Flaking of rolling bearings

Flaking on rolling bearings (also known as pittings or spallings) is surface damage on the raceways or rolling elements caused by material fatigue. This damage typically occurs in the form of small chipping or flaking on the surface.

Causes of flaking:

• Material fatigue:

• • Repeated loads lead to microcracks under the surface, which spread towards the surface and cause material to break out.

• • Particularly common with high radial or axial loads.

• Overload:

• • Excessive loads generate stresses that weaken the material structure.

• • Insufficient lubrication:

• • Insufficient lubrication leads to increased friction, wear and localized heating.

• Pollution:

• • Foreign particles such as dust or metal chips cause micro-injuries that weaken the material.

• Misalignment or installation error:

• • Incorrect alignment or press fit can lead to localized excessive stresses.

• Corrosion:

• • Moisture or aggressive media cause rust formation, which weakens the surface.

• Vibrations at standstill (false brinelling):

• • Vibrations when the bearing is stationary lead to micro-movements and material damage on the contact surfaces.

Recognition features:

• Visual: Small, punctiform breakouts or holes on the raceway or rolling elements.

• Acoustic: Increased noise development during operation.

• Vibrations: Increasing vibrations due to irregularities on the surfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consequences of flaking:

• Malfunction: The damaged surfaces lead to increased wear and loss of performance.

• Shorter service life: Progressive damage can lead to complete bearing failure.

• Increased heat development: Due to friction at the damaged areas.

Prevention and countermeasures:

• Check loads:

• Avoidance of overloading and shock loads.

• Use high-quality lubrication:

• Ensure that the lubrication covers the loads and temperatures.

• Guarantee purity:

• Avoid contamination with effective seals and clean installation.

• Check assembly and alignment:

• Check fits and alignment carefully to minimize stresses.

• Improve material quality:

• Use harder or specially treated materials (e.g. hardened steel or coatings).

• Introduce condition monitoring:

• Regular inspections and vibration analyses for early detection of damage.

Conclusion:

Flaking is a common problem with rolling bearings and is usually caused by material fatigue or inadequate operating conditions. Careful selection, mounting, lubrication and monitoring can minimize such damage and significantly extend the service life of bearings.

 

Continue to:

• Heating device
• Axial bearing
• Seals for rolling bearings
• Flaking of rolling bearings
• Arrangement of rolling bearings
• Storage of rolling bearings