the hose for a leak. Pressurised fluid can escape from a pin-hole and even at pressures as low as 100 psi, can puncture the operator's palm or fingers causing irreversible damage to the deeper layers of tissue. If untreated, hydraulic injection injuries can lead to amputations and even loss of life.

To ensure the safety and lives of your operators, it is imperative that you use a high-quality hose supplier, every single time. These suppliers make sure that their products are engineered and tested extensively, greatly reducing the risk of premature failure or accidents. It's also important to remember that rubber components will naturally fatigue over time, regardless of their quality, which is why your hoses should be replaced every six years, for normal use, and at least every two years for use in extreme conditions.

Downtime

For any manufacturing facility, downtime can be an enormous concern, financially and for the environment. Hose failure is a major cause of sudden and unscheduled downtime, leaving your equipment and operators waiting idly for replacements and dealing with the costly clean-up of a toxic spill or hydraulic fluid. The best way to manage your equipment maintenance is to be 'proactive' and not 'reactive'. Train your operators to spot the early warning signs of hose deterioration and if the signs are evident, call your supplier to schedule a replacement assembly.

For the well-being of your workers and your equipment, consider implementing a regular inspection programme at your facility, as well as a proactive replacement-programme with your supplier. Look past the initial costs and consider what you'll be saving in the long run. Contact our trusted team of technicians at Bearing Centre to find a safe and reliable solution to any hydraulic system issues you may have.

How To Avoid Premature Hydraulic Hose Failure

Sun, 20 May 2018 22:00:00 GMT

How To Avoid Premature Hydraulic Hose Failure

We live and work in a society that expects certain guarantees, especially when it comes to products that are costly and vital to the daily running of our business. A common concern for companies with hydraulic systems is how long the various parts are going to last, particularly the hoses. This is unfortunately impossible to answer, especially when you consider that hoses are the most vulnerable parts of a hydraulic system.

There are countless reasons and influencing factors that can lead to premature failure of a hose assembly, but often, the most common of these can be avoided with proper precautions. The first step is understanding what the most likely causes of failure are and how to avoid them. Here, we break down three of the more common reasons and what you can do to ensure you get the maximum life out of your hydraulic hoses.

Extreme Temperatures

Extremely high temperatures can cause problems with the hose's mechanical properties, such as softening, discolouration, hardening and cracking. Another issue that can arise from extreme heat is a 'frozen' assembly, where the material softens and then hardens as it cools into a brittle, solid state. Similarly, when a hose is cooled to extremely low temperatures, it loses its flexibility, becoming stiff and brittle. Either scenario causes the hose to break down faster than it would at room temperature. While there are manufacturing processes that can help protect the hose from extreme temperatures, the best way to prevent inevitable damage and failure is to simply avoid extreme environmental exposure.

Improper Routing

Improperly assembled hose components and routing are quite possibly the leading cause of the premature hydraulic hose failure. If the hose has been improperly routed, it can result in excess stress, abrasion and crimping, which will ultimately lead to a dangerous failure. To avoid this problem, make sure that your hoses are properly assembled and installed. This will ensure that your assemblies last longer, decreasing downtime and preventing costly maintenance.

Consistent Maintenance

The more hours that your hydraulic hose is in use, the more maintenance it will require. Neglecting to frequently inspect and maintain your hoses will increase the risk of sudden failure and result in serious consequences such as injury, oil spills, collateral damage and costly downtime. Implementing a preventative maintenance programme with detailed instructions and tasks is imperative for discovering issues before critical failure. Also, making sure your workforce is properly trained on the assembly procedures and techniques will assist your operators to be alert to possible problems that, if not corrected, could lead to failure.

If you need any more information about extending the life of your hose assembly or if you need help selecting the correct assembly for your operation, contact our capable team today!

How Sustainable Are Your Industrial Hoses?

Sun, 13 May 2018 22:00:00 GMT

How Sustainable Are Your Industrial Hoses?

The buzzword in industry has long been 'sustainability'. With the ecological footprints of businesses, particularly large industrial businesses, coming under the spotlight, it's more important than ever to be aware of your company's industrial waste and to do all you can to reduce it. Rubber hoses are considered urban solid waste and should only be disposed of in a permitted waste management facility. Sadly, this is rarely where the hoses, often filled with excess oil or toxic fluids, end up and the result is unfortunate for the environment.

As manufacturers and suppliers, especially those in the food, chemical, oil and gas industries, it's vital that you take responsibility for your waste and try to minimise it as best you can. One of the simplest ways to do this is by taking care of the components and machines you use, to maximise their lifespans and avoid throwing them away unnecessarily. Not only does this benefit the eco-system, but it also saves you enormous costs and downtime in the long run. The first step to achieving this is understanding what causes your industrial hoses to wear down.

Industrial hoses naturally have an expiry date, but the biggest threat to an early expiration is exposure. External factors such as extreme temperatures, UV and ozone radiation, wind, erosion, pressure, vibration, chemical attacks, steam, static electricity and general human activity, will all influence the lifespan of your rubber hoses. If the hoses are then exposed to these factors repeatedly, on a daily basis, the threat to the sustainability of the hose and its assembly will be enormous.

Once you're aware of the environmental factors that can contribute to the deterioration of your hoses, the next step is proper care and maintenance. Instructions from the manufacturer on how to care and store your rubber hoses will always be supplied with your purchase, but there are other general rules to consider. Avoid careless handling and obviously, don't let your hoses drag over sharp or abrasive surfaces. Industrial hoses should only ever work as hard as they're designed to, so make sure they are always below their pressure limits. Transport your hoses as carefully as you can, possibly even with a dolly, to avoid cuts and kinks.

The last but most crucial practice for sustainable hoses is regular inspection and tests. A visual check of the hose's outer wall could quickly detect erosion, deformation or cracks, saving you from a sudden problem that could easily be prevented. Check that the fittings and couplings are tight and replace them if necessary. A hydrostatic test should also be done at least every six months to ensure the hose's safety and if necessary, flush the hose with alcohol after the test to remove any trapped water.

If sustainability is something that your company truly cares about then start by making sure all your hoses are properly maintained. And remember, gaining a long service life from your industrial hose will benefit not only the environment but your business as well. So, if you're a manufacturer in need of industrial hoses or more advice on how to extend the life of your assembly, contact us today and see how the Bearing Centre products and services can benefit you for a lifetime!

