Emerson Bearing Blog

Oil seals, also known as grease or dirt seals, are an essential component of many machines and pieces of industrial equipment. An oil seal is designed to retain grease in a case or housing and close the gaps between stationary and moving components in pieces of machinery.

An example of this in the automotive industry is the seals within gear boots that enclose a car’s CV axles. Of course, there are many different applications across industries in which oil seals prevent the escape of vital lubricants and ensure the continued smooth operation of the machine in question.

Exposing a bearing to an electric current can cause electrical bearing damage. The damage manifests as pits and grooves on the bearings' surface create an uneven surface texture causing additional noise, vibration, and (eventually) complete failure. These outcomes can be costly, often leading to unnecessary downtime and expensive repairs or upgrades.

Although not all bearings are damaged by an electrical current and not all circuits cause bearing damage, there are two situations in which the problem typically occurs: when equipment is grounded incorrectly or when bearings are used in AC/DC motors with variable frequency drives (VFDs).

Motor shaft voltages have the potential to damage the components around them. If a shaft’s voltage exceeds the insulation capabilities of nearby cables or parts, it can cause both long-term and acute damage to motor bearings.

Some high voltages can even lead to arcing between the shaft and the bearing. When this occurs, the arcing rapidly elevates the temperature of the bearing. Metal can vaporize and become permanently damaged and pitted from this process. 

To perform at optimal levels, bearings require sufficient lubrication. When properly applied, lubricants can reduce friction, which reduces the amount of wear and tear experienced by the bearing part. Additionally, some types of lubricants can provide recirculation which serves as a cooling method, while other types can help to disperse heat buildup to improve system performance.

All of these characteristics help prevent damage to the bearing, as well as prolong its overall service life.

When selecting bearings for your next project, there are three key factors to consider, which are also a function of the load being carried and the limiting or speed required. The friction, temperature, and lubrication involved in a system and its environment directly impact bearings, so it’s critical to select a bearing that has the proper tolerances for your application.

Specialty steels – also referred to as alloy steel – contain additional alloyed materials that deliver special properties to the final product. Specialty steels are engineered to provide superior performance under specific conditions. For bearings such as roller bearings and ball bearings, specialty steels would be selected versus other bearing materials to deliver properties that can best withstand the operating conditions the bearings will be exposed to.

For any application that requires a device with rotating or rolling components, the choice of both bearing and seal is essential.

Allowing for great versatility and flexibility, bearings are used in every industry that involves motion.

In some industrial jobs, standard bearings simply can’t provide the precision needed for the application. This is where extra precision bearings come into play. These bearings allow for extra fine tolerance and precision, and are ideal for applications with stringent requirements for speed (RPM) and guidance accuracy. There are two primary types of extra precision bearings: deep groove bearings and angular contact bearings.

In sensitive food-grade applications and corrosive environments, selecting the proper bearings is critical for ensuring optimal system longevity and reliability. In these harsh settings, bearings must provide high performance and durability without the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

Over the years, bearing manufacturers have developed a range of solutions designed to stand up to the general wear and tear inherent in applications involving constant exposure to corrosive elements or ongoing, high-pressure washdowns.

For instance, stainless steel bearings, solid lube, and seals and slingers can be used to create unique components that deliver high performance and a long life span while resisting bearing contamination.

Here at Emerson Bearing, we’re proud to offer NTN Sentinel Series stainless steel bearings, which are specifically designed for use in these food-grade settings.