Bearings serve as critical components in motor systems, enabling efficient energy conversion by supporting rotating shafts while minimizing friction and wear. Their performance directly impacts motor efficiency, lifespan, and reliability across industries from automotive to industrial automation. This paper examines bearing types, selection criteria, and technological advancements specific to motor applications.
 

Radial/axial load support: Maintains rotor-stator alignment under operational forces

Friction minimization: Reduces energy losses (typically 0.5-3% of motor power)

Vibration damping: Critical for precision applications like servo motors

Thermal management: Dissipates heat generated by electromagnetic and mechanical losses

High-speed operation: Exceeding 20,000 rpm in spindle motors

Electrically induced damage: Prevention of electric arcing in VFD-driven motors

Contaminant exclusion: Particularly in food processing or outdoor applications

Lubrication longevity: Maintenance-free requirements exceeding 50,000 hours

3.1 SKF Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Applications: General purpose AC/DC motors (<10kW)

Advantages: Cost-effective, handles combined loads

Limitations: Speed factor (dn) typically <1 million mm/min
 

3.2 SKF Angular Contact Bearings

Applications: High-speed spindles, EV traction motors

Design variants: 15°/25°/40° contact angles for axial load capacity

Preloading methods: Spring or spacer-based for stiffness control
 

3.3 SKF Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

Construction: Steel races with Si3N4 rolling elements

Benefits:

60% reduction in centrifugal force at 30,000 rpm

Dielectric properties prevent electric discharge machining (EDM)

3-5× longer life in contaminated environments
 

Modern motor systems demand increasingly sophisticated SKF bearing solutions that address electrical, mechanical, and environmental challenges. Proper selection and integration of bearings can improve motor efficiency by 2-5%, reduce maintenance costs by 30%, and extend service life beyond 100,000 operating hours. Future developments in smart materials and IoT-enabled bearings will further transform motor reliability standards.Contact us freely when you need SKF bearings.