Selecting Rolling Bearings for Industrial Gearboxes

By working together early in the design process, gearbox manufacturers and bearing suppliers can reduce development times and improve the overall safety, quality and reliability of the end product, says Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler (UK) Ltd.

Developing precision rolling bearings for industrial gearboxes has never been more challenging. Like most engineered components and systems today, gearboxes are becoming smaller – especially in automotive applications – but also more powerful. The supporting bearings must therefore offer optimum performance.

The bearings must be compact, reliable, durable and offer high load ratings. In addition, gearbox designers will also look for other factors including low noise levels, reduced friction, as well as how safe and straightforward the mounting of the bearings will be.

In the UK, Schaeffler supplies bearings to a number of different gearbox manufacturers. Typical applications for these gearboxes include wind turbines, tidal energy systems, planetary gearboxes for power generation, construction vehicles, racing car transmissions, as well as gearboxes for gas, water and vacuum pump applications.