High Speed Bearings For Spindle

High-speed bearings for spindles are critical components of spindle-driven machines. These bearings are used to increase speed and reduce running temperature. They can be made from steel or ceramic balls to reduce weight and increase speed. Figure 4 shows the increase in temperature of a spindle when its bearings are not loaded with high-speed balls.

Ceramic ball bearings are lighter than steel balls

Ceramic ball bearings for spindles are lighter than steel balls, yet they offer excellent performance. They are 60% lighter and exhibit less vibration than steel balls. In addition, they are more resistant to wear and tear than steel balls. The benefits of ceramics over steel are numerous, including their ability to withstand high temperatures and high speeds.

They are more resistant to oxidation and corrosion than steel balls and have a 25% lower thermal expansion than steel. Additionally, ceramic balls are not conductive, making them less likely to sustain electrical arcing or sparks. Hybrid bearings are also available that combine the benefits of ceramic and steel. This eliminates the need for special bearing insulation. Ceramic balls are also chemically inert, which makes them resistant to rust, corrosion, and galling. They also exhibit resistance to adhesive wear.

They last 5 times longer than conventional steel balls

High-speed bearings are designed for high-speed applications. The reduced centrifugal loading of these bearings allows them to withstand a lower dynamic load rating. Therefore, they last up to five times longer than conventional steel balls. They also offer reduced friction and wear.

The angular contact ball bearings used in spindles come in sealed and open designs. They are suitable for high-speed applications and offer high guidance accuracy. They are also used in main spindle bearing arrangements in machine tools. The catalogue AC 41 130 contains a complete description of these bearings. In addition, it includes information on the axial forces and loads.

They reduce contact area

High speed bearings for spindle can be used in high speed rotating equipment. They are designed to minimize the contact area between the spindle and the bearing. They are typically lightweight and have lower running temperatures. They can have either ceramic balls or steel balls to reduce contact area. The following figure shows the difference between two types of high speed bearings.

NSK has introduced new cages for its Robust angular contact ball bearings, which are found in many high-speed machine tool applications. These bearings are designed to produce the lowest frictional torque and produce low heat, which helps ensure the accuracy of the machining process. They also contribute to high surface quality.

They are subjected to severe load conditions

High speed bearings for spindle are critical for machinery that requires high speeds and high loads. They must be reliable, durable, and long-lasting in the most demanding conditions. A variety of options are available to suit your specific needs and application. High speed journal bearings are one such option.

In high speed spindle applications, the maximum speed of the spindle is significantly higher than in other applications, and it is essential to achieve rapid acceleration and deceleration. In addition, the bearings are subjected to severe thermal load conditions due to extreme changes in ambient temperature caused by motor heat and cooling. Fortunately, NSK has the answer for this problem. The company's ROBUST series of bearings are specially designed for these extreme load conditions.

They are subjected to oil-air minimum quantity lubrication

Oil and air lubrication is an important consideration when assembling high-speed bearings for spindles. The oil-air system provides low levels of friction and heat, while maintaining a constant spindle speed. Oil and air lubrication requires careful porting and excess oil removal. This lubrication method is best for high-speed bearings that need a continuous, finely dispersed oil flow.

The process of oil-air minimum quantity lubrication involves the use of an oil mist to convey atomized oil. This lubricant partially precipitates at the lubrication point. Because oil mist must travel through the bearings to effectively lubricate the bearings, it may be difficult to pump it through the spindle at high speeds. Additionally, the oil must flow through the bearings without blocking air passage. High-speed rotation may also block the oil mist's path through the spindle, causing oil-air minimum quantity lubrication.