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How To Choose The Right Thrust Washer?
What Is Thrust Washer？
A thrust washer is a type of washer used to prevent metal-to-metal contact and reduce friction between moving parts in machinery. It is often used in applications where axial movement or thrust force is present, such as in gearboxes, transmissions, and automotive engines. Thrust washers are typically made of materials such as steel, bronze, or plastic, and come in various sizes and shapes to suit different applications.
When it comes to selecting the right thrust washer for your application, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Thrust washers are essential components in many mechanical systems, as they help to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. Choosing the right thrust washer is crucial to the overall efficiency and reliability of your equipment.
Material Of Selection The Thrust Washer
The choice of material for thrust washer has a significant impact on their performance and range of application. Common thrust washer materials include bronze, steel and composite materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
- Bronze: Bronze thrust washers offer good wear and corrosion resistance and are suitable for moderate loads and lower speed applications.
- Steel: Steel thrust washers offer high strength and stiffness for high load and high speed applications such as automotive engines and industrial machinery.
- Composites: Composite thrust washers typically have a low coefficient of friction and good self-lubricating properties for applications that require reduced lubricant usage and can operate at higher temperatures.
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a thrust washer is the material from which it is made. Each material has its own unique properties and advantages, so it is important to choose the material that best suits the specific requirements of your application.
Load Capacity Of The Thrust Washer
Load capacity is also an important consideration when selecting a suitable thrust bearing. The load capacity of a thrust bearing refers to the maximum value of axial load it can withstand. In mechanical systems, axial load is the force or pressure applied to a shaft in the direction of the axis, usually due to rotational or linear motion.
Static and dynamic loads: Thrust bearings must be able to withstand both static loads (forces or pressures when stationary) and dynamic loads (forces or pressures in motion). Static loads are usually due to gravity, inertial forces or external loads generated when the system is stopped or in a stable operating condition. Dynamic loads, on the other hand, are loads that occur due to starting, stopping, accelerating, decelerating, or changes in the system during operation.
Peak and varying loads: When considering load capacity, it is necessary to determine the peak loads (maximum loads) that may occur in the system and how the loads vary over time. Some applications may experience transient or cyclical load increases at specific times, requiring thrust bearings with sufficient strength and durability to meet these challenges.
Consideration The Size Of Thrust Washer
Size selection begins with an understanding of the bearing loads in the system, both static and dynamic. Based on these loads the required size and thickness of the washer is determined. The size of the washer should be large enough to withstand the maximum axial loads in the system and ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed over the contact surfaces.
There are also bearing and shaft dimensions, and the thrust washer must be sized to match the bearing and shaft dimensions. The inside diameter of the washer should fit the outside diameter of the bearing, while the outside diameter should fit the housing or seat it is in. Also, the thickness of the washer should match the mounting clearance of the bearing and the expected axial displacement.
Thrust Washer Speed And Lubrication Considerations
Speed
Speed of Bearings – First, you need to know how fast the bearings in the system are rotating. High speeds increase friction, heat and inertial forces, so the gasket must be able to withstand these additional forces.
At high speeds, centrifugal force increases, causing additional loads on the washers. Therefore, the gasket must have sufficient strength and stiffness to resist these additional loads.
At the same time, high speeds increase friction and heat generation, which can lead to wear of washers and bearings. Therefore, choosing the right materials and lubrication methods can reduce friction and heat and extend the service life of the gasket.
Lubrication
According to different working conditions and requirements, select the appropriate lubricant to ensure that the lubricant can be effectively supplied to the friction surfaces of the gasket and bearing. For high speed and high load applications, higher lubricant feed rates may be required.
Environmental Considerations For Thrust Washers
In high-temperature environments, thrust washer materials and lubricants may be affected, resulting in softening of the material, volatilization or degradation of the lubricant. Therefore, it is necessary to select high temperature resistant materials and lubrication, and consider strengthening sealing measures to prevent external high temperature media from entering the system.
At low temperatures, thrust washer materials may become brittle or solidify, resulting in reduced strength and toughness. Therefore, it is necessary to select materials that can maintain flexibility and cold resistance in low-temperature environments, and consider the use of low-temperature lubricants to ensure that the system operates properly.
At the same time, it is also necessary to consider the selection of materials that can resist corrosion to protect the surface of the gasket from humidity and corrosive substances.
Conclusion
Selecting the right thrust washer for the specific requirements and operating conditions of the system will ensure proper operation, stability and reliability while maximizing its performance and efficiency.
References
- 1.Detailed explanation of ”thrust washer“ from Saint-Gobain
- 2.Other types of “thrust washer” from IGUS ;
- 3. “Thrust washer” from SKF Bearings.