Common Problems With Steam Hoses

Sun, 22 Apr 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Common Problems With Steam Hoses

Industrial rubber steam hoses play a vital role in businesses that use steam or very hot water in their processes. Steam is exceptionally dangerous and costly to work with so it's important to pay attention to the way in which your hoses are installed, the condition of the fittings, as well as their daily use and wear. To help extend the life of your steam hoses, we've outlined two of the more common problems that can occur and how to avoid them.

Internal 'Popcorning'

IndWhile the hose is in use, the pores of the inner wall will often absorb water vapour. Afterwards, when the hose cools down, the water vapour condenses into water and remains trapped in the hose. The next time the hose is used, the trapped water is heated very quickly and expands considerably, creating air bubbles or protruding 'blisters' on the inner wall. The result looks a lot like the hose is full of popcorn, which is why this problem is commonly called 'popcorning'.

IndThe danger with a 'popcorned' hose is that it can become blocked, contaminating the steam with pieces of rubber and even bursting from the built-up pressure. One way to avoid this problem is to 'drain after use', a process of blowing the hose dry, but this method is time-consuming and very rarely used. An easier and far more effective method is to use a special brand of steam hose that comes with a seamless, extruded inner wall. The wall is made of superior, compound rubber that is gas-tight and cannot be penetrated by water vapour, avoiding the risk of 'popcorning' completely.

Rusted Steel Inlays

As standard practice, steam hoses are always fitted with steel inlays. With the inner wall of most hoses being porous, steam will find its way out and eventually come into contact with the steel inlays, causing the process of corrosion to begin. Like 'popcorning', the corrosion happens beneath the surface making it difficult to spot. The danger is that the inlays are slowly weakened until they crack, allowing hot steam to escape without any warning.

The only way to avoid this potentially lethal situation is to ensure that the hoses you use have galvanised steel inserts. Galvanised steel is resistant to rust, ensuring the safety of the user as well as extending the life of the hose considerably.

If you have any questions about steam hoses, safety procedures, or the right products for your application, don't hesitate to contact us . We have a team of specialists on call at Bearing Centre that can provide you with all the information you will need and advise you on the best solution.

Protect Your Outdoor Industrial Hoses

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Protect Your Outdoor Industrial Hoses

Industrial hoses are far more than just flexible, durable, reinforced tubes. If your business involves industrial machinery and factories or plants that move fluids around, then you'll understand that industrial hoses are a vital element of your operations. It's therefore essential that any risk of hose failure is kept to an absolute minimum and carefully monitored to avoid costly and unnecessary downtime. This is fairly simple in a controlled environment but what do you do when your hoses have to run outside and are exposed to the harsh and variable elements of nature?

Let's first investigate which types of applications or outdoor activities require hoses that will be exposed to the forces of nature. Markets such as the oil, gas, chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as the mining and agriculture sectors, are mostly run in outdoor facilities or open-air projects. These can include offshore or onshore, and sometimes even aerial facilities. Other examples include fire engines, airports and sea charters. All these industries have one thing in common: they all require industrial hoses that are completely weather resistant.

Rubber hoses, even reinforced industrial rubber hoses, become sensitive to the elements, particularly if they're exposed to the outdoors for long periods of time. Extreme temperatures, constant movement, very little movement (a 'frozen' state), light, puddles, machinery, trucks - all these influencing factors on a daily basis will eventually wear down the hose material and cause the risk of dangerous failures. Of course, in any industrial setting, this kind of harsh exposure is an inevitable part of the job but being aware and taking care of your hoses will save you in the long term.

A major concern is that many installations, rigs and factories are still using conventional rubber hoses to transport fluids in their open-air applications. This poses an enormous risk to the staff, the company and the surrounding environment because even after just a few months, conventional rubber will wear down from exposure. Consider the simple risk of a damaged hose, responsible for transporting water in the event of a fire. The consequences of that could be monumental, particularly when avoiding that risk requires very little effort and cost.

The simplest way to reduce the risk of hose-failure is to ensure the product you install is made from high-quality materials and designed to withstand all that nature and mankind will throw at it. Investing in accessories such as cable glands and fittings that are weather resistant, will also go a long way to insuring your assets and long-term needs. Make sure you speak to a trusted supplier about which product will suit your application best. Bearing Centre stocks a wide selection of accredited and highly regarded products . Contact us today for the best in quality, workmanship and service.

Selecting the Correct Industrial Hose

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Selecting the Correct Industrial Hose

Choosing the right type of industrial hose is essential for ensuring that your system works smoothly, so it’s vital that you do enough research and consider all the factors before making a selection. Each industrial plant is different in terms of its environment, applications, people, temperature and climate conditions. All these elements need to be carefully considered when deciding on the most suitable industrial hose. Here, we outline the essential points to take into account before making your final decision.

Maximum Temperature

Depending on the application it’s intended for, an industrial hose is generally used to transfer liquids or gasses at various temperatures. Make sure you know what peak temperatures (maximum and minimum) the hose will have to withstand, and you’ll have a far better idea of what type of industrial hose to purchase.

Fluid Type

Determining the type of fluid that will be transferred through the hose is also an important factor. Is it a liquid, gas or steam and what is its chemical makeup? If the material flowing through the hose contains acids or other aggressive substances, then you will require a hose that is resilient to these conditions.

Pressure

The material is transferred through a hose using pressure or a vacuum. How much pressure does a liquid, gas or steam require? The thicker the liquid, the more pressure it needs to push through the hose, which would require a more reinforced industrial product to withstand the higher strain on the hose material.

Length and Diameter

Industrial hoses cover various distances between machines, vehicles and factory devices while maintaining a steady flow. Determining the necessary length of the hose is, therefore, an essential part of planning your purchase. This also applies to the inside diameter of the hose which is determined based on the hose’s specific function and the type of material being transferred.

If you’re a manufacturer the uses liquids, chemicals, gasses or steam and you’re in need of the right industrial hose for your specific needs, give the team at Bearing Centre a call today . We will gladly take the guess-work out of your planning and can provide you with best solutions for your intended application. We’re available during and after-hours, so don’t hesitate to get in touch !

Tea Staining on Stainless Steel

Sun, 25 Mar 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Tea Staining on Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is used as much for its visual appeal as for its resistance to corrosion, which is why many people tend to panic when they notice an unsightly brown discolouration on the surface of their stainless steel applications. There is no real need to fret though. This common occurrence is known as ‘tea staining’ and it does not affect the structural integrity or lifespan of the steel. This cosmetic issue can be avoided with a small amount of proper care and by remembering that stainless steel is ‘low’ maintenance and not maintenance ‘free’.

What Causes Tea Staining?

