Why Lubricating Oil Is Important for Slewing Bearings
In the vast system of industrial machinery, lubricating oil and bearings, although seemingly minor components, play a crucial role. They are the core elements ensuring the stable and efficient operation of machinery.
What is a Slewing Bearing?
Slew Bearing, as the hubs of mechanical operation, are responsible for supporting and guiding rotating or oscillating components. There is a wide variety of slew bearings. From common deep – groove ball slew bearings to tapered roller slew bearings suitable for heavy loads, different types meet the specific requirements of various machines. For example, in an automotive engine, the crankshaft slew bearing has to withstand huge pressure and high – speed rotation. Its precision and reliability directly affect the engine’s performance. In precision instruments, miniature slew bearings need to ensure minimal friction and high – precision operation.
What is Lubricating Oil?
Lubricating oil is like the “blood” of machinery and is crucial for the normal operation of slew bearings. Its primary function is to reduce friction. When a slew bearing is in operation, the lubricating oil forms an oil film between the rolling elements and the raceway. This transforms the direct metal – to – metal friction into the internal friction of the oil film, greatly reducing friction, minimizing wear, and extending the slew bearing’s service life. Take the motor slew bearing as an example. Good lubrication can reduce energy consumption and improve the motor’s efficiency.
Functions of Lubricating Oil
Lubricating oil also has a heat – dissipation function. During the operation of a slew bearing, heat is generated due to friction. If the heat cannot be dissipated in time, a continuous increase in temperature will affect the slew bearing’s precision and material properties, and may even cause the slew bearing to seize. The lubricating oil can absorb heat during the circulation process and transfer it to the surrounding environment, maintaining the normal operating temperature of the slew bearing. For example, the gearbox slew bearings of large – scale wind turbines generate a large amount of heat under high – load operation, and a dedicated lubricating oil cooling system is essential.
In addition, lubricating oil can also act as a seal and anti – rust agent. It can fill the gaps in the slew bearing, preventing the intrusion of external dust, moisture, and other impurities and protecting the internal structure of the slew bearing. At the same time, the anti – rust additives in the lubricating oil can form a protective film on the metal surface, preventing the slew bearing from rusting and corroding, ensuring its stable operation in harsh environments, such as the slew bearings of mechanical equipment by the sea.
To achieve the best combination of lubricating oil and slew bearings, it is necessary to select the appropriate lubricating oil according to the type of slew bearing and working conditions. High – speed slew bearings are suitable for low – viscosity lubricating oil, which can reduce the stirring resistance. Heavy – load and low – speed slew bearings require high – viscosity lubricating oil with excellent extreme – pressure resistance to ensure the strength of the oil film. For example, low – viscosity precision machine tool oil is selected for the high – speed spindle slew bearings of machine tools, while high – viscosity lubricating oil with special anti – wear additives is used for the large heavy – load slew bearings of mining machinery.
At the same time, the correct lubrication method is also of great importance. Common lubrication methods include oil bath lubrication, splash lubrication, oil injection lubrication, and grease lubrication. Oil bath lubrication is suitable for medium – and low – speed slew bearings, where the slew bearing is partially immersed in oil for lubrication. Splash lubrication relies on rotating components to splash oil onto the slew bearing. Oil injection lubrication is used for high – speed, heavy – load, and important slew bearings, and oil is supplied precisely through an oil injection nozzle. Grease lubrication is often used for small, low – speed, and hard – to – lubricate slew bearings, using lubricating grease for lubrication.
In practical use, it is also necessary to regularly check the condition of the lubricating oil and the operation of the slew bearing. The lubricating oil will gradually age and become contaminated during use, and its performance will decline. Therefore, it needs to be replaced regularly. By checking the wear and clearance changes of the slew bearing, problems can be detected in a timely manner, and maintenance or replacement can be carried out to effectively avoid equipment failures and ensure the continuity of production.
Lubricating oil and slew bearings are interdependent and jointly safeguard the stable operation of machinery. In today’s continuously developing industry, in – depth research and rational application of lubricating oil and slew bearing technologies are of great significance for improving mechanical performance, reducing energy consumption, and extending the service life of equipment. They are a key link in promoting the efficient development of the industry.
The Price of Slewing Slew bearings
The price of slewing slew bearings is affected by many factors. Material is a key factor. Slewing slew bearings made of high – quality steel and special alloys have better strength and wear resistance and are more expensive. For example, those made of high – grade alloy steel are more expensive than those made of ordinary steel. Processing precision is also very important. High – precision processing requires advanced equipment and sophisticated technology, which can ensure slewing accuracy and reduce vibration. Accordingly, the cost and selling price are also high. When the demand from industries such as construction and wind power is high and the supply is insufficient, the price rises. If the demand is weak and the supply is excessive, the price will fall.
Supplier of Slewing Slew bearings
LDB bearing is an outstanding model in the slew bearing industry! Over the past twenty – odd years, it has adhered to quality, growing from an inexperienced enterprise to a mainstay in the industry. Its products combine technology and craftsmanship. High – precision slewing slew bearings, slewing drive devices, etc. are widely used in many fields and perform remarkably in areas such as industrial welding robots. It always adheres to the vision of “meticulous manufacturing, serving the world”, constantly innovates and breaks through, and has leading technical strength. With reliable product quality and excellent services, it has won the trust of global customers. In the future, it will surely continue to lead the industry trend and contribute more to the development of the world’s industry!
