The Difference Between Sleeve Bearing And Ball Bearing

The difference between sleeve bearing and ball bearing is important to be aware of. Although these bearings give the best services in every mechanical machinery you apply them to, but they have distinct features and characteristics. Read on to discover more.

Differences Base On Definition

Sleeve Bearing: A sleeve bearing is also known as plain bearings, journal bearing, or bushings. They are used to facilitate rotational or linear movement between two mechanical parts. Unlike ball bearings that move through rolling, this type of bearing performs rotational duties through sliding. The coefficient of sleeve bearing is relatively low, can be lubricated for smooth operation, and is highly resistant to wear.

Ball Bearing: A ball bearing on the other hand is a rolling element bearing that utilizes a ball to separate the bearing and races. In other words, ball bearings consist of small round metal balls, it’s a mechanical device, and it’s enclosed in between two rings known as races. In addition, the inner ring is connected to a rotating shaft, while the outer races are connected to a fixed housing. Based on the design of your bearing ball bearing can absorb combined loads, thrust loads, and radial loads.

Differences Base On Types

Sleeve Bearing

Here are some of the types of sleeve bearings you’ll find in diverse applications, from small machinery to large industrial equipment:

Flanged Sleeve Bearings

A flanged sleeve bearings is also called sleeve bearings, flanged plain bearings, or plastic flanged bushings. It gives high performance and mechanical stability in diverse applications. They utilize sliding motion that absorbs friction between moving parts to reduce noise and vibration. In addition, a flanged sleeve bearing features a flange at one end that aids the bearing to move axially. In conclusion, this bearing is most suitable for applications that require both radial and axial loads.

Oilless Sleeve Bearings

These types of sleeve bearings give frictionless movement between two parts without necessitating lubrication. You will find them in applications like aerospace, injection molding machines, food machinery, water turbines, engineering machinery, etc. They have become important in diverse industries and applications due to their unique designs. Lastly, the high-grade metal alloy is the base material of oilless bushings.

Bimetal Sleeve Bearing

This has a steel that is highly resistant to corrosion, has a relatively good surface, high fatigue strength, high load capacity, and high impact strength. In addition, the bimetal sleeve bearing is suitable for applications that require high speed and shock. You can machine oil pockets or grooves in the liner for excellent oil storage. You’ll find this type of bearings mostly in construction machinery, agricultural machinery, truck chassis, etc.

Bronze Wrapped Sleeve Bearing

This type of bearing is wrapped in a cold form of homogenous bronze to get extraordinary material properties. The bearing surface is equipped with standard bearing diamond-shaped lubrication grooves. These indentations help to reserve lubrication and it quickly forms a lubricating film when starting up to reduce start-up friction.

These bearings have high density, high load capacity, longer lifespan, and good anti-wear properties. In conclusion, they are typically found majorly in construction machinery like tractors, trucks, machine tools, hoisting machinery, and some mining engines.

Solid Lubricant Inlaid Sleeve Bearing

This type of bearing is maintenance-free, it’s suitable for oscillating motion, and high loads. In addition, it is well-designed, widely used, highly resistant to corrosion, and it has superior chemical resistance. These bearings are mostly used in the water industry, dam gates, plastic molding machinery, etc.

Ball Bearing

Like it was discussed earlier, ball bearings make use of a ball as their rolling element. They are distinguished by point contact between the balls and raceways. One rule of ball bearings is that they rotate quickly but they do not support substantial loads. Nevertheless, below are some types of ball bearings:

Deep-Groove Ball Bearings

This type of  ball bearings are the most preferred bearing. They have a simple design that gives room for easy maintenance, and they are not too sensitive to operating conditions which is why they are commonly preferred in diverse applications.

In addition to radial forces, they perform excellently in absorbing axial forces in both directions. Plus, they have low torque which makes them a good fit for high speed.

Angular Contact Ball Bearings

The contact angle of these types of ball bearings is what distinguishes them. Angular contact ball bearing transfers force from one raceway to another at a particular angle. These types of bearings work well for combined loads where high axial forces are needed to be conveyed to support radial forces.

In other words, angular contact ball bearings have a contact angle that assists significant axial loads in a particular direction as well as radial loads. Since a radial component is generated when you apply an axial load, you can use the bearing in pairs or multi-bearing sets.