Tea staining of stainless steel is most common in coastal or tropical areas, where water with a significant chloride content is in regular contact with the metal surface or when the local conditions are too aggressive for the grade of steel that’s installed. When sea salt is present on a stainless steel surface, it remains ‘wet’ and corrosive until the relative humidity drops significantly.

The corrosion causes a visual discolouration of the metal surface, generally following the ‘grain’ of the surface finish. Polluted urban environments, rain sheltered areas, wind exposure, and poor drainage design can also lead to tea staining or even more serious corrosion. Tea staining usually doesn’t occur on a surface that is indoors because the environment and relative humidity can be controlled to protect the surface applications.

How to Prevent Tea Staining

With proper care and careful considerations, tea staining can be avoided or at least minimised. This starts with selecting the correct grade of material, particularly if your exposed metal is close to the ocean. As a general rule, stainless steel grade 316 or above should be used as a minimum for applications within 5km of the coastline but keep in mind that tea staining can occur up to 20km inland, depending on the environment.

Regular washing with clean, warm, soapy water or even just rainwater, can significantly reduce the occurrence of tea staining. A high-pressure, fresh water wash is also effective and often more practical. In extreme cases, regular washing might not be enough to protect the metal from tea-staining so additional protection can be achieved by coating the metal.

Bearing Centre stocks a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals to suit all your needs, and we are available during and after hours to assist with any queries you might have regarding proper care and maintenance of your applications. Call us today !

Safety Tips For Using Steam Hoses

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Safety Tips For Using Steam Hoses

Working with steam and handling steam hoses can be hazardous if there are no safety procedures in place. With care and a few simple precautions, you can ensure that the lives of your operators are not at stake as well as eliminate the potential for costly property damage. The following tips for using your steam hose safely will also ensure that your hoses don't fail prematurely, allowing you to get the maximum life out of your assembly.

Visual Inspection

First and foremost, make sure the hose you're using is, in fact, an identified steam hose and that it has been installed correctly. Steam hoses always feature permanent branding on the outer cover, not just on the packaging. Before each use, the full length of each hose should be properly inspected for any evidence of wear or damage. Blistering, abrasions, cuts, kinks, loosened outer covers or slipped couplings, are clear signs that there are reasons for concern. If these visual clues are not repaired or replaced, the damaged hose will be at risk for a catastrophic failure.

Pressure Test

Steam hoses are all designed to withstand different pressures and temperatures, so it's crucial that you understand the limits of the hoses you're using and whether they're suitable for the system to which they're being connected. Also, never allow a steam hose to remain pressurised when it's not in use. Turning off the pressure will not only make it safer for the operator but will also extend the hose's service life.

Careful Storage

As we covered in our previous post about industrial hoses, even the strongest rubber becomes sensitive to environmental factors such as heat, cold, wind and contamination, which is why it's important to consider all these elements when storing your new or used hoses. A permanent tray or rack is a good option to minimise damage. Never hang your hose on a hook or similar device as this can potentially cut or damage the hose.

Clean & Safe Work Area

Before using the hose, make sure that the working area is clear of sand, dust, dirt and any other foreign material that could cause damage. It's also important to ensure that the work area is safe for operators, so remove any tripping hazards or unnecessary clutter. Operators should all be provided with the correct safety clothing, including gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and rubber boots.

Maintenance

Every hose assembly should receive periodic maintenance to ensure that the system is always safe and secure. In addition, a hydrostatic test should be performed annually for a minimum of five minutes at 1.5 or 2.0 of the recommended working pressure of the hose, particularly on used hoses, to ensure that they are suitable for continued service.

For any more information or if you have concerns about the state and safety of your hoses, don't hesitate to contact the Bearing Centre team . In addition to assuring you of the best in quality equipment, we can also guarantee the most affordable prices on the products that you require.

Tips To Prevent Pressure Gauge Failure

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Pressure gauges are instruments used to analyse an applied force by a liquid or gas on a surface. This applied force, or pressure, is typically measured in units of force per unit of surface area. A pressure gauge indicates whether or not a system is operating correctly, so it’s a vital component. They don’t require much maintenance, but if not periodically calibrated, pressure gauges will wear out or fail, causing downtime or dangerous malfunctions.

The first and best line of defence against pressure gauge failure is with consistent instrument reviews and audits. The results of these audits will give you fair warning as to which instruments need replacing, as well as prevent mishandling or improper usage. There are also many ways to prevent a fault from occurring in the first place. Here, we outline the various causes that lead to pressure gauge failure and how to avoid them:

Vibration

Equipment is known to vibrate, but excessive mechanical vibration can damage the pointer mechanism of the gauge, making it difficult to get accurate readings. Avoid this situation by selecting the correct gauge for the application. Liquid-filled or direct-drive gauges have only a single moving part, making them ideal for resisting vibration.

Pulsation & Overpressure

Overpressure spikes occur when pulsation occurs within a pressure system. This intermittent spiking can cause the internal parts of the gauge to break down, so it’s important to average out the pressure fluctuations with a pressure snubber. Installing a restrictor or snubber will help to avoid pulsation by absorbing any pressure shocks. Overpressure protectors are also used to avoid spikes and the negative effects of exceeding the gauge’s maximum pressure rating.

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures or temperature spikes can result in loose, sweaty, even cracked metal joints. Cooling elements such as air-flow or adjusting the fill-fluid temperature can protect the gauges from extreme temperatures. It’s also important that the gauge you choose is designed for any extreme conditions in which it may be functioning.

Corrosive Material

If the equipment uses corrosive materials, then it’s vital that the gauge being used is made from corrosive resistant parts. Mini-siphons can be used to protect the gauge from harmful steam or liquids. Installing a diaphragm seal made from corrosive resistant material will protect the gauge from corrosion, as well as prevent clogging from slurry or viscous fluids.

If you suspect that your gauge is faulty, then it’s important that you determine the reason as soon as possible to take the correct preventative steps. For any assistance or calibration services, contact our reliable team at Bearing Centre . We are always available for your quality assurance and service delivery .

Gland Packing For Modern Applications

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Gland packing, like a mechanical seal , is a vital element of pumps and shafts, controlling fluid loss and ensuring the successful operation of mechanical equipment. While mechanical seals may be the more popular choice for most applications, they are a very costly investment and not always the most necessary option. Gland packing is cost-effective, easy to install, and made from readily available materials. It is a method that countless engineering applications still rely on today, particularly if corrosive fluids are being handled as the packing will last far longer than a seal.

How Does Gland Packing Work?

