Bearing Heaters

Bearing heaters are essential tools used to heat bearings before their installation onto a shaft. This controlled heating causes the bearing's inner ring to expand slightly, allowing it to easily slide onto the shaft without the need for unwanted force. This approach is critical because using force to install bearings can cause damage, resulting in premature failure and costly downtime.   

Why Should I Use Bearing Heaters?

Bearings are primarily built with an interference fit, meaning the inner ring's inner diameter is somewhat smaller than the shaft's outer diameter. This tight fit is essential for smooth operation and prevents the bearing from rotating on the shaft. Heating the bearing enlarges the inner ring just sufficiently to remove the interference, making installation smooth and damage-proof.   

Working Principle Bearing Heaters

The most typical type of bearing heater utilises induction heating. This procedure involves the following:

• Induction Coil: The bearing is positioned on or around an induction coil.   
• Alternating Current AC: AC is passed through the coil, producing a magnetic field.
• Eddy Currents: This magnetic field induces eddy currents within the bearing, which create heat due to the bearing material's electrical resistance.

What are the Available Bearing Heater Types?

• Induction Heaters: The most typical and efficient type, offering precise temperature regulations and even heat distribution.   
• Hot Plates: Simple way to heat -up more miniature bearings, but temperature control can be less accurate.
• Oil Baths: Oil baths, once a standard practice for heating bearings, have become increasingly rare. This shift is primarily driven by growing concerns over safety and cleanliness.

What Benefits Do Bearing Heaters Offer?

• Avoid overheating and damage to the bearing.
• Ensures even expansion of the bearing, preventing stress concentrations.
• Heats-up bearings quickly, minimising installation time.
• No need for open flames or hot oil to guarantee user safety.
• A clean and dry process, preventing contamination of the bearing.

Usage Information of Bearing Heaters

• Manufacturing: Installing bearings in motors, gearboxes, and other production line machinery.   
• Maintenance & Repair: Changing bearings in different industrial equipment.
• Automotive: Installing bearings in transmissions, axles, and other vehicle components.   
• Aerospace: Installing bearings in aircraft engines and critical systems.

Bottom Lines

Bearing heaters are must-have tools for confirming precise bearing installation and maximising bearing service life. They help prevent costly downtime and ensure the reliable and smooth operation of various machinery and equipment.