What are Flange Bearings?
Flange bearings are components that help transfer power or motion from one part of an assembly to another, without causing excessive friction or wear on the parts. They are generally mounted between two flanges or plates that are attached to a shaft. Flange bearings provide support to transmit torque, reduce vibration, and reduce the overall friction of the system.
Types of Flange Bearings
There are several types of flange bearing designs available, but the most common are:
- Roller Flange Bearings: These are typically grooved cylinders made of materials like rubber or plastic, that roll around a pair of flanges connected to a shaft
- Ball Bearing Flanges: These are similar to roller flange bearings, but are disks made from metal and an internal bearing. They are often used in automotive applications
- Thrust Washer Flanges: These are rectangular or “ring” shaped flanges that are pre-loaded with thrust washers. This helps to reduce vibration and noise in the system
Advantages of Flange Bearings
Flange bearings offer a variety of advantages, including:
- Reduced Friction: Because flange bearings are designed to move independently of each other, they provide smooth and consistent movement, allowing for reduced friction and wear on the components.
- Higher Durability: Because flange bearings are designed to last longer than other bearing types, they can provide improved performance over time.
- Easy Installation: Because flange bearings are usually pre-loaded with thrust washers, they can be easily installed without the need for special tools or expertise.
Conclusion
Flange bearings provide a flexible and reliable solution for transferring power and motion from one part of an assembly to another. By understanding the advantages of flange bearings, you can enjoy improved performance and reduced maintenance costs in your systems.