If you’re looking for SR spherical bearings, plain straight bearings and other full compliment roller bearing products, the MAXAM® bearing line is likely among your top candidates. What are MAXAM® bearings, and which qualities often make them highly preferable to traditional bearings?
At McNeil Industries, we’re proud to offer an extensive selection of MAXAM® bearings, ball bushings and related pin and bushing sets for varying client needs. Our selection of full compliment roller bearings is second to none, designed to deliver optimal performance, durability and longevity in the toughest industrial environments. Here are some basics on MAXAM® bearings – what they are, how they’re superior to traditional bearings, and some comparisons between MAXAM® bearings and other bearing types.
What Are MAXAM® Bearings?
MAXAM® is a leading brand in bearings plus various pin and bushing sets across major industries. MAXAM® bearings are known as a “Problem Solver” – they extend bearing service life for many major applications in rigorous conditions where typical bearings may fail.
At the core of this quality is the hard outer wear surfaces used for MAXAM® bearings, which allow them to operate in conditions like high temperatures, daily wash-downs, aggressive debris and high-impact. This combination of durability, reliability and versatility has made MAXAM® bearings the go-to choice for many companies across different industries.
Comparing MAXAM® and Traditional Bearings
MAXAM® bearings offer several key advantages over traditional bearings:
Longer Lifespan
Because MAXAM® bearings use a hard outer shell that can withstand harsh conditions, they have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bearings. This means that companies using MAXAM® bearings can save money on maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.
Little Lubricant Needed
MAXAM® bearings require very little lubrication needed, and can operate with water as a lubricant. Furthermore, they actually create their own lubrication by pulverizing application debris, which can be combined with water, grease or oil to become a lubricating slurry. This means that companies using MAXAM® bearings not only save money on lubricant costs, but also reduce the risk of contamination from excessive lubrication.
Greater Spalling and Fracture Resistance
Compared to traditional bearings, MAXAM® bearings have been proven to resist spalling and fractures much better. This is due to the use of advanced materials and design techniques that distribute stress more evenly, reducing the risk of localized stress concentrations that can lead to failure.
This increased resistance to spalling and fracture means that MAXAM® bearings have longer service life, resulting in less downtime and maintenance costs for companies using them. It also improves the overall reliability and safety of equipment, as unexpected failures can be costly in terms of repairs, replacements, and potential injuries.
As a result of these qualities, MAXAM® bearings typically last 4-6 times as long as standard bearings in similar applications.
Choosing the Right MAXAM® Bearings
Here are a few examples of common choices you may need to make between particular MAXAM® bearing products, plus how to go about them:
Plain Straight Bearings Vs Roller Bearings
A common choice is between plain straight bearings and roller bearings. For most applications, the latter provides a better choice because of their increased load-carrying capacity and reduced friction. In addition, roller bearings can accommodate both radial and axial loads, making them more versatile for different types of machinery.
However, in some cases where space is limited or the application requires higher speeds, plain straight bearings may be the preferred option due to their smaller size and lower rotational resistance.
SR Spherical Bearings Vs Double Row Spherical Roller Bearings
Another type of bearing that is commonly used in industrial machinery is the spherical bearing. Spherical bearings are designed to accommodate misalignment and can handle both radial and axial loads. There are two main types of spherical bearings: SR (self-aligning roller) bearings and double row spherical roller bearings.
SR bearings have a self-aligning design, allowing them to compensate for small amounts of misalignment between the shaft and housing. This makes them ideal for applications where there may be some degree of shaft deflection or misalignment, such as vibrating screens, paper machines, or crushers. On the other hand, double row spherical roller bearings have higher load-carrying capacity than SR bearings due to their double row design.
Plain Straight Bearings Vs Ball Bearings
If we compare plain straight bearings with ball bearings, there are a few key differences to consider.
Plain straight bearings have a simple design and are typically composed of a shaft rotating within a cylindrical housing, with no rolling elements. They rely on the lubrication between the shaft and housing for smooth rotation. These types of bearings are commonly used in low-speed applications where axial or radial loads are present, such as in conveyor systems.
On the other hand, ball bearings have rolling elements (balls) that separate the inner and outer rings of the bearing. This reduces friction and allows for higher speeds and smoother operation compared to plain straight bearings. Ball bearings are often used in high-speed applications, such as motors or automotive uses.
As you can see, MAXAM® bearings have major value and benefits across several industries. For more here, or to learn about any of our MAXAM® bearing products, contact our team at McNeil Industries today!
