Slewing rings have been widely used for the last four decades. Ideally, a slewing ring is a type of component used in machines. It is commonly used in construction machinery such as cranes and excavators, and military machinery. It is also known as turntable bearing, slew bearing, and slewing bearing. This type of bearing can handle large radial and axial loads.
The slewing ring has parts such as outer ring, spacer, sealing, and inner ring. Depending on the external structure, this type of bearing has types such as external gear type, internal gear type, and non-gear type. For the internal structure, this bearing can be into four-point, double row, crossed roller, and cylindrical roller.
Slewing Ring Features
If you want a bearing solution that is flexible with your applications and handles large loads, slewing ring bearing is the right option. The slewing ring bearing has a high load capacity. In fact, it can handle combined loads, including radial, tilting movement, and axial load.
As far as flexibility is concerned, the slewing ring provides different options you can choose from. Also, this type of bearing is highly customizable. These are some of the features of these bearings:
Location and size of hole patterns vary
It is available with an external or internal gear
Availability of preloading options
Two or single row ball bearing options are available.
If the above features do not suit your application, you can reach out to your bearing supplier to customize them further.
Uses of Slewing Ring
Considering the flexibility and load capacity of the slewing ring, many industries use this type of bearing. For instance, slewing ring bearings are widely used in:
Packaging machinery
Robotics
Off-highway equipment
Wind power
Cranes
Satellite equipment
Drilling and mining
Installation of Slewing Ring
It is advisable to check the surface before you install the slewing ring. Ensure components supporting it has adequate rigidity. Also, the matching surface must be machined to achieve inclination and flatness of required standards. Every set of slewing bearing is marked with “S” that ought to be placed on the non-loading area.
Position your slewing ring radially and then tighten mounting bolts and check rotation of the bearing. Since smooth rotation is important, you need to check the condition of the meshing before you tighten the bolt. Most manufacturers lubricate the ring properly before it is shipped.
After you install the bearing, you need to have it inspected before it leaves the factory. If your application involves high temperatures, you should shorten the cycle of greasing. Moreover, if the bearing is stored for quite long or your machinery has not been in operation, you need to re-grease it.
Selecting Slewing Ring
When choosing the most economical and efficient slewing bearing for your application, you need to consider various factors. For instance, you need to consider the loads that are added, application type, frequency of movements, and torque applied.
Your choice of slewing ring can be based on static and dynamic load ratings. Also, you need to consider applied loads and requirements regarding service life and reliability.
