Classification of Bearings

There are three main classifications of bearings, according to the direction of load, viz.,

1. Journal or radial bearing,
2. Footstep bearing,
3. Thrust or collar bearing.

• A journal or radial bearing afford support to the shaft at a right angle to the shaft axis.

• A footstep or pivot bearing support shaft is parallel to the shaft axis, and the end of the shaft rests on the bearing surfaces.

• A thrust or collar bearing supports the shaft subjected to end or axial thrust.

The surfaces of the bearing are generally flat or cylindrical. And they may consist of nonferrous metal surfaces known as bushes or hardened steel races supported by steel balls or rollers. In the above case, the bearing is known as bush bearings, and the latter is known as a ball or roller bearings.

Types of Bearings

Following are the different types of bearings:

1. Ball bearing
2. Bush Bearing
3. Thrust Bearing
4. Foot Step Bearing
5. Rolling contact or Anti-friction Bearing
6. Roller bearing
7. Cylindrical roller bearing
8. Tapered roller bearing
9. Needle roller bearing
10. Plain bearing
11. Linear bearing
12. Fluid bearing
13. Magnetic bearing
14. Jewel bearing
15. Flexure bearing