Pillowblock Bearings: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Application

Pillowblock bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing that is designed to support a rotating shaft in a fixed position. They are widely used in a variety of industrial and automotive applications, such as conveyors, pumps, fans, and gearboxes.

Pillowblock bearings are typically made of cast iron or steel, and they feature a split housing that allows for easy installation and removal. The inner race of the bearing is mounted on the shaft, while the outer race is housed in the bearing housing. The bearing is held in place by a set of bolts or cap screws.

There are many different types of pillowblock bearings available, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Some of the most common types of pillowblock bearings include:

Self-aligning pillow block bearings: These bearings are designed to compensate for misalignment between the shaft and the bearing housing, making them ideal for applications where the shaft is subject to vibration or shock loads.

Flanged pillow block bearings: These bearings have a flange on one side of the housing, which allows them to be bolted directly to a flat surface. This type of bearing is often used in conveyor systems.

Take-up pillow block bearings: These bearings have a slotted mounting hole that allows for adjustment of the bearing position. This type of bearing is often used in applications where the shaft length is subject to change.

Choosing the Right Pillowblock Bearing for Your Application

When choosing a pillowblock bearing for your application, there are a number of factors to consider, including:

The shaft diameter: The shaft diameter is the most important factor to consider when choosing a pillowblock bearing. The bearing must be sized to match the shaft diameter, and it must be able to accommodate the load that will be placed on it.

The load capacity: The load capacity of a pillowblock bearing is determined by its size and design. The bearing must be able to support the load that will be placed on it, and it must have a long enough life expectancy to meet the demands of the application.

The operating speed: The operating speed of a pillowblock bearing is also an important factor to consider. The bearing must be able to operate at the speed of the shaft, and it must be able to withstand the shock loads that may be encountered during operation.

The environmental conditions: The environmental conditions in which the pillowblock bearing will be operating must also be considered. The bearing must be able to withstand the temperature, humidity, and other factors that may be present in the environment.

Benefits of Using Pillowblock Bearings

There are many benefits to using pillowblock bearings, including:

Long life expectancy: Pillowblock bearings are designed to last for many years, even in demanding applications.

Low maintenance requirements: Pillowblock bearings are relatively maintenance-free. They only need to be lubricated periodically, and they can be easily replaced if they fail.

Cost-effective: Pillowblock bearings are a cost-effective solution for supporting rotating shafts. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and install, and they can save money in the long run by reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Applications of Pillowblock Bearings

Pillowblock bearings are used in a wide variety of industrial and automotive applications, including:

Conveyors: Pillowblock bearings are used to support the rollers on conveyors. They allow the rollers to rotate smoothly and efficiently, and they help to prevent the conveyor from jamming.

Pumps: Pillowblock bearings are used to support the shafts of pumps. They allow the shafts to rotate smoothly and efficiently, and they help to prevent the pumps from overheating.

Fans: Pillowblock bearings are used to support the shafts of fans. They allow the shafts to rotate smoothly and efficiently, and they help to prevent the fans from making noise.

Gearboxes: Pillowblock bearings are used to support the shafts of gearboxes. They allow the shafts to rotate smoothly and efficiently, and they help to prevent the gearboxes from failing.

Pillowblock Bearing Manufacturers

There are many different manufacturers of pillowblock bearings. Some of the most popular manufacturers include:

SKF

NTN

TIMKEN

NSK

FAG

Success Stories

There are many success stories of companies that have used pillowblock bearings to improve their operations. Here are a few examples:

A conveyor manufacturer was able to reduce downtime by 50% by using pillowblock bearings that were designed to withstand the shock loads in their conveyor system.

A pump manufacturer was able to increase the life expectancy of their pumps by 25% by using pillowblock bearings that were made of a special material that was resistant to wear and tear.

A fan manufacturer was able to reduce noise by 10% by using pillowblock bearings that were designed to operate quietly.

Conclusion

Pillowblock bearings are a versatile and cost-effective solution for supporting rotating shafts. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and designs, and they can be used in a wide range of applications. If you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to support a rotating shaft, then a pillowblock bearing is a great option.

Pillowblock Bearings: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Application