Pillow block bearings (often referred to as Plummer block bearings) are an indispensable component of machines or mechanical systems across a broad variety of industries. Pillow block bearings are designed to consistently and reliably support rotating shafts, ensure things run smoothly while decreasing wear and friction, and increase the longevity of equipment. Pillow block bearings see use in manufacturing (including automotive manufacturing), agriculture, mining, and countless mechanical systems and machines. They are important to ensure efficient use and less down time.
What is a Pillow Block Bearing?
A pillow block bearing is a bearing inside a housing unit. The housing gives the above structural support, while the bearing supports the shaft, allowing it to make either rotation or linear movement. Pillow block bearings are usually mounted to a base, so the machinery can work and take on both radial and axial loads simultaneously. Pillow block bearings are made in many sizes and materials to meet various industrial application needs.
Key Features of Pillow Block Bearings
Pillow block bearings offer features that makes them the component of choice for industrial applications providing the user efficiency and reliability. First, they have pre-drilled holes and ready-to-install housings which permits quick mounting time for most applications, which reduces the installation time and energy to mount the bearings to machines. Pillow block bearings construction is usually made out of strong materials such as cast-iron or pressed steel and are made to last years of heavy operational loads. Pillow block bearings also have favourable alignment properties that allow them to handle unnecessary stresses of slight shaft misalignment in a machine. Many pillow block bearings have additional sealing options that helps eliminate dust and dirt contamination, which will increase performance and durability. Pillow block bearings often have the lowest overall maintenance cost in regards to other systems, as they are easy to replace without removing the entire unit, thus saving downtime and other associated costs.
Types of Pillow Block Bearings
Pillow block bearings are produced in a number of different styles to meet various industrial needs. The most common pillow block bearings are the ball bearing type, which are recommended for use in lighter to moderate loading and speeds, while providing smooth and reliable operation. When loads are high and service is severe, roller bearing pillow blocks will provide strength and service life. Split pillow blocks also make pillow block assembly, disassembly and maintenance easier. Split pillow blocks are especially beneficial when installed in larger machinery, in confined spaces. Stainless steel pillow blocks provide corrosion resistance for use in the food processing, pharmaceutical or hygienic industries.
Applications of Pillow Block Bearings
Pillow block bearing can be found in a variety of applications, and are often an important component in many industries. In the agricultural sector, these bearings can be found in harvesters, tractors, and conveyors, and are generally used in a relatively constant environment even when the agricultural environment can produce a great deal of variability. In mining and construction, pillow block bearings can be found in machines to crush material, conveyor systems, and any other heavy equipment that require extreme levels of durability. The automotive industry also utilizes pillow block bearings in assembly lines and material handling equipment to help make processes more efficient. The food and beverage sector has strict requirements surrounding hygiene and corrosion resistance, which is part of the reason many pillow block bearings are made from stainless steel. The textiles industry and paper mills also rely upon pillow block bearings to allow machines to operate at high speeds for greater periods of time without interruptions.
Advantages of Using Pillow Block Bearings
Pillow block bearings have a range of advantages that make them a popular choice across industries. First, pillow block bearings can increase equipment life because they reduce wear and tear and can provide added long-lasting smooth operation. Second, they can handle radial loads and axial loads, making them excellent for demanding applications. Third, the replaceable bearing units make routine maintenance easy, thus minimizing downtime. Pillow block bearings provide reliable support for shaft-mounted machinery, it helps improve machine performance. Finally, pillow block bearings are versatile and they can be (and are) used in light, medium, and heavy-duty machinery across all types of industries.
Conclusion
Pillow block bearings are a very important component of today’s industrial machines. In fact, pillow block bearings supplied to today’s industry represent a good combination of function, durability and practicability. Simply that they generally only support rotating shafts, have less friction and perform continuously make them very desirable for nearly all industries for more than agriculture to manufacturing. If the appropriate type of pillow block bearing is purchased and it is maintained, it can result in more productivity, less downtime and best of all, savings!!