Slewing Bearings VS Slewing Drives
In the field of mechanical transmission, both slewing bearings and slewing drives are important devices for achieving the rotational movement of components. They have obvious differences in many aspects, but are also closely related.
What is Slewing Bearing?
The slewing bearing mainly functions to support and transmit loads. It is a mechanical component that enables relative rotational movement of components and is also known as a turntable bearing. It usually consists of an inner ring, an outer ring, rolling elements (such as steel balls, rollers), and a cage. The core function of a slewing bearing is to simultaneously bear axial forces, radial forces, and overturning moments, providing a stable foundation for the rotational movement of equipment. In a crane, the slewing bearing is installed between the slewing platform and the chassis of the crane. It bears the entire weight of the upper structure of the crane and various loads generated when lifting heavy objects, ensuring that the boom can rotate flexibly. In a wind turbine, the slewing bearing supports the nacelle, allowing it to rotate with the wind direction to efficiently capture wind energy.
What is Slewing Drive?
The slewing drive is a rotational device integrated with a driving device. It combines components such as a power source (such as a motor), a reducer, and a slewing bearing into one unit. In addition to having a supporting function, it can also provide power for rotational movement. The slewing drive uses the power output from the motor, which is decelerated and torque – increased by the reducer, and then drives the inner or outer ring of the slewing bearing to rotate, achieving the rotational motion of the equipment. In the rotating workstations of automated production lines, the slewing drive can precisely control the rotation angle and speed of the workstations to meet the requirements of the production process. In some small – scale construction machinery, such as small excavators and small loaders, the slewing drive provides reliable rotational power for the equipment with its compact structure and convenient installation method.
Features of Slewing Bearings and Slewing Drives
In terms of structural composition, the structure of a slewing bearing is relatively simple. Its focus is on realizing the functions of load – bearing and support, and each component is designed around the basic requirements of load – bearing and rotation. The slewing drive, on the other hand, is more complex. It integrates multiple functional modules such as power output, speed reduction transmission, and support rotation. Its internal structure is compact and highly integrated. The slewing drive integrates components such as motors, reducers, and slewing bearings in a limited space, which requires higher design and manufacturing processes.
In terms of functional characteristics, the slewing bearing emphasizes load – bearing capacity. It can bear large axial forces, radial forces, and overturning moments to ensure the stability of the equipment during rotation. Different types of slewing bearings, such as single – row ball type, double – row ball type, and four – point contact type, have different load – bearing capacities and applicable working conditions depending on their structural differences. The slewing drive, however, places more emphasis on driving performance. It can precisely control the rotation speed and angle to achieve automated and precise rotational movement. Some high – precision slewing drives can achieve an angle control accuracy of ±0.01°, and the rotation speed can be flexibly adjusted within a wide range.
Their application scenarios also vary. Slewing bearings are widely used in various large – scale construction machinery, industrial equipment, and heavy – duty machinery. These devices usually need to bear huge loads, and thus have extremely high requirements for the load – bearing capacity of slewing bearings. In port handling equipment, large – scale tower cranes, shield machines, and other equipment, slewing bearings are indispensable key components. Slewing drives are often used in occasions where compact spatial layout, high rotation accuracy, and high automation are required, such as industrial robots, automated production lines, and solar tracking systems. In the joint parts of industrial robots, the slewing drive enables the robot’s arm to rotate quickly and precisely to complete complex operation tasks.
The Connection between Slewing Bearings and Slewing Drives
Although there are many differences between slewing bearings and slewing drives, they are also closely related. The slewing bearing is an important component of the slewing drive, providing the basic structure for rotation and load – bearing capacity. Without a reliable slewing bearing, the slewing drive cannot stably achieve rotational movement. The slewing drive, in turn, imparts power to the slewing bearing, enabling it to rotate as required. The two cooperate with each other to form the rotational movement unit of the mechanical system. In practical applications, depending on different working conditions, it is often necessary to reasonably match the slewing bearing and the slewing drive. For heavy – load and low – speed occasions, a slewing bearing with strong load – bearing capacity can be selected, paired with a slewing drive with an appropriate power. For light – load and high – precision – requirement occasions, a compact and high – precision slewing drive can be chosen, and the internal slewing bearing also meets the requirements of high precision accordingly.
With the continuous development of mechanical manufacturing technology, both slewing bearings and slewing drives are constantly innovating. Slewing bearings are evolving towards higher load – bearing capacity, longer service life, and more compact structures. Slewing drives are making continuous breakthroughs in improving accuracy, increasing transmission efficiency, and enhancing intelligent control. In the future, the degree of integration of the two may be further improved to form more efficient and intelligent rotational movement solutions, meeting the continuously upgrading industrial requirements and promoting the mechanical industry to move towards high – end and intelligent development.
Prices of Slewing Bearings
There are many factors that affect the price of slewing bearings. Firstly, raw materials play a significant role. High – quality steel has a high cost, and products made from it have excellent performance and long service life, so the price is also high. Secondly, slewing bearings with complex manufacturing processes and high – precision requirements need advanced equipment and strict quality control, which will also increase the price accordingly. Moreover, the larger and more special the size and specifications are, the greater the processing difficulty and material consumption, and the higher the price will be.
Suppliers of Slewing Bearings
Advanced production and testing equipment are the foundation of high – quality products. Ldb bearing company deeply understands this and is equipped with nearly 30 sets of various types of equipment, providing hardware support for precision processing. At the same time, the company has an experienced design and technical team. With their profound professional knowledge and innovative spirit, they constantly optimize product designs and overcome technical problems. With excellent product quality, strong technical strength, and a complete service system, Ldb bearing company has already become a benchmark in the slewing bearing industry. In the future, it is believed that it will continue to adhere to the concept of innovation and quality supremacy, shine more brightly in the global market, and contribute more to the development of various industries.
