(December 14, 2010)

Bearings themselves have to be perfectly made for smooth performance in applications they are to be placed in. Equally important for their lasting performance is the design of the housing they are in. Housings are made in different simple shapes to ease their placement in equipment and aid in protection of the bearings. Bearing races are designed perfectly flat, but in several configurations. Closed bearing assemblies may not be self lubricating, but have a rubber seal covering the bearings. This will allow the proper amount of lubrication into the unit. Dirt, grime, and other debris cannot intrude in the bearings to foul their movement. Seals also protect the bearings from dripping and slow evaporation of lubricants.

Bearing housing design material can depend on whether the part will be used in food grade or non-food grade equipment. Lubricants for these would also have to follow standards. Small bearing housings for light units are generally made from aluminum. These might be in scanners or printing equipment. Stainless steel is used where corrosive materials might be. High speed dental tools would fall into this category. Larger units with big bearing systems for industrial or heavy equipment may be made from cast iron.

Designs for ball bearing housings have drastically improved and simplified over the years. Once, before the pillow block was manufactured, it took more mechanical skills to build a plummer's block from the shaft outward. Bearings and an adapter sleeve had to be placed first and tightened when at the right clearance radius. Greasing and building the surrounding housing was then done. Screws were tightened for solidity and a bearing cap added. Bolts would hold the entire apparatus in place. Now, once a bearing size is determined for a shaft, all the internal assembly is already done. Measurements to prevent excessive wobble are already eliminated by manufacturers. Set screws cannot accidentally scratch bearing surfaces. The housing size can be predetermined by the equipment being used or may be customized if necessary.

Flanges for bearings can have two, three, or four bolt up attachments. Bearing housing design can be offset in 3 bolt flanges. Set screws are positioned for worldwide usage using ISO measurements for applications thus eliminating alterations in bearing design or equipment design for placement applications. Housing is also determined by the type of rings being used with the bearings as well as the weight load of the shaft.

Low friction bearings can utilize a self aligning bearing housing. This bearing housing design can use metals, such as bronze, for the bearings as well as the inner housing. Extreme temperatures and lack of access for servicing make this type of unit good for hydraulic exterior gear pumps. Another bronze bearing housing design features a seal around the shaft to keep moisture out, and the ability to size the stainless steel shaft. These are ideal for model boat propellers. Water cannot seep into the bearings and lubrication is not necessary.

Large and small bearing housing designs can be adapted to fit extreme machines for building, assembly lines, farm equipment, and automobiles. Toys, boats, air craft, and medical equipment all may have specialized housing designs.

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