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Environmental Considerations in Bearing Selection

Environmental factors play a significant role in the performance and longevity of deep groove ball bearings. They may work well in one application but present concerns in another. Many environmental factors can affect how deep groove ball bearings function within an application, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, and exposure to contaminants that can cause wear and eventual bearing failure.

Since deep groove ball bearings must function in diverse environments, it is beneficial to consider key factors and implement mitigation strategies to ensure their effective operation regardless of the challenges posed by your operating conditions.

Temperature

When selecting the ideal deep groove ball bearing for a particular application, operating temperature is always a concern. The operating temperature is often dictated by the individual application but can occasionally be attributed to the location of the application and the conditions of the physical location. 

Excessively high temperatures can lead to premature bearing failure due to thermal expansion, lubrication degradation, and loss of material hardness. Additionally, excessively low temperatures can increase lubricant viscosity, leading to poor lubrication and increased friction. Both excessively high and excessively low temperatures have the potential to reduce the life and performance of the bearing, increasing downtime and the potential for bearing failure.

Because operating temperatures cannot typically be adjusted to meet the needs of the bearings, mitigation strategies should be used so that the bearing can hold up to the operating environment. In extreme temperatures, mitigation strategies include selecting bearings with appropriate temperature ranges, using specialized high or low-temperature bearings, choosing lubricants specifically designed for high or low-temperature applications, and implementing cooling or heating systems to regulate the operating temperature of the bearings.

Moisture and Humidity

Moisture and humidity are present in many different operating environments where deep groove ball bearings are used, and many applications must be able to operate within these conditions without failure. 

However, moisture and humidity can promote corrosion to different components, leading to surface damage and accelerated bearing component wear. Accelerated wear and damage to bearing components can cause bearing failure, which can result in overall system failure. Contaminants in moisture and humidity rich environments such as water, acids, and salts can also degrade lubricants and compromise the performance of deep groove ball bearings. Daily cleaning and chemical washdown can quickly corrode bearings, leading to a shorter lifespan. To increase the functionality and longevity of these bearings, mitigation strategies are necessary. 

To mitigate the effects of moisture and humidity on deep groove ball bearings, several strategies can be considered. These include using bearings made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic, applying corrosion-resistant coatings, sealing bearings with appropriate shields to prevent moisture ingress, and implementing proper storage and handling procedures to minimize exposure to moisture during transportation and storage.

NSK has developed deep groove ball bearings that are manufactured with nitrogen-infused alloy steel, which has superior corrosion resistance, high hardness, and exceptional longevity. These materials ensure that the deep groove ball bearing will not break down. Lubrication can be optimized for performance in food-grade applications and used with the deep groove ball bearings' corrosion-resistant materials. 

With these mitigation strategies, downtime can be minimized, and replacement bearings can be kept to a minimum. 

Exposure to Contaminants

Contaminants such as dust, dirt, chemicals, and abrasive particles can accelerate wear and tear on the deep groove ball bearing and damage the bearing surfaces over time, leading to eventual failure. 

In addition, introducing contaminants into the bearing can also compromise lubricant integrity and lead to lubricant breakdown. Standard deep groove ball bearings sometimes struggle with contamination in certain operating environments, particularly in heavy industrial applications. However, they can often still be the optimal solution, even in contaminant-rich environments with the right mitigation strategies. 

Before choosing the deep groove ball bearing for your application, it is important to have a clear picture of the potential contamination factors so we can provide you with the right information to help you choose a mitigation strategy.

The most common strategies for dealing with contamination include utilizing sealed or shielded bearings to protect against contamination, implementing effective sealing systems, such as labyrinth seals or rubber seals, to prevent contaminants from entering the bearing, and regularly inspecting and cleaning bearings to remove accumulated contaminants and ensure optimal performance. 

Sealed deep groove ball bearings are the most effective against contamination and can also reduce maintenance requirements. They are self-lubricating with molded oil, allowing the bearing to function continuously without the need for maintenance.

Understand Your Operating Environment For Success

With the right understanding of the operating environment and selecting deep groove ball bearings based on that knowledge and experience, many operating environmental concerns can be mitigated. 

Deep groove ball bearings can work well in highly contaminated environments with the right seals, in humid environments with shields and corrosion-resistant coatings, and in extreme temperatures with the right materials, lubrication, and coatings to prevent damage from high heat. 

NSK is here to help you understand the conditions in which your deep groove ball bearings will operate and will help you select the right deep groove ball bearing to provide reliable and efficient performance to meet your operating needs. Contact NSK today to learn more about our high-quality ball bearings or to speak with an engineer about your project needs.