5 Interesting Facts About Ball Bearings That Will Surprise You

5 Interesting Facts About Ball Bearings


Many people think of bearings when they think of industrial and automotive settings, like factories and cars. You are not wrong; connecting rod bearings are essential in many of these applications. However, it may surprise you to learn that bearings have some interesting facts, and we are happy to share these fun facts with you. 

Keep reading below to understand some of the exciting facts about engine bearing

  • The Inventor of the Ball Bearing

Around 40AD, Roman Empire discovered the first known usage of a ball bearing. This was a simple rotating table with balls on the bottom, which allowed people to rotate the table to get to other foods. The next time we heard about a ball bearing was about 1,500 years after that. In addition, during this time, engine bearing manufacturers had new discoveries.

  • Ball Bearings in Everyday Life

The second thing you might not know about ball bearings is that they can be found almost anywhere. Many things need bearings for them to move smoothly. In general, bearings are essential for making things move smoothly.

  • The Largest Ball Bearing in the World

Bearings come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are many other manufacturers worldwide. Smallest Ball Bearing: 0.5x1, 5x0, 65 mm. This is the size of the shaft of the smallest Ball Bearing ever made. The smallest in production is 1x3x1 mm in size. Most often, small ball bearings are used in medical technology. 

According to Engine bearing manufacturers, they have a diameter of 13,3 meters and a weight of about 70 tons. It is said to have been made for an oil field, but there is no proof.

  • Bearings Used In an Uncommon Application

Because most of the appliances in our homes are stationary, it is hard to think that they would need bearings. But if you think about it, there are things like the spin-cycle in your washing machine and the rotating tray in your microwave ovens, both of which need bearings to work correctly. Approaches help the doors on your fridge and garage open and close smoothly. 

  • Roller Bearings Were Invented In the US and Spherical In Sweden

During the early 1900s, the single and double-row main engine bearings were made in Germany. Engine bearing manufacturers came up with a way to make things easier. In 1918, SKF came up with the spherical roller bearing, which could hold more weight on the axle. 

Engine bearings have been around a long time, becoming an essential part of our lives. Ball bearings made of polymer do not need extra lubrication, run very quietly, do not get rusty, and run very smoothly. They are cheaper than metal ball bearings because they do not break down.

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