●Load Rating and Life

3. Load Rating and Life

3.1 Bearing life
Even in bearings operating under normal conditions, the C 3
surfaces of the raceway and rolling elements are For ball bearings: L10 ＝
（ ） ……………
（3.1）
P
constantly being subjected to repeated compressive
C 10/3
stresses which causes flaking of these surfaces to occur. For roller bearings: L10 ＝
（ ） …………
（3.2）
This flaking is due to material fatigue and will eventually P
cause the bearings to fail. The effective life of a bearing
is usually defined in terms of the total number of where,
revolutions a bearing can undergo before flaking of either L10 : Basic rating life 106 revolutions
the raceway surface or the rolling element surfaces C : Basic dynamic load rating, N {kgf}
occurs. (Cr: radial bearings, Ca: thrust bearings)
P : Equivalent dynamic load, N {kgf}
Other causes of bearing failure are often attributed to (Pr: radial bearings, Pa: thrust bearings)
-1
problems such as seizing, abrasions, cracking, chipping, n : Rotational speed, min
scuffing, rust, etc. However, these so called "causes" of
bearing failure are usually themselves caused by The relationship between Rotational speed n and speed
improper installation, insufficient or improper lubrication, factor fn as well as the relation between the basic rating
faulty sealing or inaccurate bearing selection. Since the life L10h and the life factor fn is shown in Table 3.1 and
above mentioned "causes" of bearing failure can be Fig. 3.1.
avoided by taking the proper precautions, and are not
simply caused by material fatigue, they are considered Table 3.1 Correlation of bearing basic rating life, life factor,
and speed factor
separately from the flaking aspect.
Classification Ball bearing Roller bearing
3.2 Basic rating life and basic dynamic load rating 6 3 6 10/3
Basic rating life 10 10
A group of seemingly identical bearings when subjected L10h h 60n ( CP ) = 500 f h
3
60n ( CP ) = 500 fh
10/3

to identical load and operating conditions will exhibit a

wide diversity in their durability.
Life factor fn C fn C
fh P P
1/3 3/10
Speed factor
This "life" disparity can be accounted for by the
fn ( 33.3
n ) ( 33.3
n )
difference in the fatigue of the bearing material itself.
This disparity is considered statistically when calculating
bearing life, and the basic rating life is defined as follows.
Ball bearings Roller bearings
The basic rating life is based on a 90% statistical model n fn L10h fh n fn L10h fh
which is expressed as the total number of revolutions min-1 h min-1 h
80,000 5.4
80,000 4.6
90% of the bearings in an identical group of bearings 60,000 0.082
60,000 5 60,000 0.106
4.5

0.09 60,000
subjected to identical operating conditions will attain or 40,000
0.10 4.5
40,000 0.12 4
30,000
surpass before flaking due to material fatigue occurs. For 40,000 30,000
0.14
40,000
20,000 4
bearings operating at fixed constant speeds, the basic 15,000
0.12
30,000 20,000
30,000
3.5

15,000 0.16
rating life (90% reliability) is expressed in the total number 10,000
0.14
20,000
3.5
10,000 0.18 20,000 3
of hours of operation. 8,000 0.16
15,000
8,000
0.20
6,000 0.18 6,000
15,000
3
0.22
4,000 0.20
Basic dynamic load rating expresses a rolling bearing's 3,000 0.22
10,000 4,000

3,000
0.24

0.26
10,000
2.5

capacity to support a dynamic load. The basic dynamic 2,000

0.24
0.26
8,000 2.5

2,000
0.28
8,000
0.30
load rating is the load under which the basic rating life of 1,500 0.28 6,000
1,500
6,000
0.30
2
the bearing is 1 million revolutions. This is expressed as 1,000 4,000 2 1,000
0.35
4,000
1.9
800
pure radial load for radial bearings and pure axial load for 600
0.35

3,000
1.9

1.8
800

600
0.4
1.8

0.4 3,000 1.7

thrust bearings. These are referred to as "basic dynamic 400
1.7
400 1.6

load rating (Cr)" and "basic dynamic axial load rating (Ca)." 300
0.5
2,000 1.6

1.5
300
0.5
2,000 1.5

The basic dynamic load ratings given in the bearing 200 1,500
1.4 200
0.6
1,500 1.4

