Tight and Loose Fits for Radial Ball Bearings
Selecting appropriate shaft and housing tightness fits are critical in optimizing a single row radial ball bearing ’s performance and life. A bearing can only perform to its full capacity when it is correctly fitted on the shaft and in the housing. Improper fits can lead to undesirable operating conditions and early failure. Below are some of the common considerations bearing users should consider: Direction, type, and magnitude of loads Based on the actual applied axial and radial loads an equivalent radial load is calculated. Generally, tighter fits are required as the load increases. Further, rings subjected to circumferential loading should have tight fits. For rings subjected to only point loading, a loose fit may be used. Inner or outer ring rotation Typically, the ring that is rotating requires an interference fit, and the non-rotating ring would have a slightly loose fit. The size and type of bearing specified Thin type and minia