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PLAIN & ROLLER BEARINGS

for your construction

Ball bearings, roller bearings, air bearings, linear bearings, ceramic bearings, RTB bearings and much more. made of metal or plastic for many applications

Image: Igus

Plain bearings + rolling bearings | Moving machine elements

Whether you one bearings or Rolling for your Applications The choice of bearings depends crucially on the requirements of the application and the desired factors such as radial load or axial load, lubrication, acting forces, friction, speed, wear, etc. The same applies to the choice of material for plain bearings or roller bearings or for the balls such as steel, bronze, sintered bronze, plastic, etc. One's advantages are always the other's disadvantages and vice versa. Here with us you will find the New Products and everything worth knowing about storage technology.

Schaeffler needle bearing gear unit

    Plain bearings and rolling bearings 2024

    The current trend in warehouse technology focuses on the integration of intelligent sensors to Real-time monitoring and the use of high-performance materials such as ceramics and hybrid materials. Most of the development work is currently being carried out on optimizing bearing solutions for use in Electromobility and Industry 4.0 to improve both performance and sustainability.

    In recent years, several Bearing characteristics improved significantly, especially in the areas of material quality, load capacity, service life and energy efficiency. Traditional bearings used to consist mainly of standard rolling bearing steel, but today hybrid material or ceramic is used, which enables an increase in the static load rating of almost 30%.

    In bezug auf friction and Energy Efficiency Conventional rolling bearings had higher friction coefficients of about 0,0015 to 0,0020, which led to energy losses and higher wear. In typical applications such as electric motors the energy loss due to friction was about 2 to 3% of the total energy. Modern bearings, which have high-precisionBearing with ceramic balls and innovative lubricants have reduced the friction coefficient to values ​​below 0,0010. Here, the energy loss is now only about 1%, which means a reduction of up to 66%.

    The way food is Lifespan and freedom from maintenance The service life of bearings has improved significantly from around 10.000 to 15.000 to now 30.000 to 50.000 operating hours. The use of advanced lubricants and self-healing materials makes this possible. Specially developed high-performance bearings for electric motors in electric vehicles now achieve a service life of up to 100.000 km, which represents an improvement of a factor of 5 compared to the previously usual 20.000 km.

    Even with plain bearings, there is an increasing focus on CO2-Freundlichkeit and Sustainability by developing innovative materials and self-lubricating solutions. In addition, the use of recycling materials This not only reduces the ecological footprint, but also promotes the resource-saving production of bearings and thus makes an important contribution to sustainability. 

    The following new products illustrate some of these development trends:

    bearings

    Plain bearing catalogue, shop and calculation program

    25.07.2024/XNUMX/XNUMX | With the Igus online shop for polymer plain bearings, users can now enter dimensions, determine application parameters and immediately find suitable plain bearings. The shop offers a transparent overview of all suitable products, regardless of whether they are standard or special bearings. Practical filters such as price, delivery time and service life make the selection easier. Technical drawings and CAD data are available free of charge.
    Rotary table bearings

    High-precision RTB bearings for machine tools

    12.07.2024/XNUMX/XNUMX | At the AMB, Rodriguez is presenting moving highlights for the construction of machine tools in high-performance applications with the bidirectional rotary table bearing or RTB bearing. The RTB axial-radial bearings offer high strength, tilting rigidity and rolling accuracy. Among other things, the RTB-ABS bearing type with integrated absolute encoder has been further optimized.
    roller bearing

    Rolling bearings for high-speed and freight trains

    02.07.2024 | At Innotrans 2024 in Berlin, NSK will be showcasing its latest innovations in the field of rolling bearing technology, which have been specially developed for high-speed and freight trains. These include tapered roller bearings for high-speed trains, spherical and cylindrical roller bearings for freight trains and subways, hybrid bearings for transaction engines and gearbox bearings for rail vehicles.
    Slewing ring bearing

    Sustainable slewing ring bearing made of wood and plastic

    June 10.06.2024, 2024 | Igus presented an innovative slewing ring bearing made of wood-plastic composite (WPC) at the Hannover Messe 50. With a mix of 50% wood and XNUMX% high-performance plastics, the new PRT slewing ring bearing Iglidur offers an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient solution for industrial applications.

