Select the optimal bearings for rotary shafts and torsion shafts

Bearings are an essential component for fixing and guiding rotary and torsion shafts. They can have a major impact on the service life of your system and machines, which is why it is important to make the right choice. This article describes which bearings are best suited for rotary and torsion shafts and what you need to consider when selecting them.

Basic differences and tolerances

There are three common bearing types used for rotary and torsion shafts: radial, axial bearings and a combination of the two.

Radial bearings are bearings that move in a radial (round) angle. These bearings are usually made of metal or plastic and can be used as a single or double-row version.

Axial bearings are bearings that move at an axial angle. They are usually made of rubber, plastic or metal and can be used as a single or double-row version.

Combined axial and radial bearings (radial axial bearings) can absorb both radial and axial forces. For example, axial-radial roller bearings for lead screws are precision axial cylindrical roller bearings with a radial bearing part acting on both sides.

The key difference between the bearing types is the direction of the load acting on a bearing.

The tolerance classes and their values are defined in the corresponding standards. ISO 492 applies to radial bearings and ISO 199 applies to axial bearings.

For heavy loads

Radial bearings are best suited for heavy loads due to their high load capacity. They are also more durable and require less maintenance than axial bearings.

For light loads

Axial bearings, on the other hand, are suitable for light loads, are quieter and do not require regular maintenance.

Considerations when purchasing bearings

Step 1 - Determine size and shape

The first step when selecting the right bearings is to determine the size, shape and type of bearing best suited to your application. This means that you need to accurately determine the size, shape and type of bearing to suit your requirements. It is also important to determine the type of bearing that is best suited for your application.

Step 2 - Select material

You should then consider the bearing materials that are best suited for your application.

There are different types of bearing material available, e.g. steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminium, plastic and many more. Each material has its own special features and properties that make it ideal for specific applications.

Step 3 - Define the accuracy

You should also consider the accuracy, service life and cost of the bearing. Some bearings require higher accuracy and longer service life than others, and costs vary depending on the size, shape and type of bearing.

Bearing types

Radial bearing

Radial bearings are bearings designed for radial loads. They can be used in a wide range of applications, such as driving wheels, protecting shafts against wear or supporting loads. Radial bearings are typically made of steel and enable low friction, high load capacity and high accuracy

Axial bearing

Axial bearings are mainly used to enable rotational movement between two components and are particularly effective at reducing the equivalent of relative speeds.

Axial bearings are also known as thrust bearings.

Cantilever Shafts

Cantilever Shafts are robust and extremely durable, meaning that they can be used over a long service life. They are also available in different sizes and materials to suit a wide range of applications.

Hinge bolts

Hinge bolts consist of a piece of cold-rolled steel with a thread. This thread allows the hinge bolt to be inserted into the special holes of the rotary and torsion shafts. After installation, it is tightened to create a permanent connection between the elements.

Deep groove ball bearing

Deep groove ball bearings are used to reduce friction and wear between moving parts and to make operation run smoother. Deep groove ball bearings can also handle high speeds and are therefore suitable for many fast drive-based applications.

They are usually made from a special metal such as steel to ensure a long service life and excellent thermal conductivity. These bearings are easy to install, maintain and repair and thus provide a reliable solution for a wide range of applications.

Angular contact ball bearings

Angular contact ball bearings are a special type of bearing that can accommodate several rolling elements on a horizontal shaft. This results in much higher wear and resistance to vibrations and friction than with conventional ball bearings. Angular contact ball bearings are also extremely precise, allowing them to be used in applications with high accuracy requirements.

Tapered roller bearings

Tapered roller bearings are used for mounting on a shaft with an inclined axis. They are equipped with a cage containing several rollers running on a tapered roller profile. This bearing type can withstand a significantly higher load than conventional bearings, as it has a higher friction. Tapered roller bearings enable easy and precise positioning of rotors and are therefore used in applications with high speeds and accuracy requirements.

Four point contact bearings

Four point contact bearings are used in machines to control the movement of parts and components in a specific direction. These bearings consist of four points arranged opposite each other that support the rotational movements. The four points are mounted on a shaft in the middle of the bearing.

Spherical roller bearings

Spherical roller bearings consist of a series of rollers arranged between two rings. These rollers are arranged for axial movement, which allows for a continuous sliding movement. These bearings are robust and durable and enable a high load capacity. They are often used in machines and to support rotary shafts and torsion shafts.

Self-aligning ball bearings

Self-aligning ball bearings are a special type of bearing used for a combination of radial and axial load.

They use balls instead of rollers, making them better suited for high speed applications. They can also work in heavy loads, as they have a long service life. Bearing manufacturers can therefore use the bearing for a wide range of applications. They are widely used in the marine, aerospace and engineering industries.

Consideration of the ambient conditions

It is important to consider the ambient conditions when choosing bearings for rotary shafts and torsion shafts. The correct bearing must be selected for the respective ambient conditions depending on how the shafts are used. For example, shafts used in environments with a high moisture content must be protected against corrosion.

Certain bearing materials or structures may also need to be chosen that are resistant to harmful influences such as extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, dirt and chemical substances. The specific requirements and areas of application must also be taken into account. For example, in very harsh environments where the shafts are subjected to high loads, more robust bearings will be required.

Configure your components

You can configure shafts and other components freely with the MISUMI configurator.

Select the component type and set the desired specifications and characteristics.

CAD library

Use our extensive CAD library to select the optimal part for your components and applications.

Find inspiration in our inCAD library and edit your designs with our SolidWorks add-on “inCADcomponents”.