What are the effects of surface damage on stainless steel bearings

As an indispensable component of modern mechanical equipment, the surface damage problem of stainless steel bearings cannot be ignored. Common forms of surface damage include scratches, pits and peeling, which seriously affect the smoothness and integrity of the bearing, resulting in a decrease in the contact area between the rolling element and the raceway and an increase in contact stress. Under high-speed operation, this uneven contact stress will cause abnormal vibration and noise, significantly reducing the operating stability of the equipment.

Surface damage not only affects the operating state of the bearing, but also has a negative impact on its rotation accuracy. Rotation accuracy is an important indicator for measuring bearing performance and is directly related to the transmission accuracy and stability of the mechanical system. When the surface of the stainless steel bearing is damaged, the motion trajectory of the rolling element will be disturbed, causing the rotation centerline to deviate from the ideal position, resulting in radial runout and axial movement. This deviation not only reduces the transmission accuracy of the mechanical system, but may also cause damage to other components, such as gears and shafts.

In addition, surface damage can also lead to lubrication failure. Good lubrication is one of the key factors to ensure the normal operation of the bearing. The damaged surface makes it easier for tiny particles in the lubricant to embed into the damaged area, forming abrasive wear. This kind of wear not only further damages the smoothness of the bearing, but also aggravates the loss and contamination of lubricants, resulting in a significant reduction in the lubrication effect. In extreme cases, lubrication failure may cause the bearing to get stuck or burn, thus paralyzing the mechanical system.

More seriously, surface damage to stainless steel bearings may pose a serious threat to the safety of the mechanical system. In mechanical systems operating at high speeds, heavy loads or in harsh environments, bearing failure often leads to failure of the entire system. For example, in the aerospace field, bearing failure may cause the aircraft to lose control or even crash; in the chemical industry, bearing failure may cause the leakage of toxic and hazardous substances, causing serious harm to the environment and personnel. Therefore, solving the problem of surface damage to stainless steel bearings should be highly valued by both inside and outside the industry.

In order to reduce the risk of surface damage to stainless steel bearings, practitioners in related industries must strengthen the maintenance and care of bearings. This includes regular cleaning of bearings, checking the quality and quantity of lubricants, and timely replacement of severely worn bearings. In addition, when installing and removing bearings, it is important to strictly follow the operating procedures to avoid unnecessary damage to the bearing surface. At the same time, the selection of high-quality stainless steel materials and advanced manufacturing processes is also an important way to improve the damage resistance of bearings. By taking the above measures in combination, the service life of stainless steel bearings can be effectively extended and the efficient and safe operation of mechanical equipment can be ensured.