    Miniature ball bearings and the smallest ball bearing in the world

    10.06.2024 | Minebea Mitsumi's miniature ball bearings are available in a wide range of materials and designs, including stainless steel, chrome steel or ceramic, flanged, open or shielded. This flexibility makes it possible to select ball bearings precisely according to the requirements of the respective application.
    Cylindrical roller bearings

    Cylindrical roller bearings for heavy industrial gears

    April 16.04.2024, 23 | Schaeffler is introducing its new NJ24-ILR series cylindrical roller bearings for construction machinery and heavy industrial gears. The rolling bearings are compact and equipped with the high-performance Mpax cage, which gives them a very high dynamic load carrying capacity. The load rating has been increased by XNUMX% and the rating life has been doubled.
    Precision ball bearings

    Slim precision ball bearings move high-tech in space

    16.03.2024 | In the field of precision bearings, Rodriguez GmbH provides a key technology for the aerospace industry with its Kaydon "Realislim" thin-section bearings. These specialized rolling bearings contributed to the success of the Mars mission in 2021 in the NASA Rover Perseverance.
    Spherical roller bearings

    3 times more durable spherical roller bearings for food

    08.03.2024/XNUMX/XNUMX | The new Food line spherical roller bearings from SKF are specifically tailored to the requirements of the food industry. They offer up to three times longer lifespan and comply with the industry's strict hygiene regulations. These bearings with food-grade lubrication and special seals minimize the risk of contamination.
    Thin section bearings

    Mega slim bearings save 80 percent installation space

    March 01.03.2024, XNUMX | Extremely robust and at the same time small, light and very slim: These are the Kaydon thin section bearings from Rodriguez as a special feature in bearing technology. If you rely on compact design, low weight and miniaturization in your applications in mechanical and plant engineering, these rolling bearings are the right solutions.
    bearings

    Plain bearing made of plastic regranulate

    19.10.2023/210/50 | Igus has developed the new Iglidur ECO P5000 plain bearing for machines that regularly come into contact with chemicals. The maximum recommended surface pressure is 2 MPa at room temperature. This corresponds to a pressure of 40 kg/cm100. The application temperature is between -XNUMX° and +XNUMX °C.
    Angular needle bearing

    Push boundaries with a new angular needle bearing

    14.04.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | The bearing technology in articulated arms of lightweight robotics usually uses crossed roller bearings. However, the design of such bearings has already reached its limits in terms of their tilting stiffness. Schaeffler has developed the double-row angular contact needle bearing XZU for this purpose.

    Plain bearings/rolling bearing types

    Rolling bearings, plain bearings, ball bearings, deep groove ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, air bearings, linear bearings, ceramic bearings, tapered roller bearings, flange bearings, thin section bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, angular contact ball bearings, angular contact needle bearings, linear plain bearings, ball bushings, spherical plain bearings, ball slewing rings, rotary table bearings, gear ring bearings, ball rollers, bearing bushes, housing bearings, plastic bearings, angular contact roller bearings, hybrid bearings, slewing bearings, rotor bearings, miniature bearings, precision bearings, spindle bearings, radial bearings, axial bearings, four-point bearings, crossed roller bearings, barrel bearings, shoulder ball bearings, hydrostatic bearings or RTB bearings...

    These common bearing types are used in industrial constructions. You will find detailed technical information on the most important plain and rolling bearings below:

    Thin section bearings as a better alternative to standard ball bearings

    The compactness and light weight of the Kaydon Thin section bearings not only meet the requirements of the robot age often better than conventional ones Bearing. With the slim All-rounders Space and weight savings of more than 80% can be achieved in many applications – while maintaining high performance and precision. 

