Is it necessary to consider the accuracy when selecting stainless steel ball bearings?

When selecting stainless steel ball bearings, careful consideration must be given to their accuracy. Accuracy directly affects the performance and applicable scenarios of bearings. The following are key considerations:

1. Impact on smooth operation:
Bearings with low precision have large geometric tolerances and positional deviations of internal components (raceways, balls). This will result in additional vibration and noise generated by the bearings during rotation.
This is unacceptable for equipment that requires quiet operation or precise positioning, such as medical instruments, precision measuring equipment, and high-end motors.

2. Determine the rotation accuracy:
The rotational accuracy of a bearing (such as radial or axial runout of the inner or outer ring) determines the magnitude of the deviation in the rotational trajectory of the shaft or component that matches it.
High precision equipment, such as machine tool spindles, spindle motors, and precision turntables, require extremely stable bearing rotation trajectories. Any small runout will be amplified in the final machining or measurement results, leading to a decrease in accuracy.

3. Impact on rotational speed capability:
During high-speed rotation, small deviations in the internal geometry and dimensions of low precision bearings can be amplified, causing greater centrifugal force, vibration, and heat generation.
High precision bearings can withstand higher speed limits, operate more smoothly, and have lower temperature rise, which is crucial for high-speed applications such as fans, electric spindles, and turbomachinery.

4. Impact on load distribution and lifespan:
Insufficient accuracy can lead to uneven load distribution inside the bearing. Some ball bearings may bear excessive loads, while others may have insufficient loads.
This uneven load will significantly accelerate local wear, create stress concentration points, and thus shorten the overall service life of the bearing. High precision bearings can more evenly distribute loads.

5. Regarding the performance of the cooperating components:
As the core component of the rotating support, the accuracy error of the bearing will be transmitted to the entire transmission chain or support structure.
Low precision bearings may cause abnormal gear meshing, belt deviation, poor coupling alignment, and other issues, affecting the performance and reliability of the entire system.

6. Balance between cost and actual demand:
The higher the precision level of the bearing, the higher the manufacturing cost, and the delivery time may be longer.
Not all applications require the highest accuracy. The appropriate accuracy level must be selected based on the specific functional requirements of the equipment, such as allowable vibration and noise levels, speed range, and positioning accuracy requirements. Excessive pursuit of ultra-high precision can result in unnecessary cost waste.