Ball bearings endure both radial and axial loads during operation. Load ratings listed in the size chart represent the maximum capacity a bearing can withstand without encountering premature failure.

The size of a ball bearing is determined by the shaft size and the specific requirements of the application, which has a significant impact on its performance and capabilities. Consequently, different industries utilize various sizes of ball bearings to meet their specific needs.

The internal gap between the balls and raceways of a bearing is known as bearing clearance. This clearance affects the axial and radial play of the bearing and also influences its thermal expansion characteristics.

Another neat inspiration I’ve picked up from Molin is how he sets up his workshop. He spends time knolling objects on his table and mise en place-style preparation for the day’s work. My physical and digital desktops are disgusting. I can only imagine how much more relaxing work would be if I spent the first 30 minutes each day cleaning up and preparing my workspace for the day.

I love the sentiment of slowing down. Avoid the temptation to start the real-world building and spend time getting the details right in design will ultimately speed up the building process.

In general, ball bearings are smaller, load capacities are weaker. In such cases, small ball bearings are better suited for applications where space efficiency is prioritized over overload capacity. Precision miniature bearings are frequently used in incredibly small applications, including robotics, medical instruments, and semiconductor equipment. Conversely, larger bearings are designed to handle heavier loads, making them ideal for industries such as agriculture, mining, drilling, and heavy power tools. Some manufacturers such as Runsom Precision even offer custom bearing sizes tailored to the unique requirements of specific applications.

To make the proper selection for your application, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the bearing size chart.

“With the first Marble Machine I just started to build… I ended up building the same things 10 times because I didn’t do any prototypes.” – Martin Molin (Source: YouTube)

The size chart includes crucial measurements, including the inner diameter (bore diameter), outer diameter, and width of the bearing. These dimensions are crucial in establishing whether the bearing is compatible with the intended shaft and housing.

When measuring bearings, their inner diameter, outer diameter, and width are taken into account. The size of a bearing is typically indicated as ID x OD x W and is usually expressed in millimeters but can be converted to inches. Actually, most manufacturers and suppliers provide bearing measurements in both imperial and metric units.

The series number of a bearing can be found directly on the bearing and corresponds to a specific combination of measurements. To determine the measurements of a particular bearing, ball bearing size charts are readily accessible. The commonly used series are 6200 and 6300, which typically encompass sizes ranging from 10 x 30 x 9 mm (.394 x 1.181 x .354 in) to 150 x 320 x 65 mm (5.906 x 12.598 x 2.559 in).

I love a good prototyping story. Prototyping allows Molin to experiment and prove ideas work before committing them to his design. He can hone his idea cheaply with the raw materials before bringing his idea over to CAD. Unless I’m misinterpreting, design comes after prototyping. And then in the design phase, he focuses on getting things right. Taking time to consider the whole picture.

Ball bearings allow for smooth and efficient rotational motion and minimum friction and wear in various machinery and mechanical systems. They consist of ball rollers positioned between the inner and outer steel rings to withstand larger loads.

After prolonged use, it’s not unusual for the bearing identification number to become illegible or worn out. In such cases, manual measurement of the bearing becomes necessary. Accurate measurements can be obtained using a vernier caliper. In the absence of a vernier caliper, measurements can still be taken carefully using a ruler.

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The ball bearing size chart offers a comprehensive reference guide to a wide range of dimensions and specifications for ball bearings.

“A big part of our monkey brain wants immediate reward at all times. I’m now trying to keep that part of my monkey brain at bay by not doing the more instantly rewarding, real-world building, and focusing on really getting the CAD drawings down and perfect. I’m sure this approach is more efficient and will speed up the whole building process.” – Martin Molin (Source: YouTube)

The Wintergatan Marble Machine has a special place in my family’s heart. For over a year my son would come into my office every day and ask me to “watch musical instrument”, which was his way of asking to see the Marble Machine. Even now when I fire up the video my son will come racing from across the house to watch this machine birth its magic.

To properly identify your needs, assess the operational conditions and performance requirements of your application. This includes factors such as load, speed, temperature, and the surrounding environment.