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    Equip bellows with velcro or zipper for short periods

    While machine parts must be protected against contamination and the influence of aggressive media, care must be taken to ensure that the worker, for example, does not injure himself on rotating parts such as shafts or spindles. This is done by appropriate precautions such as bellows. For special applications, Capricorn now a bellow with Velcro or zipper.

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    flange bearing | For easy assembly and disassembly

    Flange bearing are characterized by their easy assembly and high resilience. Thanks to the integrated flange plate, they can be easily attached to various surfaces. These robust bearings can be monitored and permitted in industrial applications Condition monitoringThis ensures optimum reliability and efficiency. 

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    Housing bearing exchange saves significant total cost of ownership

    It is often enough to exchange a small component in a large machine and you already have yours Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) under control. The optimal housing bearing in the right quality can save up to almost 300.000 euros annually. One example is reducing bearing failures at a vibrating screen manufacturer. This saves 117.000 euros annually. 

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    Spherical bearing | Radial and axial load absorption

    Joint bearing, as well Rod ends are characterized by their ability to absorb and transmit radial and axial movements. This special type of bearing makes it possible to compensate for movements in different directions and is therefore ideal for applications with changing load capacities. 

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    bearings

    Self-lubricating metal plain bearings

    Self-lubricating metals are ideal for use in bearingsHere they offer a maintenance-free solution for demanding applications by enabling smooth and low-friction movement. This type of bearing is characterized by its high load capacity and durability. 

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    Maintenance-free plastic plain bearings

    Plastic plain bearings make maintenance-free and do not require additional lubricants, making them an efficient and cost-effective alternative to metal plain bearings. Special materials make them suitable for numerous applications, including high-temperature and food contact areas. 

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    Ball bushings cylindrical, with flange or in the housing

    Ball bushings together with ground waves form a precise linear guide without stroke limitation. The manufacturer offers a wide range of different variants - in cylindrical and flange versions or integrated Housing bearingunits. Designers can use this to solve many linear guidance tasks cost-effectively.

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    Ball slewing ring | Slewing bearings take over tilting moments

    Ball Bearing Assemblies make slewing bearings, which stand out due to their ability to absorb high axial, radial and tilting moments. This type of bearing is essential for power transmission in heavy machinery and equipment. Reason enough to offer you such large bearings for e.g. stage technology, Medical Technology and other applications.

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    Ball bearing | High speeds and precision

    Ball bearings enable spherical rolling elements a low-friction, high-precision movement. This type of bearing is used in a wide variety of machines and systems, including deep groove ball bearings, self-aligning ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings and thin-section bearings. 

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    How to make the material flow more efficient with ball rollers

    How to deal with high quality Machine elements This article describes how to make internal material flows more efficient. With an extensive program of Ball Transfer Units users can move loads of varying weights effortlessly. This series heavy load-Ball transfer units are significantly lighter than competitor products and yet very resilient.

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    Roller bearing | High loads – low friction

    Roller bearings are characterized by their ability to accommodate high radial and axial loads while minimizing friction and wear. This type of bearing is used, among other things Cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings or needle bearings used in a wide range of industrial applications. 

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    Rotary table bearing | The axis of rotation of the machine tool

    Rotary table bearings are high-precision bearings that are specifically designed for rotating movements Machine Tools and rotary tables. They offer exceptional rigidity and minimal friction, enabling exact positioning in precision applications. 

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    Plain and rolling bearing engineering

    Bearing calculation | Lifespan, load capacity, fatigue

    The precise Bearing calculation is crucial for the performance and service life of machines. It includes the analysis of loads, speeds and operating temperatures in order to achieve optimal Bearing selection and Bearing design This article presents methods and technologies that help designers maximize the efficiency and reliability of bearings.

