How to make bearings last in electric motors

In machine design, a motor’s bearings are critical to keeping it operating smoothly and efficiently. Bearings are responsible for transferring loads from the shaft to the motor frame. They minimize friction by maintaining a gap between the rotor and stator. Bearings that work well rarely go noticed, but damaged or worn bearings will severely limit efficiency, create additional noise, and eventually reduce the motor’s operational life. Bearings can be damaged from improper use of the motor. Motors are normally designed and manufactured for a specific purpose. When a motor is used in a situation for which it was not designed, there is a good chance the bearings could be damaged due to overloading, under loading, or improper axial loading. If the motor is used in a situation there it is improper loading, the bearings may skid instead of freely rotate. Skidding will cause bearings to quickly wear out. Adding grease is important to maintain bearing life, however adding too much grease may actually raise friction and temperature which can reduce bearing life. Finally, local electric arching can cause fluting in bearings which will eventually wear them down however, special coatings have been developed to prevent fluting and thus preserve the bearings.  Read the full article in Machine Design. 

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