Automotive word comprises 2 words “auto” which refers to automobile or motor vehicle and “motive” refers to the movement. The automotive industry is a combination of several companies which performs their own function like designing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and many more which empower the efficient running of the automotive industry.
There are several terms which come under this industry, like automotive bearing, its applications, and its development, which improve the quality as well as the product range of the industry.
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Automotive Bearing
1. A bearing is a machine component that is widely used in the automotive industry. The main function of that is to perform relative motion among the machine parts in a desired motion and also reduce friction between them, which leads to the smooth working of a motor vehicle.
2. In passenger vehicles, there are two types of bearings which are used most commonly: tapered roller bearings and ball bearings.
These two bearings are used as per requirements and the application of the vehicle.
3. Bearings consist of 3 parts, which are balls, cages, and races, which help the vehicle to improve its performance.
There are some sub systems in vehicles where bearings are used, like in the gear box, wheels, steering, electrical network, and also support the rear mirrors, wipers, doors, and many more to provide a smooth experience to the consumer.
Bearings Applications in Automobile
There are numerous bearings on the market that perform their functions in their own unique way. Some of them are given below:-
1. Ball bearings
It is readily available to the market because ball bearings can support both radial and thrust loads, but with a lower weight-holding capacity.
Its applications are
They are used in the automotive industry for gear boxes, transmission networks, steering, and engines. Apart from these they are also used in household items like washing machines, bicycles, skateboards, food processors, and many more.
2. Tapered roller bearings
They have the capacity to handle the combination of radial and thrust load efficiently.
Its applications include
They are used in the fields of agriculture, construction, sports, mining, engine motors, engine reducers, and propeller shafts.
3. Plain bearings
It is composed of a bearing surface without any rolling elements. They are the least expensive as well as having a high load capacity to handle.
Its applications
They are used in turbo machines like power plant steam turbines and ship propeller shafts.
4. Bearings with spherical rollers
It is a rolling element in the vehicle which allows rotation and angular misalignment with less friction.
Its applications are
Pulp and paper processing equipment, offshore drilling, mechanical fans and blowers
Modification of Bearings for Electric Vehicles
According to government officials, they have projected a 100% electric industry by 2030.
Electric vehicles require the least number of ball bearings in the manufacturing of these EVs. As per the research, the government has finally claimed that around 15–18% of ball bearing usage will fall, which increases the quality as well as the cost of production.
The government is investing heavily in infrastructure development as well as subsidies to increase demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, both of which are currently on the market.
Automotive Bearing Manufacturers
1. Skf India Ltd.
They started in 1923 in Kolkata and established their first manufacturing unit in 1965 in Pune. Today, they are working with their three manufacturing units located in Pune, Bangalore, and Haridwar.
They have a well developed variety of products such as bearings, customized products and value-added solutions.
2. Adarsh Bearings Pvt Ltd
The company started in late 70’s with a small setup as a local bearing provider. Today they undertakes designing, testing, validation & manufacturing of Bearings like ball bearing, thrust, linear motion bearing, tapered roller bearings and bearing units for a wide range of applications. The company has a strong mechanical team who support customers in Industries like Automotive Engines, Compressors, Generators, Marine Engines, Earth Movers, Tillers, Stationary Engines and more.
Apart from this if any customer wants to have a customized bearing with material, size, model, dimension, etc. Adarsh Bearings are on their upfront to fulfill all the requirements with their knowledge and experience in the industry.
3. MBP bearings
It started in 1975 when they produced bearings having high precision as well as high anti-friction quality.
They have a large variety of products, which are water pump bearings, taper roller bearings, thrust bearings, clutch release bearings, and many more.
4. Menon Bearings Ltd.
It was started in 1991 with a fully integrated manufacturing unit located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Their products are bearings, brushes, and thrust washers for compressors, marine engines, earth movers, and tillers.
5. Schaeffler India
They operate their manufacturing from their two units; one is in Pune and the other one is in Vadodara.
Its products range are cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, wheel and ball bearing.
Conclusion:
Bearings are the most important parts in today’s industry that comprises components and equipments. Due to rise in fuel price, automobile industries are shifting towards electric vehicles, this situation makes an emerging requirement of customized bearings that are different from the previous standards. Many companies have started modification of bearing with the new automotive needs. In India there are many bearing manufacturing companies, but you need to go with the one who provides best services and quality products at affordable price.
