Flange bearings are used in many industries for a variety of purposes. While understanding the parts and types of flange bearing may seem complex, this guide will help you understand how these bearings work.
What Is A Flange Bearing?
A flange bearing is a type of bearing assembly that uses a flange to support the axis and rotation of the bearings. Most bearings consist of a single disk or race, but flange bearings use two disks or races, with each race held together with a flange between them. This flange may be a single piece or two separate pieces.
The purpose of the flange is to reduce the likelihood of axial displacement and provide stability to the bearing assembly. This is important in applications such as gearboxes or other high-load structures, as it will prevent one part of the assembly from pushing the other bearings off their axes.
Types of Flange Bearings
There are several types of flange bearings, and each type is designed for different applications. Some of the most common types of flange bearings are:
- Pillow Block Bearings: Pillow block bearings are the most common type of flange bearing and are used in applications such as belt-driven equipment, conveyors, and other applications where the equipment must be able to accommodate a wide range of loads.
- Flange Mounted Bearings: Flange mounted bearings are the most rigid type of flange bearings and are typically found in applications such as chain drives, conveyors, and other high-load applications.
- Sleeve Bearings: Sleeve bearings are capable of handling much higher loads than pillow block bearings and are typically used in applications such as heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
Benefits of Flange Bearings
Flange bearings offer several benefits for many applications. Some of these benefits include:
- Higher loads may be supported, allowing more precise control of the load
- Reduction of friction and vibration, resulting in quieter operation and less wear on the bearing
- Reduced need for maintenance, as there are fewer components that can fail or wear out
- Higher speed and accuracy due to the stability offered by flanges
Conclusion
Flange bearings are an invaluable addition to any application or system. By understanding the different types and benefits of flange bearings, you can make an informed decision about which type is right for your application.