This video from Nachi Bearing takes us through the complete series of processes used in manufacturing rolling element bearings. It shows the manufacture of bearing element for a deep groove ball bearing including the inner and outer rings, the rolling elements and the retainer as well as the assembly of the bearing.
Processes in making the bearings include:
Inner and Outer Rings
- Hot rolling to make raw bar stock
- Ring manufacture
- Hot forging inner and outer ring blanks
- Turing the rings including facing, sizing, chamfering and cutting the raceway
- Stamping designation markings
- Heat treatment of the rings
- Quenching
- Tempering
- Grinding
Rolling Elements
- Pressing steel wire
- Tumbling to de-burr and round
- Heat treatment
- Polishing
- Sorting
Retainer
- Progressive die sheet metal pressing
Assembly of the Deep Groove Ball Bearing
- Measurement of raceways
- Ball filling
- Retainer assembly
- Cleaning
- Lubrication and sealing
It is a fascinating process to watch especially when we see how automated the plants are in many areas.