Rolling Element Bearings vs. Sleeve (Journal) Bearings

Rolling element bearings are the most common type of bearing used today.

They use balls or rollers that move between two circular tracks, reducing friction and supporting rotating components. The balls or rollers are contained in a cage, and the bearing is lubricated with grease or oil. Rolling element bearings are suitable for a wide range of applications, from high speeds to heavy loads, and are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Rolling element bearings are critical to many machines and are commonly monitored using CTC accelerometers or loop power sensors. Vibration sensors can be easily mounted on the outer surface of a bearing housing, making them readily accessible for monitoring purposes

Sleeve bearings (also known as journal bearings) are a type of plain bearing that uses a sliding motion rather than a rolling motion.

They are most commonly used in low-speed applications. The bearing comprises a cylindrical sleeve that slides over a shaft and is lubricated with oil or grease. Sleeve bearings are commonly monitored using CTC's PRO line Proximity Probes. Proximity probes are often referred to as non-contact probes or eddy current probes. They measure displacement or position without physically contacting the target object, such as a rotating shaft or a bearing surface. Instead of relying on direct contact, proximity probes use electromagnetic principles to detect changes in the distance between the probe and the target.

Predictive maintenance on rolling element & sleeve bearings can be used to detect and diagnose these faults and many more to schedule repairs and enhance machine longevity. To learn about CTC solutions best for your application, contact [email protected].