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2025-11-19 06:16:14PRS Bearings
Crossed roller bearings play a critical role in precision machinery, providing exceptional rigidity, smooth rotation, and the ability to withstand combined loads. Whether used in robotics, rotary tables, medical equipment, or machine tools, correct installation is essential for maximizing bearing performance and extending service life. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of how to install crossed roller bearings professionally and avoid common mistakes.
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand the unique structure of crossed roller bearings. Inside the bearing, cylindrical rollers are arranged alternately at right angles, forming a crossed pattern. This design allows the bearing to carry radial, axial, and moment loads simultaneously, making it ideal for applications that require high accuracy and stiffness.
Their advantages include:
High rotational accuracy
Excellent load-carrying capacity
Compact structure for space-limited equipment
Superior rigidity and stability
Because of these features, crossed roller bearings are widely used in automation systems, inspection machines, semiconductor equipment, and precision turntables.
Proper preparation ensures smooth assembly and helps prevent early bearing failure.
Clean All Components
Make sure the bearing, housing, and shaft are clean and free from dust, oil residue, and contaminants. Even small particles can affect rotational accuracy or cause wear.
Inspect the Bearing
Check for scratches, dents, rust, or surface irregularities. Damaged bearings should not be installed.
Apply Proper Lubrication
Use the manufacturer-recommended lubrication—either grease or oil—based on your application’s speed, load, and operating environment.
1). Align the Housing and Shaft
Precision alignment is essential. Misalignment leads to uneven load distribution and significantly shortens bearing life.
2). Press the Bearing Correctly
Use a soft metal sleeve or an appropriate pressing tool to fit the bearing into the housing.
Avoid applying force directly on the rollers or raceways, as this may cause deformation.
3). Secure the Bearing
Tighten fastening screws or retaining rings according to the specified torque.
Over-tightening can distort the bearing, while insufficient tightening may allow unwanted movement during operation.
4). Add Final Lubrication
After installation, apply additional grease or oil if required to ensure stable and smooth operation.
Hammering the bearing directly
This can cause permanent damage and should never be done.
Ignoring alignment
Misaligned components drastically reduce precision and lifespan.
Incorrect lubrication
Both under-lubrication and over-lubrication may lead to overheating or excessive wear.
Skipping inspection
Installing a flawed bearing increases the risk of early failure.
After installation, rotate the bearing manually to ensure smooth, quiet movement.
During initial machine operation, monitor:
Temperature
Vibration
Noise
These indicators help identify potential problems early, allowing for timely corrections.
Correct installation of crossed roller bearings is essential for achieving high precision, long life, and reliable performance in demanding industrial environments. By paying attention to alignment, cleanliness, lubrication, and proper handling methods, you can significantly reduce maintenance costs and prevent unnecessary downtime. Following these best practices ensures that your crossed roller bearings deliver consistent, high-quality operation throughout their service life.