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    Avoid counterfeit bearings

    The VDMA estimates the damage to German companies Product piracy is around 6,4 billion euros annually. Schaeffler, NSK and other bearing specialists are also regularly affected by brand counterfeiting and take consistent action against counterfeit products. You can find out how and what other means are available, such as the WBA app, here:

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    Plain bearings and rolling bearings in practice – user reports

    Drone hangar at Exabotic
    Laser marking system at Östling
    Chain circulation at Maschinenbau Kitz
    Cultivators and disc harrows at Lemken
    Fly reel from LH Design
    Electric scooter from BMW

    Applications and Industries

    Vibrating screen

    Housing bearing for vibrating screens saves 6-digit

    A manufacturer of vibrating screens was repeatedly having problems with the bearing fastening in the screening units. They also wanted to reduce manufacturing costs and increase the overall performance of the screening systems. The vibrating screens are used in mining and quarrying. With a customer-specific housing bearing, bearing failures could be reduced considerably.
    Ball slewing

    CT for proton therapy by Leo Cancer Care

    Leo Cancer Care relies on precision components from Rodriguez for its new CT application for proton therapy. In "Marie", patients can be precisely rotated and positioned upright. The technology is based on a large ball bearing slewing ring, ball screw drive and other linear technology from the manufacturer.

    Housing bearings defy cleaning process in dairy

    More and more food and beverage manufacturers are using the Silver-Lube pillow block bearing unit. The housing bearings protect against the ingress of cleaning agents and washing water. They are also very corrosion-resistant. This large dairy, for example, benefits from this. The market-leading milk processing and bottling plant had previously experienced repeated bearing failures on five conveyor lines.
    Powerbully

    Golden manus for carrier vehicle and off-road vehicle

    The Powerbully off-road vehicle and carrier vehicle can handle high payloads and is suitable for a wide range of applications wherever roller-driven vehicles fail. With the appropriate superstructures, the vehicle can, for example, lay power and telephone cables. The plain bearings must be extremely robust and be able to withstand the high forces in the pendulum axle and tension axle.
    exoskeleton

    Adaptive exoskeleton for stroke patients

    Many stroke patients worldwide suffer from paralysis on one side of their body. An exoskeleton such as the Harmony from Harmonic Bionics helps in physiotherapy to rebuild the nerve pathways in the arms and shoulders. Robotic-supported exoskeletons should be able to be quickly adjusted to the body size and use lubrication- and maintenance-free, lightweight plain bearings.
    slewing bearings

    Large diameter bearings for condition-monitored wind power

    These large diameter bearings for onshore and offshore wind are reliable and meet the increasing power density of the systems with a focus on the CO2 footprint - from the compact rotor bearings, hydrodynamic plain bearings for the gearboxes, vibration-absorbing generator bearings to blade adjustment and wind tracking.
    Fitness

    Plain bearings adjust weights in fitness equipment

    More and more athletes are turning to functional training, which allows them to achieve a more stable core and better muscle interaction. The arm bar from Atlas In Gym Neering combines leverage and pendulum force. Two competitive athletes developed the compact fitness device. The engineers relied on maintenance-free plain bearings to ensure the barbell is securely stored.
    Harvester

    Durable housing bearing for lettuce harvester

    A farm that grows and packs young, small-leaf lettuce, including leaf lettuce, had problems with a lettuce harvester. The machine was equipped with many inexpensive housing bearings that support and house the shafts of various diameters inside. Replacing the shaft bearings resulted in savings of EUR 63.300.
    Offshore

    Offshore inspection equipment from Scotland

    The Scottish mechanical engineering company has developed a device that allows operators of oil and gas platforms to clean and inspect pipes such as pipelines underwater. The offshore inspection device wraps around the pipe like a sleeve and moves forward on rollers. The engineers only considered polymer bearings for the design.
    Lighthouse

    Ball bearing slewing ring for uniform light signals

    For example, when refurbishing a lighthouse headlight on the Shetland island of Bressay, a high-performance four-point bearing was chosen. The ball bearing slewing rings with an external diameter of 948 mm were delivered at short notice and, thanks to their good workmanship, ensure optimal rotary movements.
    Forklifts

    High-performance polymers in forklifts

    Using industrial trucks as an example, we show where motion plastics, which have been specially developed for dynamic applications, can be used and how they can be used to avoid machine downtime. Alongside other components, plain bearings are used in bearing points for heavy-duty swivels in forklift trucks.
    stage technology

