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/ Principles of rolling bearing selection / Bearing selection process
/ Bearing size

Bearing size

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STEP 1  STEP 2 
_ Performance requirements % Bearing type and
and operating conditions arrangement

STEP 3 STEP 4 
W Bearing size & Lubrication

STEP 5  STEP 6 
* Operating temperature and ( Bearing interfaces
speed

STEP 7  STEP 8 
) Bearing execution + Sealing, mounting and
dismounting

The size of a bearing must be sufficient to secure that it is strong

enough to deliver the required/expected life under defined operating
conditions.

A bearing can be viewed as a system of components: raceways, rolling

elements, cage, seals (if present) and lubricant (fig. 1). The
performance of each component contributes to or determines the
performance and life of the bearing (diagram 1). Consider these
aspects:

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  and
Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) on the rolling elements raceways
Contact
– this is the primary aspect that dictates bearing life in most
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applications

Permanent deformation of rolling elements and raceways because
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of heavy loads acting on the bearing, while it is stationary or
oscillating slowly, or high peak loads acting on the bearing while it
is rotating
Cage type or cage material – these may limit the operating speed
or the permissible acceleration or temperature1)
Speed limit of contacting seal lips – this can determine the
maximum allowable speed, which affects operating temperature,

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thereby affecting life
Lubricant life – when the lubricant deteriorates, the resulting poor
relubrication condition quickly reduces bearing life

The operating conditions of the application determine which of these

factors most influence the performance and life of the bearing.

This section provides guidance on determining the required bearing

size.
The effect of RCF or permanent deformation on rolling elements and
raceways is directly related to bearing size. Effects of cage type and
material are not related to bearing size. In capped bearings, the
effects of the lubricant and integral seal are only indirectly related to
bearing size.

Therefore, the two main criteria that can be used for determining
appropriate bearing size are:

Size selection based on rating life: This is based on the required

bearing life, taking into account the possible effects of rolling
contact fatigue, and requires calculation of the rating life for the
bearing under the expected operating conditions (Bearing rating
life).
Size selection based on static load: This is based on the static load
that the bearing can accommodate, taking into account the
possible effects of permanent deformation, and requires
calculation of the static safety factor s0 for the bearing.

Diagram 2 shows these selection criteria and the related bearing

ratings and static safety factor, which are described in detail in the
relevant sub-sections.
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Which selection criteria you should use depends   Contact
on the operating
conditions of the bearing:
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For applications where bearings are running in typical operating
conditions – i.e. normal speeds, good lubrication conditions and

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not highly or peak loaded – use Size selection based on rating life.
For applications where bearings are running under very low speeds
or which are used under stationary conditions, very bad lubrication
conditions or where occasional peak loads occur, use Size
selection based on static load.

Note that there are applications where both selection criteria must be

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considered, for example where a duty cycle has occasional peak
loads. Also, in applications where the bearing is lightly loaded, the
minimum load requirement must also be considered.

After determining bearing size, and before going to the next step,
check the items listed in Checklist after the bearing size is
determined.
Other attributes of the bearing components, such as strength and
suitability, are addressed elsewhere in the Bearing selection process,
including Lubrication and Bearing execution, as well as in the product
sections. Consider these attributes, in addition to bearing size, to
safeguard you obtain best bearing performance.

1)Specialcage executions are often available for bearing types that are commonly used in
applications where such challenging conditions are present.

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 Bearing selection process

Performance requirements and operating conditions 

Bearing type and arrangement 

Bearing size

- Size selection based on rating life

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 - Size selection based on static load
  Contact

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- Requisite minimum load
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- Checklist after the bearing size is determined

- SKF life testing

Lubrication 

Operating temperature and speed 

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Bearing interfaces 

Bearing execution 

Sealing, mounting and dismounting 

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