Understanding Pulley Bearings and their Functions

February 24, 2021

A bearing is generally described to be one type of machine element that can restrict relative motion to only the desired motion and subsequently minimise friction between moving components. Some type of bearings can provide learn the movement of a moving part, while others rotate around a fixed axis. There are also some types of bearings that can control the vectors of normal forces. Most of these types, however, have the primary purpose of minimising friction and limiting the motions of system components.

One type of bearing that is being utilised by a lot of industries today is known as pulley bearing. Pulley bearings are normally installed at the centre of the pulley wheels that are used for pulley systems. These bearings can be made from different materials and can perform functions that other bearings cannot do.

Pulley Bearings Functions

As previously mentioned, pulley bearings help pulleys in carrying out their functions. Pulley systems are normally used for hauling or lifting loads. They are also utilised for applying tension within a system. What pulley bearings does is that they support the system’s pulley wheels by providing notable functions. 

During the manufacturing of the pulley system, a pulley bearing is installed on the centre mounting hole of the pulley wheel. The purpose of installing pulley bearing right at the centre of the pulley wheel is to protect the entire system from heat. It also allows the system to obtain increased speed, maintain smooth operation, and reduce instances of wobbling and vibration. Once the pulley wheel turns, the balls inside the pulley bearing allow it to spread the load weight evenly, reduce friction, and provide smooth rotation.

Types and Arrangements

Most of the bearings that are used for conveyor pulleys are spherical roller bearings. They are normally selected through their radial and axial load-supporting properties. Pulley shafts are known to be comprised of one fixed or locating bearing assembly and one floating non-locating bearing. 

The locating bearing assembly assures that the shaft’s axial position that is relative to the bearing housing can be determined and cannot be changed once it is installed. So, once a conveyor operates, its shaft must not move axially. Alternatively, the floating bearing assembly allows the bearing to be located anywhere along the shaft. Once it is installed, the bearing can easily move relative to the housing of the bearing. The features of these bearing assemblies allow the pulley to be installed on conveyor structures. They also allow the pulley to be correctly aligned without maintaining absolute accuracy.

Pulley bearing assemblies also utilise adaptor and withdrawal sleeves. Adaptor sleeves can ensure that the tapered bore bearings will be secured to the cylindrical shaft seatings, while the withdrawal sleeves make the removal of the bearing to be made simpler and faster. These sleeves allow pulley bearing assemblies to compensate for any irregularities.

Buy Pulley Bearings Now

To obtain high-quality pulley bearings for your applications, you can call us at Global Bearing Imports. We have extensive experience in sourcing and supplying many types of bearings for all industrial and automotive applications. Our extensive network of worldwide suppliers gives us access to inventory 24 hours a day for 52 weeks of the year.

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