Bearing Selection

Selection of a suitable standard bearing - or the decision to use a non-standard bearing - must take performance requirements and operating limitations into consideration. This may involve conflicts which must be resolved to reach a practical solution. Each performance requirement, such as speed, torque or load rating, usually generates its own specifications which can be compared with available bearing characteristics. If a standard bearing does not meet the requirements, a design compromise will be necessary in either the assembly or the bearing. At this point, the creation of a special bearing should be explored.
Among the most important application considerations which need to be evaluated are speed and load conditions. Specific bearing design choices should be based on anticipated operating conditions. Design choices include:
Materials (balls and rings - hybrid bearings)
Bearing type
Bearing size and capacity
Closures
Internal design perameters
Cages
Preloading (duplexing)
Lubrication
Tolerances and geometric accuracy