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Founding member of Wintergatan and the pilot of the Marble Machine, Martin Molin, is now documenting the process of building the next version of the Marble Machine, on the Wintergatan YouTube channel. This version of the Marble Machine has the ambitious goal of going on tour and performing more than one song in a single show. “Whereas the original Marble Machine was a viral success, it was a mechanical failure,” says Molin. To achieve that goal, the new Marble Machine must be more modular and efficient in its design.

I think the prototyping helps Molin understand the medium of plywood as well. One neat technique he’s unlocked is milling down a few millimeters to the darker glue layer of the plywood. This gives some pieces depth with a two-tone look and feel that can be created cheaply without introducing too much work or another process like painting or staining.

Here, we will explore the importance of the ball bearing size chart and learn how to interpret and utilize it effectively. In addition, charts as follows provide commonly used ball bearing sizes and dimensions to help select the exact ball bearing for specific applications, in turn, enabling the equipment to realize optimal performance, reliability, and longevity.

When selecting a bearing, it’s essential to verify its load and speed ratings to confirm that it can handle the anticipated loads and rotational speeds in your specific application.

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The bearing size and attributes are identified using a standardized numbering code system developed by ABMA. However, at Runsom Precision, we can manufacture non-standard bearings with unique characteristics through our custom CNC machining services.

When considering bearing performance, take into account clearance and tolerance. These factors can significantly influence the functionality of the overall system, so it’s vital to ensure that they’re appropriate for your applications.

The speed ratings establish the highest rotational speed at which a bearing can function without generating excessive heat or experiencing premature wear.

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To find the correct bearing match or replacement, it is essential to consider other significant aspects of the bearing number. Pay attention to the suffix, which provides additional details about the bearing design and features:

This article presented ball bearing size charts that are commonly used. In addition, it offers guidance on how to define, interpret, and measure ball bearings.

Ball bearings are essential components used in a multitude of machinery and mechanical systems, allowing for smooth and efficient rotational motion and minimum friction and wear. These devices comprise an outer and inner ring with a set of balls in between.

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Ball bearings come in various sizes based on the shaft size and the requirements of the application. Due to their usage in different industries, they are needed for a wide range of applications, from oil drills to skateboard wheels. How are these bearing sizes determined? How can we understand the ball bearing size chart?

The foundation of CNC milling and 3D printing for production is also a very smart choice for this project. If parts break while on tour, as long as Molin has a thumb-drive with 3D files on it, they can be replaced in minutes at any makerspace.

A ball bearing is a type of rolling bearing in which a ball is placed between the inner and outer rings that reduces rotational friction and supports radial and axial loads. Also, it improves the efficiency of mechanical power transmission and is commonly used in light industrial machinery. A basic ball bearing comprises four components: a ball, an inner ring, an outer ring, and a cage or retainer. The balls and rings are typically made of high chromium steel.

We understand the importance of selecting the appropriate bearings when it comes to building dependable and efficient machinery. With our team of highly skilled engineers and machinists, we possess the expertise to fully understand and utilize our knowledge to assist you in making well-informed decisions. Whether you need customized solutions, standardized bearings, or bearings designed for high loads and speeds, we are well-equipped to meet your requirements. Request an instant quote today to get started on your next project today!

For those who aren’t familiar, the Wintergatan Marble Machine is an enormous mechanical device filled with over 2000 marbles raised up by a conveyor belt and dropped on a xylophone, drum contact mics, and bass guitar. It’s raw, creaky, clumsy, and beautiful.

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I don’t know if Martin Molin will ever read this, but I want to say thank you on behalf of myself because I’ve gotten great joy out of watching your prototyping process; and on behalf of my family to whom you’ve brought hours of joy through music.

This time around Molin is taking a different approach to building the machine. It focuses a lot around CNC milling and 3D printing parts and (if you read my blog, you might have guessed) prototyping. Lots of prototyping.

Ensure that the dimensions of the bearings align with the specific requirements of your shaft and housing. Confirm that the bore diameter, outer diameter, and width correspond to the specifications of your machinery.