Self-Aligning Ball Bearing

They have a double row of balls that are guided by a cage and a double row inner ring raceway yet feature a continuous spherical outer ring raceway that allows the inner ring or balls complement to revolve within the outer ring. This warrants a degree of self-alignment in the application. In addition, self-aligning bearing is a good fit for applications where there is misalignment between shaft and housing, and they are suitable for absorbing radial forces.

Thrust Ball Bearing

This bearing features two bearing discs with raceways for the balls. These bearings are manufactured to absorb axial forces in one direction, this means they are capable of locating the shaft axially in a single direction.

In other words, thrust bearings are the product of bearing balls supported in a ring, they can be used in low-thrust applications that require little axial loads. These types of bearings are not subjected to radial loads. Specifically, thrust ball bearings are produced with a rolling element organized within a cage. The cage is situated between two flat or grooved washers. One good advantage of the grooved washer type is accurate rotation.

Steel Ball Bearings

They are versatile bearings that you can use in diverse applications like bikes, precision instruments, model engineering, and many other experimental projects. These types of bearings are products of hardened steel made for professional work or hobby project requirements.

Four-Point Contact Ball Bearing

These are radial single-row angular contact ball bearings that feature raceways manufactured to give support to radial loads in both directions. In addition, a limited radial load can also support a given axial load. You can separate four-point contact ball bearings i.e. you can easily mount the bearing’s outer ring with ball and cage assembly from the inner ring halves.

Differences Based On Advantages

Sleeve Bearing

• They have high load capacity.
• Requires less maintenance.
• Reduce friction and absorb vibration.
• Suitable for heavy-load applications.
• They have straightforward designs.
• Comparatively low cost.
• Reduced Noise.
• Lightweight and easy to install.

Ball Bearings

• Cost less to replace.
• They are common in the market.
• Require minimal precaution during installation.
• No scrapping is required to fit the shaft.
• Easy to replace.
• Better sealing shield to prevent foreign particles from penetrating the case and to prevent lubricant leakage.
• Large operating range temperature.
• They have mechanical stability.
• They possess a low coefficient of liner expansion.
• High load-carrying capability.
• Very good running capability.

Differences Based On Disadvantages

Sleeve Bearings

• Constricted to lower speed.
• They generate heat.
• They do not meet the requirements of some applications based on their small cross-section.
• Sleeve bearings might fail if debris or dirt is in between the two surfaces.

Ball Bearings

• Prone to misalignment
• Highly sensitive to shock loads
• Fewer capabilities for handling heavy axial loads
• Lower load capacity
• No muffling of vibration

Differences Based On Cost

The cost of sleeve bearings and ball bearings is usually based on the quality and size. Generally, sleeve bearings are cheaper compared to ball bearings. The reason is that they do not have many parts and there’s no complex manufacturing process. However, ball bearings are more economical because of their greater durability and they are suitable for applications that require higher loads. Nevertheless, here are the differences based on the cost of these bearings:

Sleeve Bearings

• Cost less but have a shorter lifespan
• Will require maintenance often
• Low installation cost

Ball Bearings

• Expensive, but has a good service life.
• Low installation cost
• Maintenance cost is minimal

Differences Based On Maintenance

There are different maintenance requirements for sleeve bearings and ball bearings. Sleeve bearings are not self-lubricating bearings so they need frequent lubrication to avoid wear. How frequently you lubricate depends on the application and load the bearings are operating on. However, you can lubricate sleeve bearings at least once a month. Ball bearing on the other hand does not require frequent lubrication. Plus, you can use them for a longer time without servicing.

In addition, the environment influences the frequency of how you change your sleeve bearings. If you expose them to dirt and debris, there may be a need to change them more often because contamination of the grease can easily lead to increased friction. In contrast, ball bearings also need periodic replacement if you notice any sign of corrosion in them or if their seal breaks down. In conclusion, it’s advisable to inspect them annually for you to have a continuous smooth operation.

Factors To Consider Before Selecting Either Sleeve Bearing Or Ball Bearings

Both sleeve bearings and ball bearings have unique features. You should consider factors like environmental conditions, speed, load capacity, temperature, friction, lubrication, installation and maintenance, cost, and life expectancy before choosing either a sleeve bearing or a ball bearing.

Conclusion

Understanding the key difference between sleeve and ball bearings is important for selecting the appropriate bearing for your machinery. Sleeve bearings handle high loads at low speeds, while ball bearings are suitable for high precision.