High-speed bearing features and selection

Features and Selection of High-Speed Bearings

Source: China Bearing Network | Date: April 17, 2013

High-speed bearings are designed to operate at very high rotational speeds. Typically, a bearing is considered high-speed when its Dmn value exceeds 1.0 × 10⁶ mm·rpm. Here, Dm represents the mean diameter of the bearing, and n is the rotational speed of the inner ring. In practice, high-speed imported bearings can achieve Dmn values as high as 3.0 × 10⁶ mm·rpm. At such high speeds, centrifugal forces significantly impact the bearing’s life and structural integrity. To address this, engineers often use lightweight rolling elements, such as ultra-light or ultra-thin diameter series bearings. Ceramic balls are also commonly used in high-speed applications due to their low density and excellent wear resistance. The cages in high-speed bearings are typically made from materials like phenolic laminates, polyimide, or bronze. These materials help reduce friction and heat generation. In some cases, silver plating is applied to the guiding surfaces to further minimize friction and improve performance. When selecting high-speed bearings, it's essential to choose bearings with P4 or P2 precision grades. These grades ensure better alignment and support for fluid dynamic lubrication, which is crucial for high-speed operation. For large or medium-sized high-speed bearings, oil mist or oil-gas lubrication methods are often preferred. Oil-mist lubrication is cost-effective, while oil-gas lubrication is a newer method that allows for more efficient oil distribution and handling of excess lubricant. High-speed bearings usually require low-viscosity oils for effective lubrication. However, as the Dmn value increases (where d is the inner diameter and n is the rotational speed), the bearing life decreases rapidly. The primary failure mode is fatigue damage, followed by cage-related issues such as overheating, cracking, or deformation due to frictional heat. In addition to proper lubrication and material selection, maintaining clean operating conditions and ensuring correct installation are key to maximizing the lifespan of high-speed bearings.


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