The differences between oil film-bearing tapered sleeves and bushings are introduced.

Nov 07, 2024

As the core components of the oil film-bearing system, oil film-bearing taper sleeves and bushings each assume different functions and roles. There are significant differences in structure, materials, working principles, application and maintenance.

1. Definition and functional differences.

Oil film bearing tapered sleeve

The oil film-bearing tapered sleeve, as the main radial load-bearing part of the oil film bearing, has an exquisite design and key functions. The inner hole of the taper sleeve is tapered. This design not only facilitates a close fit with the tapered outer surface of the roll but also can effectively transmit and withstand radial loads during the rolling process. The outer circle of the taper sleeve is its main working surface. This area has extremely high requirements for dimensional accuracy, shape accuracy and surface roughness to ensure that a stable oil film can be formed in a high-speed, heavy-load working environment to achieve a Good lubrication effect.

The main functions of the drogue sleeve include:

Radial load-bearing: During the rolling process, the taper sleeve, as the main load-bearing component, bears the radial pressure from the roll to ensure the stable operation of the rolling mill.

Connection and transmission: The tapered fit is closely connected with the roll to achieve effective transmission of power and ensure the smooth progress of the rolling process.

Formation of oil film: The oil groove design on the tapered sleeve helps the distribution of lubricating oil and the formation of oil film, reduces friction and wear, and increases the service life of the bearing.

Oil film-bearing bushing

The oil film-bearing bushing is a key component fixed in the bearing seat. An oil wedge (i.e., a concurrent wedge-shaped gap) is formed between it and the taper sleeve, providing a stable lubrication environment for the taper sleeve. The main function of the bushing is to support the taper sleeve and work under liquid friction through the oil film between the bushing and the taper sleeve, thereby reducing friction and wear and improving the bearing capacity and service life.

The main functions of bushings include:

Support function: Provide stable support for the taper sleeve to ensure that the taper sleeve will not shift or shake during high-speed rotation.

Formation of oil film: An oil wedge is formed between the lubricating oil and the taper sleeve, causing the lubricating oil to generate dynamic pressure during rotation and form a stable load-bearing oil film.

Lubrication and isolation: The oil film not only reduces the friction and wear between the taper sleeve and the bushing but also plays the role of isolation and buffering, protecting other parts of the bearing from damage.

2. Differences in structure and materials.

Oil film bearing tapered sleeve

The structural design of the taper sleeve usually includes a tapered inner hole, an oil groove, and an outer circular working surface. The material selection must have high strength, high wear resistance and good impact resistance to withstand large loads and impacts during the rolling process. Common materials for drogue sleeves include high-quality alloy steel, etc. These materials can meet the requirements for the use of drogue sleeves in harsh working environments after heat treatment and other processes.

Oil film-bearing bushing

The structure of the bushing is relatively simple, but its material selection is crucial. The bushing material needs to have good lubrication properties and wear resistance to ensure a stable lubrication effect during long-term use. Common bushing materials include materials with self-lubricating properties, such as babbitt alloy. These materials can form a stable lubricating film during the friction process, reduce friction and wear, and prolong the service life of the bearing.

3. Differences in working principles

Oil film bearing tapered sleeve.

The working principle of the taper sleeve is mainly reflected in its close cooperation with the roll and the formation of the oil film. During the rolling process, the taper sleeve rotates together with the roll, and the oil groove design helps the distribution of lubricating oil and the formation of oil film. When the taper sleeve rotates, the lubricating oil is brought into the oil groove and distributed along the surface of the taper sleeve, forming an extremely thin dynamic pressure oil film. This oil film not only reduces the friction and wear between the taper sleeve and the roller but also acts as an isolation and buffer.

Oil film-bearing bushing

The working principle of the bushing is mainly reflected in the formation of the oil film between it and the tapered sleeve. When the taper sleeve rotates, lubricating oil is brought into the oil wedge between the taper sleeve and the bushing, and dynamic pressure is generated. This dynamic pressure causes the lubricating oil to form a stable load-bearing oil film in the oil wedge, which separates the taper sleeve from the bushing and enables operation under liquid friction. This working method not only reduces the friction and wear between the taper sleeve and the bushing but also improves the load-bearing capacity and service life of the bearing.

4. Differences in Application and Maintenance.

Application differences

In oil film-bearing systems, taper sleeves and bushings each play different application roles. As the main load-bearing component and transmission component, the performance of the tapered sleeve directly affects the load-bearing capacity and service life of the bearing. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to its accuracy and fit during the selection, installation and maintenance of the taper sleeve. The bushing mainly plays the role of support and lubrication, and its performance also has an important impact on the overall performance of the bearing. In actual applications, it is necessary to select appropriate taper sleeve and bushing materials and structural forms according to specific working conditions and requirements.

Maintenance differences

In terms of maintenance, there are also certain differences between taper sleeves and bushings. Because the taper sleeve is the main load-bearing component and is often subject to impact and wear, it requires regular inspection and maintenance. During the inspection process, special attention needs to be paid to issues such as the wear of the taper sleeve, the matching accuracy, and the cleanliness of the oil tank. Once the taper sleeve is found to have problems such as wear or poor fit, it must be repaired or replaced in time to ensure the normal operation of the bearing. Although the bushing is relatively stable, it also needs regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that its lubrication performance and wear resistance can meet the usage requirements. During the maintenance process, special attention needs to be paid to the cleanliness of the bushing and the quality of the lubricating oil to ensure the stability and reliability of the oil film.

To sum up, there are significant differences between oil film bearing tapered sleeves and bushings in terms of definition, function, structure and materials, working principles, application and maintenance. Understanding these differences will help you better understand and use the oil film bearing system and improve the operational stability and production efficiency of the rolling mill.