    Ball bearing slewing rings for stage technology

    Currently, thousands of people experience a great show every day in large concert stadiums: Machine elements contribute to this: A renowned set designer from Great Britain installs robust ball bearing slewing rings in the stage technology of internationally known artists. The high quality and quick availability of the products are particularly impressive.
    Steel mill

    Stahlwerk replaces housing bearings and saves €292.000

    In steel production, extreme temperatures, contamination, shocks, moisture, vibrations and high radial and axial forces affect the service life of the rolling bearings used here. The housing bearings were also exposed to these conditions when conventional bearings were replaced in a steelworks. The savings amounted to almost 293.000 euros annually.

    manufacturer know-how

    Igus bearings

    Igus offers an extensive portfolio of plain bearings and roller bearings made of plastic that are often used to replace metal roller bearings. For plain bearings, maintenance-free polymer bearings such as Iglidur are available, which are suitable for countless applications. In the area of ​​roller bearings, Igus offers robust and lubrication-free solutions such as Xiros plastic ball bearings, which guarantee a long service life and low friction. In recent years, the motion plastics specialist has increasingly used recycled plastics.

    Slewing ring and maintenance-free rotary table bearings

    Igus slewing ring and Rotary table bearings are characterized by their maintenance-free polymer components. The latest development is a slewing ring bearing made of a Wood-plastic mixture. The integrated sensors isense enables precise monitoring and early detection of wear. This allows preventive measures to be taken in advance and machine downtime to be avoided. 

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    Plain bearings for applications that are fun

    Over 250.000 manufacturers use Iglidur plain bearings from Igus in their designs. Plastic-Bearings show their advantages wherever the structure between moving components needs to be protected from wear caused by friction. Below we report on new plastic plain bearings and unusual applications.

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    Linear plain bearings as a better alternative to linear ball bearings

    Igus also calls it “Slip dry“: the bearing of shafts or axles in linear technology and drive technology. As with all bearings, a basic distinction is made between two types of plain bearings and roller bearings based on the operating principle. While ball bearings are often still preferred as the measure of all things, thanks to innovative high-performance plastics there is an ever-growing overlap of applications that speak in favor of linear plain bearings.

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    Manus Award for exceptional applications

    Exceptional cases of use bearings The Motion Plastics specialist is made of high-performance plastic every two years with the Manus Award in gold, silver and bronze for the most creative, economical and sustainable applications of polymer plain bearings.

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    Minebea warehouse

    Minebea Mitsumi is a leader in the manufacture of miniature ball bearings with outside diameters starting at 1,5 mm, making them particularly suitable for precise applications in electronics and medical technology. Minebea also develops high-precision ball bearings for demanding requirements in the aerospace and automotive industries. The portfolio also includes special bearings such as angular contact ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings, as well as customized solutions for specific industrial requirements.

    Miniature ball bearings with watch mechanics precision

    Minebea Mitsumi, formerly known as Nippon Miniature Bearing Co., Ltd. (NMB), has established itself as a pioneer and world-leading manufacturer of miniature ball bearings since 1951. The focus on the core business of miniature ball bearings with an outside diameter of less than 22mm has continued to exist to this day. A full 60% of the global market share and thus millions of these ball bearings are delivered worldwide every month.

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    Schaeffler bearings

    Schaeffler offers a comprehensive portfolio in the field of bearing technology, ranging from high-precision rolling bearings and plain bearings to miniature and large-diameter bearings. The company supplies customized bearing solutions for various industries, including automotive and industrial applications, and is known for its innovative technology and high reliability. Performance is combined with efficiency, which often sets standards in bearing technology.

    Spindle bearings – The Vacrodur high-performance elements

    Discover the world of spindle bearing from Schaeffler, the market leader in bearing technology. Whether for high-speed applications or robust industrial conditions. The automotive and industrial supplier offers a wide range of spindle bearings that have proven themselves in terms of durability and precision. Machine performance can be increased with these innovative spindle bearings.

