The sealing of
miniature ball bearings is a key component in ensuring that the inside of the bearing is protected from external contamination, retains lubricant, and prevents lubricant leakage. The design of the sealing structure directly affects the performance, life and reliability of the bearing.
Prevent contaminants from entering:
The primary task of the sealing structure is to prevent dust, particles, liquids and other contaminants from entering the inside of the bearing. Miniature ball bearings are often used in high-demand applications, such as precision instruments, medical equipment, etc. Therefore, preventing the intrusion of external contaminants is crucial for the normal operation of the bearings. The sealing structure forms an effective barrier by covering the gap between the inner and outer rings to prevent the intrusion of the external environment.
Keep Lubricant:
Bearings require lubricants to reduce friction, reduce wear, and cool the bearings when they operate. The sealing structure ensures that proper lubricant levels are maintained inside the bearing while preventing lubricant leakage. This helps maintain bearing stability, reduce friction and extend life.
Grease and oil selection:
The sealing structure needs to match the selected grease or oil to ensure the lubrication effect. Some seal construction designs allow multiple types of lubricants to be used inside the bearing, depending on the bearing's application and operating conditions. In high-speed, high-temperature or special environments, it is necessary to use lubricants that are resistant to high temperatures, high speeds or have suitable chemical properties.
Seal type:
Common seal types include metal covers, rubber seals, and composite sealing systems. Metal covers are usually made of metal plates, which provide good mechanical strength and are suitable for some occasions that require higher durability. Rubber seals can provide good elasticity and are suitable for relatively low-speed bearings. Composite sealing systems combine the advantages of metal covers and rubber seals to provide more comprehensive performance.
Oil repellent groove and oil drain hole:
Some seal structure designs also include oleophobic grooves and oil drain holes to eliminate contaminants or lubricant impurities generated inside the bearing. This helps keep the lubricant clean and prevents contaminants from accumulating inside the bearing and reducing bearing life.