How to judge the wear status of stainless steel bearings

Stainless steel bearings are widely used in various types of mechanical equipment due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, as the use time increases, the bearings may wear, which will directly affect the performance and life of the equipment. Timely judgment of the wear state of stainless steel bearings is very important to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs.

Visual inspection
Visual inspection is the first step to judge the wear state of stainless steel bearings. Through visual observation, it can be found whether there are scratches, scratches or obvious corrosion on the surface. For stainless steel bearings, the surface should be smooth and uniform. If the surface is found to be dented, peeling or rusting, it means that the bearing has begun to wear and may need to be replaced. In addition, observing the sealing state of the bearing is also an important part. Damage to the seal will cause lubricating oil leakage and accelerate wear.

Auditory inspection
Through auditory inspection, the sound changes during the operation of the bearing can be obtained. During normal operation, the bearing should make a steady low noise. If abnormal noises such as humming, jingling or rubbing are heard during operation, it may be a sign of wear or damage. At this time, the bearing should be stopped immediately to check to prevent more serious damage.

Temperature monitoring
The heat generated by friction will cause the bearing temperature to rise. Under normal working conditions, the temperature of stainless steel bearings should be kept within a reasonable range. If the temperature is too high and exceeds the rated operating temperature, it may be a manifestation of wear, insufficient lubrication or improper installation. By installing a temperature monitoring device, the operating temperature of the bearing can be monitored in real time and problems can be discovered in time.

Vibration analysis
Vibration analysis is an effective method to determine the wear state of the bearing. Using a vibration monitoring instrument, the vibration frequency and amplitude of the bearing can be detected. Normal bearing operation should maintain a stable vibration mode. If the frequency is abnormal and the vibration amplitude increases, it may be caused by rolling element wear, cage damage or poor installation, indicating that the bearing is abnormal.

Lubrication status check
Lubrication is essential to the service life of the bearing. Checking the state of the lubricating oil (or grease) can determine the wear of the stainless steel bearing. If the lubricating oil is milky white or turbid, it may be due to water mixing or contaminants intrusion. At this time, the lubricating oil should be replaced in time and the bearing should be cleaned. At the same time, checking the viscosity and oxidation degree of the lubricating oil can also reflect the wear state of the bearing.

Demagnetization inspection
During long-term operation, stainless steel bearings may be affected by the magnetic field, resulting in tiny magnetic attachments on their surface. These attachments may affect the operation of the bearing. Through demagnetization inspection, it can be confirmed whether the bearing is affected by magnetism. If any abnormality is found, it should be handled in time to avoid affecting normal operation.

Service life assessment
The service life of stainless steel bearings is usually affected by many factors such as load, speed, working environment and lubrication status. Generally, bearing manufacturers will provide rated life (L10 value), which refers to the service life that 90% of the bearings can reach under specific conditions. By comparing the actual operating conditions and rated life, the wear state of the bearing can be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be replaced in advance.