Roller bearing

Bearings are mechanical elements that ensure a mobile link between two components of a mechanism, where one is in rotation with respect to the other. As an integral part of a 3D printer, bearings are needed to decrease friction as the spindle rotates. Its main task lies in allowing rotation between the two elements under load, with pressure and with minimal friction, reducing friction between an axis and the parts connected to it by means of a rolling element, which acts as a support and facilitates its movement.

Deciding what type of bearings to use is an extremely important process when it comes to improving the performance and operation of our machine. Currently there are many types (needle, roller, axial…), but the most popular option is ball bearings. Ball bearings have four parts: outer ring, inner ring, balls, and spacer. To increase the contact area and favor the resistance of the transmission at higher loads, the balls run in grooves built into the rings. The separator, keeps the wheels separated, avoiding contact with each other.

E3D ball bearings are available in different sizes. As for its design, it is worth highlighting the metal cover that acts as a protective cover, isolating the internal rolling elements from dirt and guaranteeing a longer useful life and better performance.

Advantages

• High speed operation
• Simple design and requires little maintenance
• Increase radial load capacity
• Due to the impact of the balls with the grooves of the ring, they present low axial capacity

E3D bearings have a wide variety of uses, but are typically used in extruders, idlers, and various other 3D printer parts.