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Bearings play a vital role in modern industry. They keep your machinery running smoothly and efficiently. These small but important components keep everything moving and make a big difference.
Miba is your partner in ensuring that you are not left to fend for yourself in the event of bearing damage.
In this article we will show you
Plain bearings are mechanical components that ensure that two surfaces can move smoothly. They do this by minimising friction and distributing the load evenly. Compared to other types of bearings, plain bearings work by allowing two surfaces to slide smoothly against each other.
This simple but effective technology has many advantages:
In an optimal environment, they work almost friction-free and efficiently. However, should an unexpected problem occur in the system, plain bearings are designed to be the first to fail before major damage occurs. This targeted protection mechanism makes it possible to react to problems at an early stage and avoid major repair costs.
Find out more about our plain bearings on our axial and radial plain bearings product pages.
Incorrect handling, neglected maintenance or contaminated lubricant are all risks to plain bearings and can lead to bearing damage that can paralyse the entire system. Bearing damage can be used to pinpoint the cause of a system problem. Plain bearings therefore offer not only protection, but also valuable insight into system health - ideal for reliable, long-term applications. It is therefore important to be aware of the most common causes of bearing damage and to have a partner who can analyse the bearing damage in a targeted manner.
Seizure occurs when there is direct metal-to-metal contact. It is one of the most common causes of bearing damage in plain bearings and is often due to inadequate lubrication or excessive load. This leads to increased friction, overheating and eventually wear.
Possible causes
Oil supply problems
Use above bearing load limit
Possible preventive measures
Monitor bearing temperature: We can assist you in selecting the appropriate sensor technology to detect a temperature rise in the bearing due to metal contact at an early stage and shut down the system.
Running-in marks are caused by mechanical wear, often due to inadequate lubrication during the running-in period.
Possible causes
Incorrect starting of the system
Oil supply problems
Possible preventive measures
Select the correct bearing design: We can help you choose the right bearing and use special coatings that can provide additional protection against this bearing damage during the running-in period.
Cavitation is generally caused by a localised drop in oil pressure below the evaporation point, resulting in the formation of oil bubbles. These bubbles collapse when they are transported to an area of higher pressure and trigger a pressure wave. Other causes include high oil temperatures, the presence of substances with a low boiling point (e.g. fuel) in the oil and vibrations
Possible causes
Contaminated oil
High oil temperature
Possible remedies for prevention
Check the oil quality regularly: We will support you in determining the appropriate interval and will be happy to advise you on what to look out for.
Monitor the oil temperature: We support you in designing the appropriate oil and monitoring system.
Cracks or fractures in the plain bearing indicate structural weakness or overloading.
Possible causes:
Neglected maintenance
Use of the bearings above the load limit
Possible preventive measures
Regular inspection of the bearings: We can help you determine the appropriate maintenance interval and advise you on what to look out for.
Pittings are small indentations on the surface that are often caused by foreign particles in the lubricant. These particles can cause abrasion and wear.
Possible causes
Contaminated lubricant
Insufficient filtration
Possible prevention
Cleaning the bearing environment before installation: Our engineers will be happy to help you draw up an installation guideline for your system. This will ensure that the bearing is installed optimally.
Regular inspection of the oil: We will support you in determining the appropriate maintenance interval and will be happy to advise you on what to look out for.
Corrosion can occur if moisture or chemical fluids attack the plain bearing or the lubricant is contaminated by water or other substances and destroys the sliding surfaces.
Possible causes
Contaminated lubricant
Possible remedies for prevention
Regular inspections of the oil: we will support you in determining the appropriate maintenance interval and will be happy to advise you on what to look out for.
Select corrosion-resistant materials: We support you in selecting the right materials for the corresponding application.
We not only offer you preventive maintenance solutions, but also support you if bearing damage has already occurred.
Our damage analyses go into great detail to determine the exact cause. We reliably identify the problem and support you in finding a solution.
Trust is good, control is better. To prevent bearing damage in advance, we support you with the latest monitoring technologies.
Our condition monitoring enables us to recognise at an early stage if a problem is imminent. Temperature measurements are just one of the many measures we take to keep your plain bearings in top condition. This prevents expensive downtime and ensures that your bearings last longer and function reliably.
We offer you comprehensive training and on-site support so that your employees recognise signs of potential bearing damage at an early stage. This means you are ideally equipped to keep your machines in top condition at all times.
Every system has its own special features. This is precisely why it is so important to perfectly customise the plain bearings to your specific requirements. No matter what it is,
We take the time to precisely analyse your needs and develop customised solutions. We also consider future developments and possible loads.
Bearings are essential for the smooth operation of modern machines. With the right partner, bearing damage can be analysed correctly and preventative measures can be initiated. This includes, among other things
Our comprehensive expertise supports you in correctly assessing bearing damage and offers you flexible solutions that ensure the longevity and efficiency of your machines.
