What is a pillow block used for?

What is a pillow block used for?

Pillow block bearing units are usually a housed bearing with a machined mounting surface and are used in mechanical power transmission systems to support shafts and couplings. The shaft is parallel to the mounting surface and generally perpendicular to the mounting screws. They are a type of housed bearing unit.

How do I choose a pillow block?

When choosing between pillow block bearings, it is important to know whether you need ball bearings or roller bearings. Ball bearings use a ball as the rolling element between the stationary ring and rotating ring. They provide a smooth, low friction movement in rotary applications.

What type of bearing is a pillow block?

Pillow block bearings, sometimes referred to as plummer block bearings, are mounted bearings that are used to provide load support for a rotating shaft. Their mounting surface is on a plane parallel and offset to the axis of the shaft.

How long do pillow block bearings last?

The expansion bearings allow for shaft growth and can reduce the risk of loading one bearing against the other. Choosing the best shaft mount device and seal will prolong bearing life. When installed properly, pillow block bearings can last years without needing to be replaced.

Why is it called pillow block bearing?

A pillow block bearing consists of a mounting bracket (pillow block) that houses a bearing and is used in low-torque, light load applications.

What are the different types of pillow block?

Pillow block housings are either split or solid. A split type bearing housing is made of two pieces which can be separated – for bearing replacement, cleaning, or lubrication – whereas a solid type (unsplit) housing is made from a single piece.

What are pillow blocks made of?

Housing material for a pillow block is typically made of cast iron or cast steel.

Are pillow block bearings self aligning?

Self-Alignment Feature Please don’t worry. This is our self-alignment feature. These bearing are meant to have some play in them.

Can you over grease a pillow block bearing?

Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures.

When should you stop pumping grease into a pillow block bearing?

Using the chart and the formula, the bearing only needs 8 grams of grease every 10,000 hours. If your grease gun delivers around 1.35 grams per stroke, that means the bearing needs 6 strokes every 13 months; you could average it out to a stroke every 8 weeks or so.

How often should pillow block bearings be greased?

To prevent corrosion, all bearings should receive grease and be rotated the first of every month. Turn the wheel by hand while greasing bearings. A clean 1/16″ bead of grease must appear on each side of each bearing.

Can pillow block bearings be mounted upside down?

But with the top roller being the primary load-bearing element, roller pillow blocks can only support loads in one direction. Inverted mounting (with the mounting surface facing downward) is not possible, and vertical mounting or overhung loads are not generally permitted.

Should you grease new pillow block bearings?

Proper lubrication is essential for the use of any mounted bearing. Oil within bearing grease provides a thin layer between the rolling element and the bearing rings. Without this layer of oil, pillow blocks and flange blocks won’t see a fraction of their expected life.

Do new pillow block bearings come greased?

Nearly all sealed mounted bearings come pre-lubricated, but eventually, you’re going to need to know how to replenish the grease.

Why do pillow block bearings fail?

Pillow block bearing manufacturers usually supply some sealing arrangement for the fixture, to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the housing, while also retaining lubrication (either oil or grease). Oftentimes, the OEM seals are inadequate, causing pillow block bearing failure.

What is the number 1 cause of bearing failure?

While it may seem like common sense, standard wear and tear is one of the leading causes of bearing failure. Eventually all bearings fail due to wear, however, excessive load, vibration or force can cause a bearing to wear out long before it should. Most of this excess force is caused by improper installation.

At what temperature do bearings fail?

The bearing integrity and geometry can be severely compromised at this temperature range, as the heat stabilization temperature for many bearings is between 300 to 400 degrees F. Do not attempt to grease a bearing in a shutdown/trip condition, since this is likely to result in an immediate failure.