HIGH PERFORMANCE BEARINGS

High-performance bearings made of consumable electrode vacuum arc remelted (CEVM) steel can be the answer to initial machine design problems and to problems associated with prototype or established machines. In order to consider the high-performance bearing as a potential alternative or solution, one must know the total environment in which the bearing is to operate. CEVM steel contains fewer and smaller inclusion impurities than conventional bearing steels, and its benefit in extending bearing life is related to the extent that nonmetallic inclusions affect life. In most cases, bearings made of CEVM steel are modified by contouring roller-race contact and other parameters to effect maximum performance. Eight tradeoffs or potential advantages of using high-performance bearings are: more capacity per dollar in most bearing sizes; lower mounting cost due to reduced shaft and housing sizes; lower torque and heat generation; lower weight in the bearing assembly and mounting components; lower rib and roller velocities at a given rpm and, therefore, less demand on cage design and lubricating system; lower centrifugal force effects at high rotational speeds; higher speed at the same operating temperature; and less oil flow requirement at the same speed and for the same operating temperature. High-performance bearings should be considered for new designs, upgrading existing designs, and solving field problems.

  • Availability:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Presented at SAE Off-Highway Vehicle Meeting and Exposition, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 11-14 September 1978.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

    400 Commonwealth Drive
    Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
  • Authors:
    • Widner, R L
    • Dominik, W K
    • Jenkins, A J
  • Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00399026
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 780784, HS-025 594U
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: Aug 31 1985 12:00AM