0.6
tables of this catalog are for bearings constructed of NTN 150
1.3 150 1.3

100
1,000 0.7 1,000
standard bearing materials, using standard manufacturing 80
0.7 900
800
1.2 100
80
900
800
1.2

techniques. 60
0.8 700
600
1.1
60
0.8 700 1.1

600
0.9 0.9
40 500 1.0 40 500 1.0
1.0 0.95 1.0
The relationship between the basic rating life, the basic 30
1.1
400
0.90
30
1.1
400
0.95

0.90

dynamic load rating and the bearing load is given in 20

15
1.2

1.3
300 0.85

0.80
20
1.2 300 0.85
15
1.3
formula. 10
1.4
1.49
0.75
1.4
0.80

200 200 0.76

0.74 10 1.44

Fig. 3.1 Bearing life rating scale

A-17
●Load Rating and Life

When several bearings are incorporated in machines 3.3.1 Reliability factor a1

or equipment as complete units, all the bearings in the The value of reliability factor a1 is provided in Table 3.2
unit are considered as a whole when computing bearing for reliability of 90% or greater.
life (see formula 3.3).
3.3.2 Bearing characteristics factor a2
1
L＝ …………（3.3） Bearing characteristics concerning life vary according to
1 1 1 1/e bearing material, quality of material and if using special
（ e ＋ e ＋ … e）
L1 L2 Ln manufacturing process. In this case, life is adjusted using
bearing characteristics factor a2.
where,
L : Total basic rating life of entire unit, h The basic dynamic load ratings listed in the catalog are
L1 , L2 …Ln : Basic rating life of individual bearings, 1, 2, based on NTN's standard material and process,
…n, h therefore, the adjustment factor a2 ＝1. a2 ＞ 1 may be
e = 10/9....................For ball bearings used for specially enhanced materials and manufacturing
e = 9/8......................For roller bearings methods.If this applies, consult with NTN Engineering.

When the load conditions vary at regular intervals, the Dimensions change significantly if bearings made of
life can be given by formula (3.4). high carbon chrome bearing steel with conventional heat
Φ1 Φ2 Φ j -1 treatment are used at temperatures in excess of 120˚C
Lm ＝（ ＋ ＋… ）……………（3.4） for an extended period of time. NTN Engineering
L1 L2 Lj
therefore offers a bearing for high-temperature
applications specially treated to stabilize dimensions at
where,
the maximum operating temperature (TS treatment). The
L m : Total life of bearing
treatment however makes the bearing softer and affects
Φ j : Frequency of individual load conditions
life of the bearing. Life is adjusted by multiplying by the
(ΣΦ j = 1)
values given in Table 3.3.
L j : Life under individual conditions

If equivalent load P and rotational speed n are Table 3.2 Reliability factor a1
operating conditions of the bearing, basic rated dynamic
load C that satisfies required life of the bearing is Reliability % Ln Reliability factor a1
determined using Table 3.1 and formula (3.5). Bearings 90 L10 1.00
that satisfy the required C can be selected from the 95 L5 0.62
bearing dimensions table provided in the catalog. 96 L4 0.53

fh 97 L3 0.44
C ＝ P ——……………………………………（3.5） 98 L2 0.33
fn
99 L1 0.21

3.3 Adjusted rating life Table 3.3 Treatment for stabilizing dimensions
The basic bearing rating life (90% reliability factor) can Max. operating Bearing characteristics
Symbol temperature (C˚) factor a2
be calculated through the formulas mentioned earlier in
Section 3.2. However, in some applications a bearing life TS2 160 1.00
factor of over 90% reliability may be required. To meet TS3 200 0.73
these requirements, bearing life can be lengthened by the TS4 250 0.48
use of specially improved bearing materials or
manufacturing process. Bearing life is also sometimes
3.3.3 Operating conditions factor a3
affected by operating conditions such as lubrication,
Operating conditions factor a3 is used to compensate for
temperature and rotational speed.
when lubrication condition worsens due to rise in
Basic rating life adjusted to compensate for this is
temperature or rotational speed, lubricant deteriorates, or
called "adjusted rating life," and is determined using
becomes contaminated with foreign matter.
formula (3.6).
Generally speaking, when lubricating conditions are
Lna ＝ a1・a2・a3・L10…（3.6）
satisfactory, the a3 factor has a value of one; and when
where,
lubricating conditions are exceptionally favorable, and all
Lna : Adjusted rating life in millions of revolutions
other operating conditions are normal, a3 can have a
(106)
value greater than one. a3 is however less than 1 in the
a1 : Reliability factor
following cases:
a2 : Bearing characteristics factor
a3 : Operating conditions factor