Gland packing, also known as compression packing, is a soft and flexible material configured into rings that are inserted into the annular space or stuffing box to seal the rotating or reciprocating member of the body of the equipment, such as a pump or valve. With tightening, pressure is transmitted to expand the rings, causing an effective seal. Installation is fairly simple and little maintenance is required.

Different Types of Packing

Today, packings come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made from a wide range of materials to suit nearly every application. Most gland packing features a braided, twisted or laminated construction, depending on the application for which it’s intended. Following is a short breakdown of the more common types of gland packing seal designs and their recommended applications:

Braid-Over-Braid

Also known as jacket-over-jacket, this design is fabricated by using round braiding machines to braid tubular jackets, one over the other. The weave is soft and dense, using yarns, rovings, ribbons or similar materials, either alone or combined. This type of packing can carry a large amount of lubricant and is recommended for high-pressure, slow-speed applications.

Square Braid

This design is a relatively soft and loose braid, fabricated from yarn, rovings, ribbons or similar materials, on equipment where strands pass over and under other strands running in the same direction. These packings are easy on old or worn equipment and are recommended for high-speed rotary service at low pressure.

Lattice Braid

With this design, the strands crisscross diagonally, for a stronger and more durable braid. Also known as a Multi-braid, this method forms a solid integral structure that cannot easily come apart, making it resistant to permeation leakage. It is recommended for applications on both reciprocating and centrifugal pumps and valves.

Twisted Fibre

Twisted fibre packing is made from cotton yarns or metallic strands that have been lubricated with mineral oil and graphite, and are twisted around each other to obtain the desired size. As this type of design has just been twisted and not interlocked, it is not as strong as other types of packaging, making it more suitable for low-pressure applications.

Laminated Packing

Laminated packing is made using either asbestos and rubber or duck and rubber, laminated into a synthetic slab which can then be cut or fabricated into strips or rings.

There are many other packing varieties, including die-formed, mandrel cut and graphite tape, each suited for a specific application. To ensure you make the right choice when selecting your gland packing, speak to your trusted local seal supplier . Bearing Centre stocks a wide range of seals and our team is always on hand to assist you with any queries regarding your application. Give us a call today !

Selecting The Correct Mechanical Seals

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT

As mentioned in a previous post about preventing mechanical seal failure, one of the most critical errors that most people make is selecting the incorrect seal for an application. Mechanical seals are designed to last for many years without issue, if the correct seal, made from the correct type of materials, has been selected and properly installed. Seals fall into many different categories, so the first thing you need to investigate and understand is your normal operating conditions, including the liquid being handled, the various temperatures and pressures, and the possible environmental impact.

Liquid Compatibility

The first step in the seal selection process is to identify the exact type of liquid that is going to be handled as well as its viscosity. The material of the seal and any metal parts must be corrosion resistant and chemically compatible with the liquid that is being processed. This also applies to the mating faces, to ensure they don’t begin to wear. A liquid with a high viscosity could become abrasive and cause excessive wear, shortening the life of the seal. To overcome this issue, using double- or dual-seals, or flushing from an external source is recommended.

Temperature & Pressure

In relation to the above point, the temperature of the liquid needs to be considered to make sure that the seal material is rated correctly. Seal materials have different temperature limits so to avoid potential failure, the temperature of the liquid should not exceed the temperature limit of the seal. The amount of pressure in the seal chamber, as well as the relative size of the seal, determines the type of seal, whether balanced or unbalanced, that must be selected.

Zero Emissions

Today, environmental safety and the regulation for zero emissions is becoming a standard procedure in many industries. Manufacturers of mechanical seals are working hard to create seals that are safer, more reliable and easier-to-use, but with the toxic and hazardous liquids being handled, many companies are relying on double- or dual-seals to prevent any process leakage. Depending on your ethical standards and operating regulations, this type of seal arrangement must be considered when making your selection.

Once you have a proper grasp of the operating conditions, you can then consider the type of material, which comes with its own list of characteristics and limitations. With so much at stake, it’s always recommended that you consult with your trusted local supplier before making your final selection. Give Bearing Centre a call today if you have any concerns.

Preventing Mechanical Seal Failure

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Mechanical seals are used in pump systems to help join the systems together and prevent leakage of the pumped product, contain pressure, and exclude contamination. A typical system for a simple mechanical seal is comprised of the seal, the stuffing box throat bushing, a liquid flush system, an auxiliary seal and flush, as well as barrier fluid, if necessary. Most modern pump systems are moving more towards mechanical seals as opposed to traditional pump packing and while there are many advantages to using the mechanical method, it does come with its potential failures.

Mechanical seal failure is a common issue, afflicting operators and engineers from many different industries. As with most failures, the most common reason is usually down to human error, either because of improper installation or from poor maintenance and application. To ensure that your mechanical seal operates reliably and trouble-free for an extended period, consider the following common reasons for failure.

Improper Installation and Misalignment

Before installation, the most critical error that most people make is selecting the incorrect seal for the application. Seals fall into many different categories, so you need to consider your normal operating conditions, machine set-up, and non-process activities such as cleaning and flushing, before making your selection.

Once you have the correct seal for the application, it’s important to remember that mechanical seals need to operate in a properly controlled environment and this begins with correctly installing the seals so that the seal faces are perfectly aligned, maintain contact, and have sufficient lubricant and cooling systems in place. Mechanical seal faces are incredibly flat making them extremely sensitive to contamination. Even the smallest amount of dirt, oil, or even fingerprints, can cause misalignment.

An improperly installed and misaligned seal causes damage to the O-rings and can result in pump vibration, which will cause extensive damage to the equipment and seals themselves. Vibration can also be the result of pump imbalance or from operating the pump outside of its BEP (Best Efficiency Point). Another error that is commonly made is using a hammer to pound couplings onto the shaft. Hammers and fragile seal faces do not go well together and continuing this practice will cause irreparable damage.

Improper Operation and Maintenance

Once the seal has been installed correctly, there are still important points to remember during operation to avoid causing any unnecessary damage. Incorrectly starting the pump can cause the motor to trip and the shaft to twist. This orbital movement will cause the internal parts to contact, resulting in seal failure and bearing wear. Allowing the pump to run dry can also be detrimental to mechanical seals, causing thermal shock and nearly instant shattering. A critical element to using mechanical seals is a coordinating flush plan. Without a flush plan, contaminants build up, causing extreme heat and seal erosion.

To avoid the potential pitfalls mentioned above, look to your trusted, local seal supplier for assistance with selecting the correct seal and for guidance on the best operational and installation practices. At Bearing Centre , we pride ourselves on our superior service and industry expertise. Give us a call today !

