What is the life of a slewing bearing?

The service life of a slewing bearing is not a fixed value; it is a dynamic variable affected by multiple factors, depending on the inherent factors of design and manufacturing, as well as the acquired conditions of use and maintenance.

Materials

From the perspective of design and manufacturing, the choice of materials is the basis for determining the service life of the slewing bearing. High - strength alloy steel can provide the bearing with anti - fatigue performance. After heat treatment, the surface hardness and core toughness form a balance, which can delay the generation and expansion of cracks. Machining accuracy is crucial. The finish of the raceway, the roundness error of the rolling elements, etc., will affect the distribution of contact stress. An increase in machining errors will aggravate the phenomenon of local stress concentration and shorten the service life of the bearing.

Working conditions

Working conditions have a significant impact on the service life of the slewing bearing. Under heavy - duty working conditions, the axial force, radial force, and overturning moment borne by the bearing will increase. When these forces exceed the design limit, the contact stress between the rolling elements and the raceway will rise, leading to plastic deformation or fatigue spalling of the material. The temperature, humidity, and dust content in the working environment also need attention. In a high - temperature environment, the mechanical properties of the bearing material will decrease, and the viscosity of the lubricant will reduce, affecting the lubrication effect; a humid environment will cause rusting of the bearing; dust and other impurities entering the inside of the bearing will aggravate the wear between the rolling elements and the raceway, shortening the bearing's service life.

Maintenance

The quality of maintenance is a key acquired factor in extending the service life of the slewing bearing. Regularly adding appropriate lubricants is an important part of maintenance. Lubricants can reduce friction and wear between the rolling elements and the raceway, and also play a role in sealing, rust prevention, and cooling. Improper selection of lubricants or insufficient filling will lead to increased internal friction of the bearing, increased temperature, and shortened service life. It is also important to regularly inspect and clean the bearing. Timely detection and elimination of problems such as abnormal wear and loosening of the bearing can prevent the expansion of faults and extend the service life of the bearing.

Applications

In summary

The service life of a slewing bearing is a complex system problem, affected by various factors such as design and manufacturing, working conditions, and maintenance. To extend the service life of the slewing bearing, it is necessary to start from multiple links, select high - quality products, use equipment reasonably, and strengthen maintenance.

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