Detailed Introduction to Sliding Bearing Types
A sliding bearing is one where the shaft and bearing are in surface contact. Because of the surface contact, it can withstand larger external forces, is vibration-resistant, and has a simple structure, making it widely used. For example, the moving joints of an excavator's arm.
Sliding bearings can be divided into three types according to the direction of force:
1. Radial Sliding Bearings
Radial sliding bearings have the force direction perpendicular to the central axis. They can be further divided into three types based on their form:
1) Integral Bearings: Integral sliding bearings are a common type of integral radial sliding bearing, connected to the frame with bolts. The bearing housing bore is pressurized, and an oil cup is installed at the top of the bearing housing. The bushing has an oil inlet hole, and the inner surface of the bushing (or bushing) is fitted with a friction-reducing material and has axial oil grooves for lubrication.
2) Matching Bearings: These bearings are easy to install and disassemble, and are relatively inexpensive, making them widely used in machinery. For example, the bearings on the crankshafts of various internal combustion engines.
3) Four-part bearing: Also known as a four-part bearing, it is used in large automobiles, such as the main shaft bearings of vibrating engines and other similar equipment.
The materials for sliding bearings are mostly cast iron and cast steel. Due to their hardness, they are prone to journal wear, so a bushing is usually added between the shaft and the bearing. The materials for this type of bushing are mainly bronze, white alloy, and Babbitt alloy.
2. Sliding thrust bearings
The load of a sliding thrust bearing is parallel to the axial direction. In addition to supporting the rotation of the machine parts, it can also prevent movement along the axial direction. It can be divided into four types:
1) Ring thrust bearings: Further divided into:
(1) Single ring thrust bearings: As shown in Figure 5(a), a ring bearing. As shown in Figure 5(b), a single ring thrust bearing can withstand axial thrust in both directions.
(2) Multi-ring thrust bearings: This type of bearing can withstand axial thrust in both directions, at high speeds, and under heavy loads.
2) Pivot bearings: Also known as pivot bearings, they are sliding thrust bearings installed at the shaft end, hence also called base-type thrust bearings. 3) Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings: The friction surfaces between the shaft and bearing are made into inclined surfaces or tiltable blocks. A layer of hydrodynamic oil film forms on each inclined surface or tilting block, preventing contact between the shaft and bearing.
4) Hydrostatic Bearings: When the unit load of the bearing is too large, it is impossible to establish an oil film from a standstill, so hydrostatic bearings must be used. Fluid (oil) is pressurized by a pump and delivered between the two parts to maintain lubrication during operation. Because the fluid is supplied from the outside, it is also called an external pressure bearing. If the pump oil pressure is changed to air pressure, it is called a hydrostatic air bearing.
3. Special Sliding Bearings
1) Porous Bearings: Also known as oil-impregnated bearings, they are manufactured using powder metallurgy. Generally suitable for light-load radial bearings.
2) Oil-free Bearings: They have excellent wear resistance and are suitable for light-load and contamination-free food processing machinery.
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Post time: Feb-10-2026