Likely Reasons For Hydraulic Seal Failure

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Hydraulic seals are soft, non-metallic rings that form vital components in various industry applications and machinery. Once captured in a groove, hydraulic seals form a seal assembly that converts fluid power into a linear motion, achieving optimum equipment performance, reduced leakage, and nominal friction. Hydraulic seals are made from a variety of materials, depending on the specific application’s conditions or limits.

Seals are relatively cheap and easily replaced, but when they fail, it may cause your entire operation to come to a standstill. Downtime for any industry is costly, so to prevent an issue that may be disruptive to your workflow, it’s important to be aware of some of the more common reasons that hydraulic seals fail. These include:

Extreme Temperatures

When hydraulic seals are overexposed to extreme temperatures, such as high-speed heat generation or high-temperature fluids, they can harden and become easily cracked or deformed. In extreme cases, the seal may even physically melt. The loss of elasticity and form will cause the seal to fail.

Improper Lubrication

If the hydraulic seal is insufficiently lubricated, it may begin to wear on one side of the dynamic lip or completely along the lip, causing considerable damage. This kind of failure is also the result of excessive lateral load on the seal. Contaminated lubricant or the presence of foreign materials in the fluid, can result in cuts, dents, or scratches along the dynamic lip and dynamic side of the seal, resulting in eventual seal failure.

Excess Pressure

When hydraulic seals are exposed to excessive back pressure or high-pressure shocks and spikes, long cracks may form in the “V” portion of the seal. In some cases, chunks of material may be torn from the dynamic side, or the side may break off entirely. A failure like this is also often the result of using low-grade materials.

Improper Installation

The most common reason that hydraulic seals fail is due to improper installation, either from insufficient cleanliness, unsafe handling, or contamination. It also may be the result of selecting the incorrect seal for a specific application. Hydraulic seals are available with many different specifications, and it’s vital to use the correct seal for the correctly designed application. A simple error such as installing the seal upside-down will render it completely inefficient, resulting in liquid leaks.

Having an in-depth knowledge about all the different types of hydraulic seals, which applications require which specific seals, and how to properly install the seals, is the only way to avoid constant seal failure. Discussing your queries with a reputable and knowledgeable dealer is the best way to prevent early mistakes. Give the team at Bearing Centre a call today , and you won’t have any concerns by tomorrow.

Tips To Avoid Damaged Tapered Roller Bearings

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT

In today’s industrial world, we’re always searching for the product that’s going to handle the toughest challenges and be robust enough to withstand the greatest pressures in the harshest environments. For many applications, particularly those in the agricultural, construction, mining, and vehicle industries, tapered roller bearings are the best solution. As with any bearings, however, simple errors during installation or not taking proper care, can cause extensive and costly damage.

Tapered roller bearings are rolling element bearings that can support axial as well as radial forces. They feature tapered inner and outer ring raceways as well as tapered rollers, allowing them to accommodate combined loads or simultaneously acting radial and axial loads. Damaged roller bearings are usually a result of either poor installation or adjustment, inadequate or contaminated lubricant, or environmental exposure. Here, we outline what can go wrong so that you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your roller bearings meet your expectations.

Installation

There are several important points to consider when installing or adjusting your tapered roller bearings. If the bearing is accidentally dropped, make sure it is inspected for damage or deformation because a bearing with a bent cage would need to be scrapped. It’s also vital to use the correct installation tools. Using harder tools such as hardened drifts, centre punches or brass bars can cause deformation and spalling. Additionally, be careful of compression during installation as it can cause skewing and deformation which will also result in a damaged cage.

Another exercise to avoid is excessive endplay and misalignment, resulting in deep spalling along one side of the raceway or cone. During adjustment, excessive preload temperatures can also cause spalling, resulting in rapid damage to the raceway and rollers. Cleanliness during installation is of utmost importance as any debris or contamination can leave bruises or small indentations along the raceway, greatly reducing the bearing’s lifespan.

Lubrication

Almost every potential bearing fault can be avoided with proper lubrication . Failing to use enough lubricant can cause heat or welding damage near the large end of the cone or on the larger ends of the rollers, as they come into sliding contact. Another result of inadequate lubrication is the potential for peeling or micro-spalling, which rapidly wears away the raceway material.

Moisture

Water damage, as a result of environmental exposure or even from steel ‘sweat’, is a common issue that must be carefully monitored. If moisture enters the bearing during installation or adjustment, or simply from fluctuating temperatures, it can cause rust or etching around the raceway. Etching shows up as dark lines that run around the raceway and similar to peeling or micro-spalling, it can cause chunks of material to be torn off during operation, resulting in extensive damage to not only the bearing but to the machinery as well.

Damaged bearings and the various causes are almost always down to human error. Taking extra precaution and keeping these tips in mind will help you to avoid any potential catastrophes. And if you’re uncertain about installing your bearings, speak to a professional. The team at Bearing Centre will always be more than willing to take your call and offer advice.

Understanding & Appreciating Stainless Steel

Sun, 14 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT

The term ‘stainless’ is a generic name that was coined in the steel’s early development, and it now refers to an extensive range of steel grades that are resistant to corrosion or oxidation. So, you may be surprised to learn that stainless steel is not a specific product but rather a collective term for a group of metals that share the same properties. An important point to remember about stainless steel is that they are not corrosion-proof, they simply resist the forces that cause corrosion far better than other metals.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steels are iron alloys with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. The added chromium creates a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel which inhibits a reaction with the surrounding atmosphere and prevents any further corrosion of the surface. Increasing the amount of chromium will increase the resistance. The ability to adjust the ‘recipe’ for stainless steels had an enormous impact on the variety of the final products. Depending on the intended application, other alloying elements such as nickel, titanium, and copper, can be added to enhance the steel’s structure, hardness, strength, and resistance.

The Origin of Stainless Steel

There is much speculation about the discovery of stainless steel, but history tends to credit an English metallurgist named Harry Brearley. In 1913, while experimenting with various alloy combinations, Brearley made the accidental discovery that chromium steels were highly resistant to chemical attack. In an effort to transform the cutlery market, Brearley marketed his new product as ‘rustless steel,’ ideal for items that were frequently washed. He was initially unsuccessful and branded as the inventor of the ‘knife that would not cut.’ Later, when it was discovered that testing the material in a vinegar solution left no marks, the material was successfully rebranded as stainless steel.

