Bearing Buying Guide

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By Forest | July

This guide covers the basic factors that influence a bearing&#;s cost and performance so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next set. Topics covered on this page include:

• Size
• Rating
• Materials
• Ball Count
• Serviceable vs Sealed

Size

The vast majority of bearings used in skating applications are sized for 8mm axles; these are also known as standard 608 bearings. 7mm (627) bearings are relatively uncommon by comparison, while other sizes such as Micro (688) are only rarely seen. As the only true restriction when it comes to bearings, we recommend buying the size that your axles and wheels are designed to use.

Materials

Bearings are most efficient when friction is at its lowest, so materials play a pivotal role in performance. Many bearings are constructed from steel alloys that are tough and affordable. Keep an eye out for components or coatings made from bronze, titanium, and especially ceramic &#; these will improve a bearing&#;s resilience, durability, and performance. Ceramic bearings are widely regarded as the best that money can buy.

Rating

Many manufacturers seek out an ABEC rating that scores bearings on a scale of 1-9. Higher ABEC scores indicate a more precisely made bearing, however, the system was developed for industrial applications, not skating. Therefore, a number of companies forgo ABEC ratings on their skate bearings and opt for &#;skate rated&#; labels that signifies that the bearing was tested and approved for skating.

Number of Balls

Skate bearings traditionally have seven balls that provide a good balance of acceleration, top speed, roll, and durability. Six ball bearings use larger balls that generate less friction and roll longer, making them perfect for sustained skating at high speeds (think 27-in-5 or banked track). Eight ball bearings have smaller balls that better withstand side loads, which makes them great for high speed or aggressive turning (think park skating). Derby is a combination of all of those things, so find your magic number!

Serviceable vs Sealed

Serviceable bearings feature removable shields or plastic retainers that allow you to clean and re-lubricate your bearings. Most high-end bearings will be serviceable to allow you to maintain optimal roll and extend the life of the bearing. Sealed bearings have non-removable shields that help keep out harmful debris, but they cannot be cleaned and would have to be replaced when not performing as desired. Sealed bearings are great for those skaters not interested in bearing maintenance but tend to lack the performance offered by serviceable bearings.

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Bearings are a kind of mechanical component. Essentially, they are so important to the industrial sector that they have been dubbed the sector&#;s crucial component. Although they work in a wide range of machines, most people not employed in the machine industry probably have no idea what they mean when they hear the name because they function in secret.

Bearings are an integral component of many different types of machinery and come in a wide variety of sizes. Bearings can be considered a workpiece that only maintains one type of motion in a unit subject to static or dynamic load.

Importance of bearings

Using bearings in machines and equipment is crucial for lowering friction and ensuring a smooth spin. The bearing is the most crucial part of every piece of machinery or apparatus with rotating parts. You can utilize them to produce a faster rotation and reduce friction. Depending on the use, there are many different types of bearings. 

Choosing bearing suppliers

There are a lot of providers clamoring for your industry when you need bearings for it. Each provider will have its marketing strategy; major corporations may claim that their brand is the only one that is important to consider, while enterprises may concentrate on a specific market segment. Which choice is best for you and your company in the end?

The size of a bearing manufacturer only matters if it can fulfill all your requirements. The value of your bearing supplier to your company can vary depending on several factors. You may have discovered a unique business partner if a provider fulfills all the requirements. If not, it might be time to consider other options.

A bearing may appear to be a small part in the context of the mechanical system, yet it plays an important part. The transmission of power ensures the efficient operation of the machine without friction. If friction is created due to choosing an improper bearing for the application, surrounding components may also be impacted, resulting in expensive downtime in operation. So there is an ultimate need to choose the correct bearing supplier to provide best bearings for your machinery.

Here are the 5 things to take into account when choosing a bearing supplier:

1

Quality bearing vs. price

Having choices is advantageous. Having options that satisfy your requirements for quality is even better. Due to &#;quality issues,&#; major bearing manufacturers may advise against comparing prices when ordering your next purchase of bearings.

When you could deal with a supplier who gives you access to the same high-quality parts without the markup, the truth is that those same big manufacturers utilize smaller manufacturers to build bearings for them and sell them for a bigger profit. Why shouldn&#;t those smaller bearing manufacturers be adequate for you if they are adequate for them?

So it is recommended to choose smaller manufacturers of bearings, and you must consider the following things.

2

Load Types

Pressure forces that are perpendicular to the spinning shaft are known as radial loads.
Axial loads are pressures applied in a direction parallel to the spinning shaft.
Combined loads are those in which you can use axial and radial load forces simultaneously.

The stress type must be understood since particular rolling components, bearing materials, and track rigidities are best suited for particular applications.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Ball Bearings Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.