Bearings are crucial components in modern mechanical production. If they are not operated according to requirements during assembly, testing, and use, the bearing cage may break, or even completely fall apart, or cause more serious failures.
Especially for high-voltage motors, there is the possibility of shaft voltage corroding the bearings, thus requiring special attention and appropriate measures. So what exactly causes bearing cage fractures or even disintegration? Let's take a look.
Analysis of the causes of bearing cage damage
1. Inadequate lubrication
Lubrication is essential for bearings; proper lubrication can extend bearing life and reduce noise. However, if there is no lubricant or lubrication is inadequate, the inside of the cage will be dry, causing severe wear.
2 Improper installation
Improper handling during installation can lead to cage breakage and other adverse conditions. Therefore, personnel must pay close attention during bearing installation.
3. Hard objects and debris mixed in
The bearing should be kept clean and sealed regularly. If foreign hard objects or debris get mixed in, it will increase the coefficient of friction between the cage and the outer ring of the bearing, which may cause the bearing to fall apart.
4. Not suitable for bearing load
There are many reasons for this situation. Excessive interference force, excessively high internal bearing temperature, and foreign matter entering the bearing can all cause the cage to be resisted and increase the rotational load, which promotes the wear of the cage. This vicious cycle may lead to the breakage of the bearing cage.
Examine wear marks to find the cause of bearing damage.
By examining the wear marks on the bearings, we can easily identify some of the root causes of bearing damage, and thus take corresponding measures to prevent the damage from recurring.
1. Electrolytic corrosion
When an electric current passes through the bearing raceway, it can cause electro-erosion or electric sparks. The extent of the damage depends on the amount of energy and the duration, resulting in electro-erosion pits on the rollers and raceways, rapid lubricant degradation, and premature bearing failure. To address this, insulated bearings or insulated bearing sleeves are typically used on the non-drive end.
2. Lubrication contamination
If the lubricant viscosity is insufficient or it contains impurities, the lubricating oil film between the rolling elements and the raceway will become thin, leading to metal-to-metal contact. To avoid this, first check that the correct lubricant is being used, and verify that the replenishment intervals and dosage are appropriate for the application. If the lubricant contains contaminants, inspect the seals and determine if they need to be replaced or updated.
3. Vibration wear
If the motor rotor shaft is not securely fixed during transportation, vibration may occur within the bearing clearance, causing wear and eventual damage to the bearing. Similarly, prolonged exposure to external vibration while the motor is stationary will also result in damage. Therefore, bearings should be properly secured during transport. If the motor is stationary for an extended period, the rotor shaft should be rotated periodically.
4 Improper assembly
Common installation errors include misalignment, imbalance, and excessive belt tension when using a hammer or other similar tools to install the half-coupling or pulley onto the bearing, which can lead to bearing overload.
5. Insufficient load
Damage caused by insufficient bearing preload can manifest as adhesive wear on the rollers and raceways. To prevent this from recurring, ensure that a sufficiently large external load is applied to the bearing.
Disclaimer: This article is a reprint. If it involves copyright issues, please contact us promptly for deletion (QQ: 2737591964). We apologize for any inconvenience.