Within a year of Brearley’s discovery, stainless steel was being produced all over the world, and different grades began to enter the market for various applications. The material’s use in surgical instruments soon highlighted its beneficial properties and propelled the development and quality of the material into the rich and versatile metal we know and use today.

An appreciation for Stainless Steel

Since its discovery, stainless steel has revolutionised many different industries. Its beneficial properties, most notably its resistance to corrosion and staining, its aesthetically pleasing shine, and the fact that it is long lasting and low maintenance, are the clear grounds for the metal’s popularity. Today, the different variations of the alloy allow it to be milled into coils, sheets, plates, bars, wire, and tubing, to be used in all manner of commercial applications such as cookware, appliances, industrial equipment, transportation and construction.

So, the next time you’re using a stainless steel appliance or considering the material for an application, take a moment to appreciate its humble beginnings and how much it has influenced our daily lives. Bearing Centre is a leading supplier of stainless steel and respected metal distributor, contact us today .

Tips for Buying Fasteners in Bulk

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT

As with any commodity, there are always benefits when buying in bulk and the same applies when buying fasteners . The first most obvious benefit is, of course, the cost saving. When you buy in bulk, you benefit from the economy of scale, making the cost per item far cheaper than if you were buying in smaller quantities. The second benefit is that buying in bulk means you can do fewer shopping trips, saving you the time and inconvenience of constantly having to replenish your fastener stock hold.

These benefits create an obvious allure to buying in bulk. Who wouldn’t want to save time and money? Unfortunately, many people don’t always consider the risks that often come with it, choosing to ignore the more sensible option in the drive to save money. Being aware of these common errors might save you from making that mistake, so keep the following points in mind when you’re looking to buy fasteners in bulk.

Assess Your Needs

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying fasteners in bulk is that they assume they’ll use them all up. If you haven’t done a proper assessment of what the application truly requires, you’re going to end up discarding most of your purchase or leaving the balance to rust in storage. An assessment is even more important if the application requires a variety of different fasteners. Some fasteners are far more expensive than others so it can be tricky to determine what is worth bulk buying and what not. In most cases, hiring a professional service to consult on your needs is the best way to manage your inventory and many of these services offer a ‘buy-back’ on unused items, saving you the cost and hassle that comes with over-purchasing.

Certified Testing

Many people can get carried away when buying in bulk but it’s important to remember that you’ll always be paying more up front, which is an obvious risk. If you must invest in a large number of fasteners, however, then it would be wise to ensure that the fasteners you purchase are of the correct design and quality, according to your and the manufacturer’s expectations. Asking for test samples allows you to test the products yourself but most industrial fasteners are covered by specific industry standards and you can request certification to prove the fastener’s material properties and tolerances.

Do Your Homework

Another mistake people make is not comparing the sale price of fasteners to the bulk prices, simply assuming that the bulk price is cheaper. Many vendors are simply not in a position to lower their prices, even on larger quantities, so it’s vital that you do your research and choose a reputable vendor that’s going to meet your needs. At Bearing Centre, we are renowned for carrying only the finest products at the most competitive prices and our reputation is upheld by the number of leading industry suppliers that we represent. Contact us now for a quote or browse our product range here .

All About Set Screws

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT

There are many different types of fasteners , and while most of us are familiar with the more common varieties, it’s certainly worth knowing about the rare, more specialised options available. These kinds of fasteners are designed to perform a specific function and are usually sold in small quantities and only by highly reputable vendors. One of these specialised varieties that is certainly worth investigating if you’re in an industry that uses large quantities of fasteners is the set screw.

What is a Set Screw?

Quite simply, a set screw is a headless screw, fully threaded from end to end and designed to secure one object within another object. Used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly when securing a gear to a pulley, set screws pass through a threaded hole in the outer object and are tightened against the inner object. Unlike regular fasteners, the design of the set screw allows it to be embedded within the pulley and the gear with no protruding parts. Using regular fasteners in this situation would possibly compromise the assembly.

How do They Work?

The headless, hexagonal nature of most set screws is often why they are also referred to as blind fasteners or grub screws. To put them in place, an internal wrenching drive or Allen key is used. Once in place, the set screw works by exerting a clamping or compressional force that will prevent movement between the two objects and hold them connected to each other, as intended. This method is different to regular fasteners that use threads to hold objects together.

Different Types of Set Screws

Set screws, like regular fasteners, are made from various materials such as aluminium, titanium or steel, with the most popular being alloy steel which is tougher and lasts longer. Set screws also come in several different shapes and sizes, all with varying strengths and features, and all designed with a specific tip. The type of tip you select will depend on the engineering qualities you intend to achieve. For example, if your application requires a smooth flat surface with no protruding parts then a flat point screw is ideal as it presses perfectly flat against the surface. A cup point screw, one of the most common types, works well because the surface is rounded. This feature reduces the contact surface area as well as the stress on a single point of the screw. Other point types include a knurled cup, domed point, cone point, and extended points.

So, the next time your application requires two objects that need to be secured firmly together, consider using a set screw to do the job. If you’re unsure of the type of set screw, don’t hesitate to contact your reliable fastener distributor for advice. At Bearing Centre, we’re available 24/7 to assist with your fastener needs.

The Importance of Using Washers

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT

Washers are often mistaken for simply cheap metal discs, used to keep fasteners tight. What many people don’t understand is that they are a critical fastener component and have been designed to perform unique functions that ensure the safety and longevity of the product being put together. Choosing not to use a washer with your fasteners is almost always guaranteed to reduce the lifespan and reliability of the join as well as increase the risk of long-term damage to the product or equipment being fastened.

Washers come in a variety of sizes, finishes, and materials, and it’s estimated that billions are used each year for assembly applications and maintenance. The two main purposes of standard washers, such as aluminum flat washers, are to distribute the pressure or clamp load evenly so that the surface beneath the fastener isn’t damaged, and to make sure that the nut is pressed against a smooth surface, keeping the fastener from loosening and insulating it against moisture or electricity.

Once you’ve made the smart decision to use washers with your fasteners, you then need to determine what you hope to gain from their use, allowing you to select the best washer for the specific application. It’s important to remember that the size, thickness, and strength of a washer will influence the length, diameter, and capability of the fastener. If your assembly needs to be as tight as possible, you would need a thicker washer or even more than one, to achieve this result. To reduce leakage, a smaller, high-quality washer would ensure that the space between the fastener is limited and better insulated. In most cases, it’s recommended that you consult with a reputable vendor on which types of washers are best for specific applications.

