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Bearing preload selection: 

Do our customers often want to understand how to select a proper preload for their bearing design? Now we will give a simple review about the bearing preload. 

What Is bearing preload? 

Bearing Preload is an axial or thrust load applied to a bearing that removes excess play. There are many ways to use preload, as well as many benefits. But there are potential preload problems that need the expertise to deal with them carefully. Depending on the bearing type, preload may be radial or axial. 

How much preload do bearings need? 

The best preload for a system should be determined based on a bearings size and the required specific parameters like stiffness, starting torque, life, loading parameters, etc. Excessive preload can cause increased heat, fatigue, and torque. Insufficient preload will cause fretting on the raceways. A bearing with proper preload applied will provide system rigidity, reduced vibration, and optimal bearing life. 

Are there different preload types, and how to use preload on bearings? 

There are two main methods to apply a preload on bearing. The first is solid preload which is achieved by holding inner and our races in place with a locking system mechanism. The more common method is applied preload with spring to use a constant axial load on one side of bearings. The continuous pressure preloading from a spring provides the necessary preload force between the inner or outer races. The simple preload added by spring will also compensate for any tolerance stack-ups or thermal misalignments. Therefore, the play is reduced both axially and radially. In general, the rigidity of the preloaded spring is much smaller than the rigidity of the bearing, so the relative position of the constant pressure preloaded relevance will change a little in use, but the preloaded amount is roughly the same—preload considerations.

Radial and axial preload selection

Preload can be either radial or axial. For example, cylindrical roller bearings can be preloaded radially only, and the thrust ball and cylindrical roller thrust bearings can be preloaded axially only. Deep groove ball bearings can also be preloaded axially. Single row angular contact ball bearings and tapered roller bearings are generally preloaded axially by mounting them against a second bearing of the same type and size in a back-to-back or face-to-face arrangement. But the preloads for angular contact ball bearings; tapered roller bearings are somehow complicated. 

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