What does a pillow block bearing do?
A pillow block bearings primary purpose is to give support to a shaft that rotates. This requires them to be durable, thus most types are made from cast iron or steel. However, for heavier loads, they will most commonly be made of aluminum in order to improve heat conduction and load capacity. More frequently, they usually handle light to medium loads, as opposed to their close cousin, the plummer block, which is normally used for heavier load capacities.
Pillow Block Bearings Types
Each type of bearing has a different purpose, and is designed to best suit the applications and uses they're needed for.
- Standard Ball Bearings: This type of bearing is made to be friction free, in order to perform at a high level while carrying large capacity loads. A cage aligns the ball bearings properly, held within in an inner and outer ring. This maintains a smooth motion for optimal performance.
- Needle Roller Bearings: These bearings are smaller than their counter-parts, the roller bearings. But they operate similarly, just with a smaller cylinder-like roller.
- Plain Ball Bearings: Depending on the use for these bearings, they're most often constructed from a bronze and metal alloy, though some types are made from plastic. They are frequently used in linear types of applications, where they can maintain large loads while still performing at a high level. These bearings require lubrication in order to function effectively.
- Roller Bearings: These are the "big brother" of the needle roller bearing. They are applied to rotational motions, using a roller or cylinder design between an inner ring and an outer ring. There are varying types, each having their own uses. The specifications of each type is also different, depending on their application.
Applications
Uses of pillow block bearings include industrial or light conveyor setups such as assembly lines or other manufacturing and production environments. They are most commonly used for shafting and rotating parts while mounted to a base surface. Their diversity and design allow them to be used on most any surface, including inclining, horizontal, or vertical mounting structures. In general, a pillow block bearing is frequently found anywhere that a linear application and execution are required.
Pillow block bearings can be used in the following applications:
- Agricultural Applications
- Construction machinery
- Food and beverage processing and packaging
- Conveyor systems
- Material handling systems
- Packaging systems
- Textile equipment
- Air Handling
- Special machinery, e.g. car wash systems, gym equipment, go-karts
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