Taking care of your washers is also important if you want to get the most out of your fastener and the join. In many cases, it might be necessary to grease the washer with a quality lubricant . This simple task can reduce the risk of corrosion, make it easier to keep the fastener in place and ensure that the join is completely insulated against leakage.

For more information on the various types of washers and how they can extend the life of your fasteners as well as the equipment or products being assembled, contact the team at Bearing Centre . We are available 24/7 to assist.

All You Need to Know About Threadlock Adhesives

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT

One of the terms you’ll come across when shopping for fasteners is threadlock adhesive (also known as threadlocking adhesive or threadlocker). Millions of fasteners are used across the globe, but despite the advancements that have been made in material strength and the manufacturing process, there is still the potential for fasteners to break or loosen. Fastener failure is a costly and dangerous business, so it’s crucial that you understand the various ways to reduce this risk. One of the most successful options is by using threadlock adhesive.

What Are Threadlock Adhesives?

Threadlock adhesives have often been simply referred to as glue, but they are much more than that. Essentially, threadlock adhesives are a range of resins that are applied to the surface of fasteners to prevent them from loosening. The resins chemically bond to the threads of the fasteners, becoming solids when they are exposed and filling all the microscopic grooves in the material, completely sealing the fastener to the object it is fastening. This sealing process makes it very difficult for the fastener to loosen and provides excellent protection against corrosion.

How to Select the Correct One

There are many varieties of threadlock adhesives in the market, each with its own strength, price, and quality. You need to be careful when selecting because each brand is designed to work best for a certain application and for a specific amount of time. The most important factor to consider is the strength or hold of the adhesive, allowing you to decide if you need the fasteners to be removed at some point soon or stay in place for many years to come. Low strength adhesives allow fasteners to be removed with ease, medium strength would require the use of hand tools, and high strength would require the use of hand tools as well as heat.

The other points to consider when selecting the right adhesive are the size of the fastener, the temperatures that the fasteners will be exposed to, vibrations, chemical contact, and the types of metal surfaces that will be in contact with the fastener. All these factors will influence whether you need a higher quality resin to withstand higher temperatures or whether you need a primer to make sure the adhesive cures to the metal. To save yourself the worry, as well as the cost of an error, it’s always best to speak to a professional dealer . They can ensure that you make the right choice to suit your budget and the intended application.

How to Apply It Correctly

If not correctly applied, the materials lose their potential benefits, so it’s important that the application is done properly. Some vendors will sell fasteners that already have adhesives applied, and others will apply the adhesive to the fasteners after your purchase. Either way, the adhesive should only be applied to the parts of the fasteners where the threads will be in contact with the material being fastened.

Threadlock adhesives are a vital element in ensuring your fasteners stay strong, last long and keep your equipment from becoming a threat to your and staff’s safety. In addition, they protect your equipment from unnecessary motion and from gathering moisture that could lead to corrosion. For any queries regarding the correct type of adhesive to use for your application, don’t hesitate to speak to the qualified team of experts at Bearing Centre .

Surprising Facts About Stainless Steel Fasteners

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT

Stainless steel fasteners are a popular choice for many applications as they’re highly resistant to corrosion, have great load-bearing capabilities, offer excellent resistance against extreme temperatures, are environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable. These points are mostly common knowledge but what you don’t know about stainless steel fasteners might surprise you. Here are three important facts that are worth remembering when purchasing stainless steel fasteners.

Corrosion-Resistant Not Corrosion-Proof

Stainless steel can still corrode. A common mistake is to assume that resistance to corrosion translates as corrosion proof. The level of resistance is always dependent on various factors, including the quality of the steel, the environment that the fastener will be used in and how much care is taken to protect the fasteners from damage . Similarly, it’s important to understand how corrosion occurs and the different types of corrosion that can inhibit the lifespan of your fasteners.

Most Stainless Steel is Magnetic

There are five classes of stainless steel, and only one of these is truly non-magnetic. The misconception around the magnetic properties of stainless steel is a result of the only non-magnetic steel also being the most popular. 304 and 316, the most common stainless steels, are two of only a handful that begin as non-magnetic, making them ideal for applications that require this quality. There are certain manufacturing processes that can limit the amount of magnetism in various steels, but the best option is select the correct grade of steel for the intended application.

Stainless Steel Repairs Its Own Surface

What many people don’t know is that the thin, transparent layer on the surface of stainless steel fasteners provides a self-healing feature. Because stainless steel is an iron-based alloy, it contains a small percentage of chromium. This forms an oxide layer that, when activated by oxygen and water, will renew itself, repairing any light scratches and remaining clean and bright for many years of use. This self-healing process also restores the steel’s resistance to corrosion.

These are a few of the lessor-known facts about stainless steel, but it’s important to do your research and understand what product is going to fit best for the intended application. If you’re still unsure, it’s always recommended to speak to a reputable vendor. The team at Bearing Centre has a wealth of knowledge on our products and their various applications. Give us a call , and we’ll be happy to assist you with advice on selecting and using stainless steel fasteners.

The Difference Between Hard and Strong Fasteners

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT

Shopping for fasteners can be a daunting task. There is no single fastener that suits every environment, so it’s important to have at least a small amount of technical knowledge before making your final choice. You need to consider many variables to determine what specifications are needed for the fastener to function optimally. With this information and some basic knowledge about how fasteners work, you will be able to make an informed decision. One of the most widely overlooked technical aspects is the issue of hardness versus strength. While the two may seem synonymous, there are some small but significant differences that you need to understand to get the best out of your products.

What many people don’t know about the manufacture of fasteners is that the metals used are elastic, meaning they will stretch or elongate under pressure and then return to their original shape when the load is removed. The amount that a fastener will stretch is known as its yield point. If the load exceeds that yield point, then the fastener becomes ‘plastic’, losing its elasticity and remaining permanently stretched. Further pressure on the already deformed fastener will cause the material to fracture, which is why it’s vital that one understands the different strengths and hardness of fasteners.

Hard Fasteners

Hardness refers to a fastener’s ability to resist a penetrable force that may deform it. More simply, it’s a measure of the material’s resistance to abrasion and indentation. The hardness of a fastener is linked to its ductility, which is determined by the degree of plastic deformation once a fastener has fractured. The harder a fastener, the more brittle it becomes, making it less likely to withstand large forces without being permanently damaged.

Strong Fasteners

The strength of a fastener is calculated by its maximum tensile strength, its yield point, and the proof load. This determines how much a material can withstand a force before going through significant plastic change and becoming permanently deformed or fractured. The stronger a fastener, the more likely it will be to return to its original form once the force has been removed, meaning it has a better ability to stretch as opposed to hard fasteners.