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    Slewing bearings and condition monitoring for wind power

    Schaeffler has been offering slewing bearings-Solutions for wind turbines. The components for onshore and offshore use are reliable and are designed to withstand the increasing performance of the systems CO2 footprint focused attention. The components are also capable of condition monitoring thanks to the compact rotor bearings.

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    Rolling bearings for everyone in over 60 industries

    From the tiny mini Rolling From a huge rolling bearing measuring several meters to a system solution: Schaeffler's portfolio of ball and roller bearings has solutions for every application - from machine tools, robotics and industrial automation to the food and packaging industry, wind turbines and mobile work machines, to name just a few. These are also becoming increasingly digitalized.

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    Other manufacturers

    The following other manufacturers offer a variety of high-quality storage solutions suitable for different industrial applications:

    • GGB Bearing Technology specializes in high-performance plain bearings. Tailor-made bearing solutions for various industries are implemented using advanced polymer and metal plain bearing materials.
    • Pike produces high-quality plain and rolling bearings, including ball and cylindrical roller bearings. They are designed as long-lasting bearing solutions that are used in numerous industrial applications.
    • NKE Austria offers rolling bearings such as ball, cylindrical and tapered roller bearings. The bearings are known especially for applications with high loads and extreme conditions.
    • NSK offers a wide range of rolling bearings such as ball and roller bearings as well as plain bearings. The company is known for its advanced sealing technologies that ensure a longer service life of the bearings.
    • NTN produces rolling bearings such as ball, tapered and roller bearings as well as plain bearings. A special feature is the development of heavy-duty bearings that work reliably even in extreme environments.
    • PBC Linear offers plain and rolling bearing solutions, including ball bearings and linear bearings. The company specializes in long-lasting and low-maintenance bearing solutions for linear movements.
    • RBC Bearings offers a comprehensive range of rolling and plain bearings, including ball, roller and plain bearings. Customized bearing solutions are used in demanding applications such as aviation.
    • Rexnord produces a wide range of rolling and plain bearings, including ball, tapered and plain bearings. The company is known for its robust bearing solutions used in harsh industrial environments.
    • Rodriguez supplies a wide range of rolling bearings such as Kaydon thin section bearings and precision bearings. The company is known for its value added products.
    • SKF offers a comprehensive range of rolling and plain bearings, including ball, roller and plain bearings. Innovative lubricant technologies and solutions to reduce friction and wear are a specialty.
    • SNR As part of the NTN Corporation, we offer a comprehensive range of rolling bearings such as ball, roller and needle bearings as well as plain bearings. The innovative and reliable bearing solutions are widely used in the automotive and industrial sectors.
    • THK offers rolling bearings such as ball and roller bearings as well as plain bearings. THK is known for its advanced bearing and guide systems that offer high precision and load capacity.
    • Timken supplies a wide range of rolling bearings, including tapered, cylindrical, needle and plain bearings. The company is known for its durable and heavy-duty bearing solutions, which are widely used in heavy industry.

    FAQ

    What is the difference between plain bearings and rolling bearings?

    The difference between Plain bearings and roller bearings lies in the way they work and the contact between the moving parts. Plain bearings provide low-friction movement through a sliding contact surface, usually with a layer of lubricant. They are suitable for low-speed, high-load applications. Rolling bearings, on the other hand, use rolling elements such as balls or rollers that enable rolling movement between the bearing parts. They are ideal for higher speeds and lower loads because they minimize friction caused by point contact.

    What advantages do rolling bearings have over plain bearings?

    Rolling bearings offer several advantages over plain bearings: They have a lower friction, which leads to more efficient movements and lower energy losses. They also enable higher speeds and contribute to a longer service life. Thanks to the rolling movement of the rolling elements, rolling bearings also require less maintenance and offer better positioning accuracy.

    What advantages do plain bearings have over rolling bearings?

    Plain bearings offer various advantages over rolling bearings: They are ideal for high loads and low speeds and have a simpler, more robust design. They are often maintenance-free and quiet in operation, which makes them particularly suitable for applications with high shock loads and smooth movements.