A closer look at most industries today reveals that everything is geared towards promoting eco-friendly operations. From governments to policymakers, there is a growing desire to change global warming trends, pollution, and biodiversity loss. For example, most stock exchanges, with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange joining the list recently, have added sustainability reporting to their requirements for listed companies. The bearing industry has not been left behind. Keep reading to learn more about eco-friendly bearings.

The Concept of Eco-Friendly in the Bearing Production

As more manufacturers, from electric cars to toy firms, join efforts to try and save the planet, the term-eco-friendly has become very common. It is used to mean production, use, or operations that do not have negative impacts on different spheres of the environment. Therefore, when your company starts using new equipment, be they motors or pumps, the focus on cutting down emissions or reducing pollution levels makes it considered eco-friendly.

When it comes to bearings, the same rule applies. The idea of eco-friendly bearings does not target reinventing the wheel, but trying to change specific parts for better performance with less or no impact on the environment. For example, manufacturers are now shifting to lead-free bearings to reduce the risk of lead pollution in the environment.

Common Examples of Eco-Friendly Bearings and Concepts

As the emerging bearing trends take a gradual shift towards eco-friendly bearings, here are some good options you might want to consider:

Magnetic Bearings

This is a huge leap for most facilities towards frictionless technology. When the friction created by the bearing is high, a lot of heat is released. This could mean faster damage to the bearing and respective equipment. However, bearings that can operate with less friction help reduce the energy needed for temperature regulation.

Now, magnetic bearings are designed to support moving parts without contacts – call it levitating different parts of your equipment. It implies that there will be no or minimal friction, reduced mechanical wear, and no need for lubricant. The challenge for these bearings is that they are still relatively new, and their customization to work with current equipment in industries might take some time.

Water-Lubricated Bearings

The commonest type of lubricant for most bearings is oil, but it can cause a lot of damage to the environment. Although commendable efforts have gone into trying to prevent oil-based lubricants from becoming contaminants in the environment, their application and disposal make it very challenging. To address the problem, manufacturers have developed water-lubricated bearings.

Instead of oil, the bearings use liquids such as water mixed with salts to create a galvanized protective layer for the bearing. Therefore, the shaft or your instrument glides as it would with conventional greases.

This post has demonstrated that eco-friendly bearings are becoming the new trend that is likely to define the future of the bearing market. Remember to always establish that you are purchasing the right type of bearing, whether ball bearings or roller thrust bearing, among others, for good performance. It should also be installed and maintained correctly to avoid false brinelling.