How to Choose the Right One

What we’ve now discovered is that some products are stronger and some are harder but with most of them, having more of one quality usually means you will get less of the other. This makes it tricky to select the perfect product for your intended application but if you understand the difference applying load pressure as opposed to penetrable force, there’s a good chance you’ll be on the right track when deciding between a hard or strong fastener.

Of course, we don’t all have a background in physics or know the intricate details of every product on the market so if you have even the smallest doubt, always speak to a professional consultant. At Bearing Centre, we offer a 24/7 hot line for any queries or consultations on which products will work best. Give us a call today!

Different Types of Fastener Corrosion

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 22:00:00 GMT

When purchasing or using fasteners , it’s important to understand the different types of corrosion that could possibly affect them. Having a vague overview or assuming that corrosion is only limited to rust, could be a costly mistake. Corrosion can cause irreparable damage to your fasteners, making them difficult to remove, leading to unnecessary downtime and even putting stress on the equipment or items being fastened. Understanding which type of corrosion to expect and how to prevent it is the only way to avoid costly replacements and repair time.

The best way to prepare for and prevent corrosion is to determine the environment in which they’re going to be used. These circumstances will give you a clear idea on which type of corrosion is most likely to occur, allowing you to put measures in place to counteract and reverse the corrosion before it does any permanent damage. So, let’s look at the most common types of corrosion and how to prevent them.

Galvanic Corrosion

Galvanic Corrosion occurs when two different metals are in electrical contact with each other, in the presence of an electrolyte under corrosive conditions, leading to corrosion of the more active metal. The result of the chemical reaction is similar to rusting, weakening and damaging the fasteners. The easiest way to prevent galvanic corrosion is to ensure that the fasteners and the material that they are going to be in contact with, are made of the same metal. If this isn’t feasible, you could use plastic washers as a barrier.

Caustic Agent Corrosion

Caustic agent corrosion occurs when impure gas, liquids or solids dissolve in water and form a corrosive compound such as hydrogen sulphide. When these acidic compounds encounter metal fasteners, the results over a period can be devastating, causing rust bleeding, cracking and spalling. Not all metals react negatively, however, so using fasteners made from aluminium or platinum would minimise the effect of caustic agents.

General Corrosion

General corrosion or uniform corrosion is a type of corrosion that is uniformly distributed over the exposed surface of the metal, turning it red. This type of corrosion can be particularly destructive because of the speed at which it corrodes, but it is also the most common, so preventing it is easier in that it is more predictable and can be easily managed in various ways. These include keeping the fasteners away from humidity and selecting fasteners that are made from a non-corrosive material.

These are just a few of the more common types of corrosion to look out for, but there are many others, including stress corrosion and localised corrosion, which covers pitting, crevice, and filiform corrosion. If you’re unsure of the type of corrosion your environment is going to cause, it’s best to involve a professional. The team at Bearing Centre are knowledgeable and always on hand to assist you with your fastener selection.

Fasteners for Mounting Solar Panels

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 22:00:00 GMT

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and allowing the photons (particles of light) to knock electrons free from atoms. This process occurs in small units called photovoltaic cells and generates a flow of heat and electricity. Solar panels are simply many photovoltaic cells linked together. There are various methods for installing solar panels, but the two most popular are rooftop and pole-mounted.

Each method of installation requires different types of fasteners to hold the structure firmly in place. Solar panels are often exposed to extreme conditions, so it’s vital that the mounting fasteners are reliable, stable and resistant to the elements. The most important aspect of any solar installation is the tilt of the panel, to ensure that the surface is exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight.

Most of the components used for installing solar panels are made from anodised aluminium. It’s light and highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for the job. Stainless steel (316) rods, as well as bronze or brass nuts and bolts, are also used to add to the required firmness and stability of the mount. It’s important that the installer selects the right material for each installation to prevent the occurrence of galvanic corrosion . So, what does each type of installation require?

Rooftop installations are the most common for solar panel systems. They’re relatively affordable, the panels are kept up and out of the way, and a roof usually provides the optimal angle and position for collecting the most amount of sunlight. The racks are fastened with asphalt roofing shingles for waterproofing, while lag bolts are used to hold down the mounting base. Roof panels are constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s important that all the fasteners are made from high-quality stainless steel, to avoid corrosion.

Solar pole mounts are installed using a durable rack or frame, mounted on top of a single pole. For stability, a concrete piping system is drilled into the ground. The mount is designed with adjustable clips or struts to allow the panel to be moved during the year as the seasons and light angle changes. Panels can also be made to swivel or tilt electronically, allowing sun-tracking technology to control the unit for a more efficient solar installation. As this system is also constantly exposed, it’s recommended to use stainless steel bolts for the mounting poles and aluminium clips or brackets for the panels.

Both kinds of installations have their pros and cons. It all depends on your budget and the space you have available. Bearing Centre stocks a world-class supply of fasteners and our knowledgeable team is always available to assist you with any installation queries. Don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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2. Fix or replace any components that are broken.

3. Perform a through inspection of all connections, and retighten as required.

4. Make sure the pressure release valve is working.

5. Take the leaky cylinder out of service and put a new one in its place.

6. Check for fluid levels

7. Check all of the hoses and connections.

8. Try out the pump.

Conclusion

7 Most Common Types Of Gaskets

7 Most Common Types Of Gaskets

This blog gives information about the 7 Most Common Types Of Gaskets

1. Envelope Gasket

2. Flat Metal Gasket

3. Non-Asbestos Sheet Material Gasket

4. Kammprofile Gasket

5. Spiral Wound Gasket

6. Corrugated Metal Gasket

7. Rubber Sheet Material Gasket

Conclusion

The Top 5 Advantages of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals:

The Top 5 Advantages of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals:

What are hydraulic seals?

Advantages of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals:

Summing it up:

The impact of wheel size on a caster's performance on various surfaces:

The impact of wheel size on a caster's performance on various surfaces:

Here are some of the impacts of wheel size on a caster's performance on multiple surfaces which are mentioned below:

Uneven surfaces:

Soft surfaces:

Surfaces with debris:

Final thoughts:

Know the Rubber Gasket Market Opportunities:

Understand Market Opportunities for Rubber Gaskets

Here we will learn About the Market Opportunities for Rubber Gaskets:

What is the difference between electricity transmission and distribution?

How to Repair or Replace a Leaking Hydraulic Cylinder

Understanding the Various Types of Roller Bearings:

Tips for choosing the right thrust ball bearing

Know About Different Types of Ball Bearings