Posts in:July, 2015

Bushings: Composite vs. Metallic Self-Lubricating Bushings

Posted July 21, 2015 by admin

plain bearingsUnlike most traditional bearings, bushings stand out due to the fact that they contain no rolling elements. These bearings offer unique elements not offered by their rolling element counterparts and are used to reduce friction within an application. Common applications for bushings include pumps, food applications such as bakery ovens and bottling plants, as well as in mixers, oil pumps, meters, and more. Common names for bushings include solid, sleeve, journal, or plain bearings.

Composite Self-Lubricating Bushings
Because of the lubrication involved with these bearings, composite bushings will be able to stand up to the highest temperatures and are able to withstand heavy loads. These bushings have resistance to wear, impressive strength, stability within various elements such as water and chemicals, are easily machines, are low maintenance, and have a shock load resistance.

Metallic Self-Lubricating Bushings
There are many pros when it comes to choosing metallic self-lubricating bushings, such as their massive strength due to the metal backing and solid lubricants. This metal proves tough and can carry a high load capacity, has good fatigue properties and stability, and provides low-friction movements. You can also re-machine this bearing for tighter tolerance control. Certain types of metallic self-lubricating bushings can also be used under high temperatures, corrosive and chemical environments, and may also be used under intense pressure.

In the end the type of bushing you choose is relative to what design you are looking for and what application will benefit most from which bushing. Both are great choices.  At VNC, we know bearings.

We look forward to partnering with you to provide high quality bushings and bearings. Our bushing are produced using only the best materials and adhere to strict quality standards. VNC Bearings can supply a bearing for whatever your needs and provide the best quality-to-cost ratio in the industry. Trust your bushings with VNC and call today at 800.862.3211.

What Is The Importance Of Rollers And Gears?

Posted July 15, 2015 by admin

gearsIf you haven’t brushed up on bearings, you may be wondering what relevance rollers and gears have in machinery. Whether you think about them or not, they’re all around you! Rollers and gears are used in thousands of applications that make life that much more convenient. Before examining why, or if rollers and gears play an important part in machinery, let’s first look at what they are and how they are used.

Rollers
True to their name, roller bearings use “rollers”, or cylinders to create a separation between the moving and non-moving elements of the ball bearings. An early design of “roller bearings” was used when settlers would place logs on the ground and sit a block of stone on top of it, pulling the stone with rope to force the logs beneath to begin rolling  -thereby transporting the stone. Today these bearings are used in your cars clutch, seat, transmission, wheel, steering unit and more, as well as in engineering, skateboards, and even in your own home in items such as your computer, camera, electrical fan, electric oven, food processor, your washing machine and much more.

Roller bearings are capable of supporting heavy radial and some axial loads. With proper lubrication, roller bearings are able to perform at high speeds. There are many different types of roller bearings available, such as cylindrical, tapered, needle, thrust, inner, stud type, and more.

Gears
Have you ever opened up a wristwatch, or seen an old-fashioned clock on the inside? These are the most common display of gears in action. Gears, which look like circular, toothed wheels roll against one another and create some form of motion. This motion can be a decrease or increase in speed. For example, when you push the pedals of your bicycle, gears are pushed into motion which in turn moves your wheels. Gears are commonly used in most moving machinery such as cars, wind-up toys, bicycles, and much more.

So how important are rollers and gears? In short, very! Rollers and gears are used in both professional and home appliances and machinery that is essential to everyday life. At VNC we are all about bearings. If you have questions about bearings, or are looking to have a custom piece made, feel free to call VNC and get a quote today at 800-862-3211.