The Role of Bearings in Enhancing Efficiency and Prolonging Service Life
Mechanical parts that make up continuously running machinery wear out due to long and intense working hours. It is recommended to replace mechanical parts that have reached the end of their service life as part of preventive maintenance efforts before they lead to bigger problems. But, of course, choosing the right parts is as important as regular control and maintenance in ensuring system efficiency, continuity, and working life.
As one of the most fundamental spare parts of systems used in milling plants, bearings play a critical role in operational efficiency and continuity. The bearings used in the food processing and packaging industry must comply with certain standards. Bearings must be manufactured under the right conditions as they are subject to many challenging factors, such as humidity, high temperatures, and long working hours. It is essential to make informed choices when it comes to bearings to ensure high performance and durability.
The Function of Bearings
Serving as a bridge between moving parts, bearings reduce friction and enable smooth movement. As mechanical parts that support rotational or linear movement, bearings prevent wear and tear and thus potential failures. Reducing friction means reducing friction-related wear. This, in turn, ensures a more efficient operation for machines, prolonging service life and preventing mechanical breakdowns.
These subtle yet essential parts prevent direct contact and enable efficient energy transfer. They also contribute to more environmentally friendly machines and operations by reducing energy consumption.
Lubrication is among the significant factors that play an essential role in the operation of bearings. Proper lubrication enables even less friction and an efficient heat distribution, prolonging service life.
Types of Bearings
Bearings are used in diverse industries and processes. Therefore, there are many types of bearings available for various needs and use cases.
In addition to corrosion-resistant bearings manufactured for high performance, there are high-temperature bearings that can bear both radial and axial loads. Manufactured with food-grade plastic materials, polymer bearings do not require any lubrication. Plastic bearings are an ideal choice for many food processing operations as they are resistant to chemical changes that result from contact with food.
Ceramic bearings are another favorable alternative as they are more durable, last longer, and require less lubrication. Stainless steel bearings are generally used in systems that require higher power. These bearings stand out with their long service life and resistance to corrosion.
In terms of structural design, bearings are classified into such categories as ball bearings, roller bearings, which can usually bear higher load capacities, and plain/sleeve bearings.
How to Choose the Right Bearing?
Choosing the right bearings is highly essential in terms of not only efficiency and service life but also compliance with regulations and quality standards.
Millers must consider such elements as load capacity, speed, working conditions (humidity, temperature, etc.), costs, and maintenance when choosing bearings for their plants. Lubrication requirements are another point to take into account. Many factors, such as the working frequency and duration of milling systems, types of processed materials, and ambient conditions, determine the effectiveness and service life of bearings. As in all mechanical parts, it is critical to replace worn-out bearings before it is too late. Worn spare parts can eventually lead to severe problems and failures if not replaced on time.
High Performance, Reliability, and Long Service Life with Depart
If you wish to improve the efficiency of processes at your mill while achieving cost savings and prolonging the service life of your equipment, you may contact our sales representatives to learn more about our high-quality, durable, and effective bearings. You can add value to your plant and business by purchasing our affordable equipment manufactured in compliance with international standards with the added benefit of after-sales support. Regardless of your mill’s location, you can easily meet any spare part needs you may have via our e-commerce platform Depart Shop (shop.departspares.com), available 24/7.
