Slewing bearings are specialized bearings designed for applications with extremely high loads, large shaft diameters and often low speeds. These bearings are usually considerably larger than conventional ball bearings and roller bearings and are used in various industries such as heavy industry, mining, construction, wind energy, shipbuilding and others. Below are some key features and applications of slewing bearings:
- Size: Slewing bearings are of considerable size and can be several meters in diameter. Some variants are as large as entire buildings.
- Load capacity: These bearings are designed to handle immense radial and axial loads, making them capable of supporting weights of several hundred to thousands of tons.
- Applications: Slewing bearings are used in applications where it is necessary to move or support large machines or structures. Examples include jib cranes, ship hoists, wind turbines, bridge bearings, tunnel boring machines and offshore platforms.
- Types: There are various types of slewing bearings, including slewing ring bearings, swivel bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and thrust bearings, which are selected according to the specific requirements of each application.
- Lubrication and sealing: Due to their considerable size and enormous loads, slewing bearings often require efficient lubrication and sealing to extend their service life and protect them from contamination.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of slewing bearings is crucial to ensure that they function properly and that the safety of plant and machinery is guaranteed.
The selection of the appropriate slewing bearing is essential as it must be tailored to the specific requirements of the application. Manufacturer's instructions and recommendations should be followed to ensure reliable and trouble-free operation. Slewing bearings play a crucial role in the performance and reliability of large-scale plant and machinery in many industries.