Friction Losses From Ball Skidding
CERBEC® balls: Friction losses
Surface Finish, geometry and wear
The internal friction of a bearing is governed by the
surface finish of the ball and the surface finish of
the raceway. Silicon nitride ball have a 70% lower
coefficient of friction when sliding against steel
and possess a surface finish 4 times better than
typical steel balls used in machine tool bearings.
With typical raceway surface finishes ranging
between 1 and 2 μ in RA, the internal friction
of a bearing can be reduced by as much as 25% which
results in cooler operating temperatures and extended
lubrication capability. Additionally, silicon nitride
balls can be manufactured to roundness and harmonics
specifications that exceed steel allowing for lower
bearing vibration, less spindle, noise, and longer
bearing service life.
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Courtesy of NSK
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