Bearings

Anti-friction, rolling contact or rolling element are terms used to describe bearings that support axial and/or radial forces, while allowing rotation, using rolling contact elements rather than sliding contact elements. Numerous basic designs of bearings are available and bearing selection generally depends upon the type of supported forces/loads, speed, lubricant, size, life requirements and cost.  It should also be noted that at lower speeds, the frictional forces within a bearing are twice that of the same bearing running at high speed, which can directly affect the life of a bearing.  Bearing failure should generally occur due to fatigue of the races or rolling elements, with other failure methods being investigated and remedial action to the system being implemented.