Needle Thrust Bearing
In any mechanical system, increased life span and smooth functioning are the best features of a machine. It is an added advantage of the automobile industry as it is growing day by day. Bearings are used to reduce the erosion of parts due to friction. As it rolls over a surface, the bearings increase the life span of the vehicle.
In a mechanical system, the rolling surface functions smoothly than the sliding surface. It reduces friction between two moving parts. Needle thrust bearings are constructedby cylindrical rollers which are small in diameter compare to its length. It provides maximum stiffness with minimum axial space.In almost all the machines, one race is kept as stationary and the other one is attached to the rotating shaft that is moving.
Thrust Bearings tends to have lower load capacity as it has smaller contact areas between balls and races. You can see it on four common designs. Angular contact, axial, deep groove, and preloaded pairs are the major designs available in the market. Many kinds of bearingrollersare available in the market. Configuration of races determines the type of loads in the bearings.
Characteristics of Needle Thrust Bearings
Rolling Bearings come in various types and shapes with their distinct features. Compare to other bearings, rolling bearings have certain characteristics
Higher load-carrying capacity than single-row bearings.
It can handle more rigid shafts in the given application.
It has excellent rolling characteristics with a small cross-section.
It has a lower cost compared with other versions.
The rigidity can be improved by preloading
Advantages of Bearings
There are many advantages of using bearing other than reducing friction and increasing life span.
Accuracy of shaft alignment
Low cost of maintenance as very less amount of lubricant consumes. It does not require oiling like other plain bearings. The modern bearings have a self-lubricating mechanism. So the cost of lubricants can be reduced.
Reliability of service – as it is made with good quality materials it can trust for the long term.
Easy to mount and erect
Easy to clean – due to the usage of grease as a lubricant, leakage can be eliminated.
Cheap cost of replacement
Reduce fire hazards – due to the cleanliness, needle bearings remained as cool. So firing hazards can be reduced.
These are some of the advantages. The Needle Thrust Bearings are used in Cargo services, the agriculture industry, heavy types of equipment and machines, solar panels, medical equipment and automobiles, and many others. When you are going to select the bearing, you have to be very careful about the material which is used for manufacturing. Go for branded one as they follow all the industrial standards.