Introduction to Bearings

NSK has made vital contributions to the growth and advancement of various industries that rely on machinery. As a comprehensive bearing manufacturer, NSK responds to needs in a wide variety of fields.

A surprisingly large number of bearings can be found all around us. Take automobiles for example; there are 100 to 150 bearings in a typical car. Without bearings, the wheels would rattle and sway, the transmission couldn’t shift gears, and it would be a very bumpy ride!

Bearings are not used only in vehicles, but in all kinds of machines including:

  • trains
  • airplanes
  • washing machines
  • refrigerators
  • air conditioners
  • vacuum cleaners
  • photocopiers
  • computers
  • satellites, and more

Bearings enhance the functionality of machinery and help to save energy. Bearings do their work silently in tough environments, hidden within equipment where we can't see them. Nevertheless, they are crucial for stable operation and ensuring top performance.

The term “bearing” comes from the word “bear” in the sense of "support," and "to carry a burden." This refers to the fact that bearings support and carry the load of revolving axles.

The pictures below show the most basic kind of bearings, known as rolling bearings.

Typical rolling bearings are made up of an outer ring, inner ring, rolling elements, and cage arranged together in a simple structure.

The basic function of bearings is principally to reduce mechanical friction.

Reducing friction means that:

  • Machinery will run more efficiently,
  • There will be less frictional wear, extending the machine’s operating life, and
  • Abrasive wear can be avoided, preventing mechanical breakdowns.

With reduced friction and efficient power transmission, bearings contribute to lower energy consumption. This is just one way in which bearings help to make machines more environmentally friendly.