MR.0 The Practical Problem Solver: How bearings work

Problem: How can I find simple, clear explanations about how some of the machinery and equipment around my facility works?

Solution: Mr. O recommends www.howstuffworks.com for great tips and explanations of how things work, both in industry and around the home.

For example, there’s a detailed section in the How Bearings Work section of the site that explains their basic structure, features and applications. A direct link to this handy page, which should be of interest to adults and youths alike, is at http://www.howstuffworks.com/bearing.htm. It includes both photographs and colour illustrations to show bearings in action.

Here’s some of the topics that can be found on the How Bearings Work section of the site.

The Basics

Bearing Loads

Types of Bearings

Some Interesting Uses of Bearings

How do they get the balls in ball bearings so perfectly round and smooth?

Rolling Element Bearing Applications

Timken: Comparing Bearing Types

Magnetic Bearing Technology

How Precision Balls Are Made

Applications for Balls

Ceramic Bearings

Miniature Precision

Protective Systems for Buildings: Application of Spherical Sliding Isolation Systems

Buildings on Ball Bearings

Benicia-Martinez Bridge Retrofit

Other areas related to machines also are featured on the site, including how engines, electrical motors, differentials, gears, hydraulic machines, cranes, and a block and tackle work.

Do you have a solution for a maintenance problem? Send it in and if it’s published, we’ll send you a free Mr. O Problem Solver T-shirt and $35.00. Include your address and telephone number, print

complete details, and add a sketch to help explain your tip. Send your ideas to Mr. O, Machinery & Equipment MRO, 1450 Don Mills Rd., Don Mills, ON M3B 2X7.