​How to determine the radial and axial loads of slewing bearings

Slewing bearings are a common component in mechanical devices and are widely used in various industrial fields. As a key component that carries rotational motion, bearings bear loads in different directions. Therefore, determining the bearing capacity of the slewing  bearing is crucial, which is also one of the key factors for the long service life of the bearing. This article will introduce the concept and classification of bearing loads, analyze in detail the effects of radial and axial loads on bearings, and explore how to determine the bearing capacity.

What are the radial and axial loads of slewing bearings

The load of the slewing bearing refers to the force acting on the bearing, which can be divided into two types according to the direction of action: radial load and axial load. The radial load of the slewing bearing refers to the force acting on the bearing in the direction perpendicular to the axis, usually generated by factors such as equipment weight, inertia force, and eccentric force. The axial load of the slewing bearing refers to the force acting on the bearing along the axis direction, usually generated by thrust or torque.

In addition, in addition to the radial load and axial load of the slewing bearing, the slewing bearing may also bear special loads such as radial inertia load, axial inertia load, and radial eccentric load. Radial load and axial load of slewing bearing Radial load and axial load of slewing bearing.

Radial load characteristics of slewing bearings

The radial load of slewing bearings is one of the most common load types in bearings, and its impact on bearings is quite important. Generally speaking, radial load acting on the center of the inner and outer rings of the bearing, perpendicular to the axis direction, will cause relative motion of the inner and outer rings of the bearing, resulting in rolling friction and sliding friction. These forces will cause deformation inside the bearing and also generate heat, leading to an increase in bearing temperature.

When the shaft of the slewing bearing is subjected to radial load, the rolling experience inside the bearing is subjected to lateral force, and the rolling experience deviates from the axial direction of the bearing, resulting in elastic deformation. This elastic deformation causes the contact area between the raceway and the ball to narrow, thereby increasing contact stress. If the radial load is too large, the contact stress will exceed the bearing material's bearing limit, leading to bearing damage.

Axial load characteristics of slewing bearings 

The axial load of the slewing bearing is the force acting on the bearing along the axis direction, usually generated by thrust or torque. When the shaft is subjected to axial load, it will cause the balls or rollers inside the bearing to bear axial pressure. If the axial load is too large, it will cause the ball or roller to move in the axial direction, causing the internal clearance of the bearing to increase, thereby reducing the bearing's load-bearing capacity and service life.

If the axial load borne by the slewing bearing shaft is too large, the bearing may fail prematurely. Excessive axial load can also affect the lifespan and stability of bearings. Some bearings have a special structural design that can withstand large axial loads. For example, thrust ball bearings can withstand axial loads. Correctly calculating axial load can avoid bearing damage and premature failure.

How to determine the bearing capacity of the slewing  bearing?

When determining the bearing capacity of the slewing support bearing, various factors must be considered, such as the type of slewing support bearing, usage environment, load type, and so on. However, the key is to comprehensively evaluate the load and determine the appropriate safety factor. The safety factor refers to the ratio of the bearing capacity to the required load.

In general, the safety factor required for slewing support bearings under load should be greater than 1. For example, if the rated load of a bearing is 10000 Newton and the actual required load is 5000 Newton, the safety factor should be 2. This safety factor ensures that the bearing can operate safely at twice the rated load.

Slewing bearings supplier 

LZTC slewing bearing accuracy covers four levels of Po, P6, P5 and P4. implementation standards: universal bearing GB/T307, slewing bearing JB/2300, ship industry CB/T3669, machinery industry JB/T10471, wind turbine bearing B/T10705. The SO9001 quality system certification has been passed in 2003.

LZTC slewing bearing, providing a series of services such as research and development, design, production, and sales of slewing bearing products.If you are looking for slewings bearings supplier, please contact us for the latest quotation.