Introduction
Corrosion is the number one enemy of bearings. Although chrome steel and stainless steel bearings are corrosion-resistant, they may still be vulnerable, especially if you have stored them in harsh environments. Generally, if you keep your bearings in an environment with excessive humidity and condensation, your bearings will become rusty over time. Prolonged exposure to dirt, dust, moisture and other contaminants may trigger corrosion and reduce the life of bearings. In this article, Mark Roemer Oakland explains a few tips to protect your bearings against corrosion. Read on to find out.
Better Materials
First of all, you should go for bearings with stainless steel balls as these bearings are made of grade 400 stainless steel. This standard-grade steel has a higher load-bearing capacity. On top of this, it is resistant to corrosion. You may also go for the grade 300 stainless-steel version, but the downside is that they have a lower load-bearing capacity.
Another great choice is hybrid bearings since they use stainless steel races and ceramic balls. The beauty of ceramic is that this material is chemically inert, which helps increase its corrosion resistance.
Protective Coatings
Protective coatings can protect the bearing against rust-inducing contaminants. Both inner and outer rings should be covered in a high-quality protective coating, such as nickel and chromium plating, black oxide, or zinc thermal spray.
Apart from protecting against rust, protective coatings can also harden the raceways to extend the lifespan of the bearing.
Tighter Seals
Another effective way of preventing rust is to go for bearings with a tighter seal. this type of seal is made from materials that can protect your bearings against chemicals, micro-dust, and water.
Although these bearings are a little more expensive, they are worth the additional cost. These bearings won’t need to be replaced every few months. So, it’s worth paying a few more dollars and purchase bearings that come with a tighter seal.
Grease
Now, this is another easy way of protecting your bearings against corrosion. If your machinery is placed in an environment with excessive humidity and moisture, you can coat your bearings with water-resistant lubricant or grace. This practice can help you protect your bearings against the two rust-inducing elements: water and moisture.
Basically, this lubricant or grease will act as a protective layer or barrier between the contaminants and the bearing surface. However, it is not a good idea to apply too much grace, as this practice has its own set of disadvantages. Therefore, you may want to use the protective coatings sparingly in order to be on the safe.
Conclusion
Long story short, if you notice that your bearings are wearing out due to corrosion and you have no idea how to find a solution, we suggest that you do your homework and follow the tips given by Mark Roemer Oakland. Your first line of defense is to go for bearings made from high-grade steel. Next, you can apply a water-resistant grease or lubricant. If you follow these tips, chances are that you are bearings will be safe against corrosion and stand the test of time.
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