Smooth-running bearings keep the machines that make things going. Even though they carry most of the process’s weight and output load, we often forget them. Unless a bearing breaks in the facility, most people don’t notice them.
How Does A Bearing Fail In This Case?
Bearing failure happens when the bearing doesn’t work well or lasts as long as it should. In most cases, it leads to machine failure by breaking the shaft. Some possible outcomes include employee injuries, downtime, high upkeep costs, late deliveries, and lost income due to bearing failure.
This piece discusses the vital warning signal you must know about an LMF slide bearing (ลูกปืนสไลด์ LMF, which is the term in Thai) before failure.
1. Making Too Much Noise
A bearing failure is imminent if the bearing becomes unexpectedly noisy while the machine runs. While the rolling parts jiggle or rattle while the bearing rotates due to damaged raceways, the original noise gets amplified.
You should get a new bearing immediately if you hear your running bearing generating a lot of noise.
2. Lubrication Defect
A recent study found inadequate lubrication is the root cause of bearing failures in most cases. Lubricant degradation may result from overheating, insufficient lubrication, or using the wrong lubricants.
Prevent grease loss, relubricate at the recommended intervals, and use the proper lubricant.
3. Vibration
If your bearing has failed, you will feel vibrations. If the bearing’s raceway surface becomes worn down, the rolling elements—balls or roller will generate excessive vibration.
It is necessary to replace the bearing if you hear a sudden vibration while operating.
4. Contamination
When unintended contaminants find their way into cleaning solutions for bearings, this is known as contamination. Some examples of pollutants are Dust, filth, and abrasive grit.
To lessen the contamination, filter the lubricant and clean your hands, work surfaces, tools, and fixtures.
5. Increased Temperature
Bearings experience high levels of friction when their rolling parts travel on damaged, unlubricated raceways. The bearing’s temperature rises because of the energy produced by the friction. As the damage increases, the temperature will also rise because of the friction.
Conclusion
Under normal operating conditions, a bearing has a long service life, and even under extreme conditions, they are usually highly dependable. In some cases, you can accurately predict when bearings will break and take the necessary steps to fix them before they happen. You can keep your machine running smoothly and avoid other problems by setting it.
