Roller bearing is a device used to carry a load by placing round elements between two pieces, the motion of the 2 pieces causes the element to roll easily and with no sliding. Roller bearings reduce the amount of friction between the two parts that are moving, low friction is important because it reduces wear and the objects can move at a higher speed.
Where are roller bearings used and what are they used for?
The earliest known usage of roller bearings, dating back to 40 B.C, is having several logs laid down on the floor and a large stone slab on top. Using this you can place your load on top of the stone slab and roll it along, as one log comes out the back it is moved to the front and so on. This method still requires strength to move it along and is slow but it is a lot easier and faster than dragging it along the floor.
More modern uses of roller bearings are found in transmissions, transfer cases, engines and valve trains, steering and braking systems, axle support, and outboard engines. Roller bearings are used in rotary applications such as conveyor belts in supermarkets and in factories which can cope with heavy duty bulk handling operations.
How do roller bearings work?
Roller bearings work by using a cylinder; this spreads the load over a larger area than a single point such as a ball. By spreading the weight it can handle a lot heavy loads and can be moved for a longer distance. The load on top of the cylinders can roll easily with hardly any friction. The diameter of the cylinders can range from