A-18
●Load Rating and Life

¡Dynamic viscosity of lubricating oil is too low for bearing When a super heavy load is applied, harmful plastic
operating temperature distortion could be produced on the contact surfaces of
2 2
(13 mm /s or less for ball bearings, 20 mm /s for roller the rolling elements and raceway. The formulae for
bearings) determining basic rating life (3.1, 3.2, and 3.6) do not
¡Rotational speed is particularly low apply if Pr exceeds either Cor (Basic static load rating) or
-1
(If sum of rotational speed n min and rolling element 0.5 Cr for radial bearings, or if Pa exceeds 0.5 Ca for thrust
pitch diameter Dpw mm is Dpw・n ＜ 10,000) bearings.
¡Bearing operating temperature is too high
If bearing operating temperature is too high, the 3.4 Machine applications and requisite life
raceway becomes softened, thereby shortening life. When selecting a bearing, it is essential that the
Life is adjusted by multiplying by the values given in requisite life of the bearing be established in relation to
Fig. 3.2 as the operating condition factor according to the operating conditions. The requisite life of the bearing
operating temperature. This however does not apply to is usually determined by the type of machine in which the
bearings that have been treated to stabilize bearing will be used, and duration of service and
dimensions. operational reliability requirements. A general guide to
¡Lubricant contaminated with foreign matter or moisture these requisite life criteria is shown in Table 3.4. When
If using special operating condition, consult with NTN determining bearing size, the fatigue life of the bearing is
Engineering. Even if a2 ＞ 1 is used for specially an important factor; however, besides bearing life, the
bearings made of enhanced materials or produced by strength and rigidity of the shaft and housing must also be
special manufacturing methods, a2×a3 ＜ 1 is used if taken into consideration.
lubricating conditions are not favorable.
3.5 Basic static load rating
When stationary rolling bearings are subjected to static
loads, they suffer from partial permanent deformation of
Operating conditions factor a3

1.0
the contact surfaces at the contact point between the
0.8 rolling elements and the raceway. The amount of
deformity increases as the load increases, and if this
0.6
increase in load exceeds certain limits, the subsequent
0.4 smooth operation of the bearings is impaired.
0.2
It has been found through experience that a permanent
deformity of 0.0001 times the diameter of the rolling
100 150 200 250 300 element, occurring at the most heavily stressed contact
Operating temperature ˚C point between the raceway and the rolling elements, can
be tolerated without any impairment in running efficiency.
Fig. 3.2 Operating conditions factor according to operating temperature

Table 3.4 Machine application and requisite life (reference)

Service Machine application and requisite life (reference) L10h ×103 h

classification ∼4 4∼12 12∼30 30∼60 60∼
Machines used for short ¡Household appliances ¡Farm machinery
periods or used only ¡Electric hand tools ¡Office equipment
occasionally
¡Home air-
 conditioning motor
Short period or intermittent ¡Medical appliances ¡Construction
use, but with high reliability ¡Measuring instruments  equipment ¡Crane (sheaves)
requirements ¡Elevators
¡Cranes
¡Small motors ¡Main gear drives
Machines not in constant ¡Buses/trucks ¡Machine spindles
¡Automobiles ¡Industrial motors ¡Rubber/plastic
use, but used for long ¡General gear drives ¡Calender rolls
periods ¡Two-wheeled vehicles ¡Woodworking ¡Crushers
¡Vibrating screens ¡Printing machines
 machines

¡Railway vehicle ¡Papermaking

¡Rolling mills  axles ¡Locomotive axles
Machines in constant use ¡Escalators ¡Traction motors  machines
¡Air conditioners ¡Propulsion
over 8 hours a day ¡Conveyors ¡Mine hoists
¡Centrifuges
¡Large motors
¡Pressed flywheels  equipment for
¡Compressor pumps  marine vessels
¡Water supply
 equipment
24 hour continuous ¡Mine drain
operation, non-interruptable  pumps/ventilators
¡Power generating
 equipment

A-19
●Load Rating and Life

The basic static load rating refers to a fixed static load This is generally determined by taking the safety factor
limit at which a specified amount of permanent So given in Table 3.5 and formula (3.7) into account.
deformation occurs. It applies to pure radial loads for So =Co／Po…（3.7）
radial bearings and to pure axial loads for thrust bearings.
The maximum applied load values for contact stress where,
occurring at the rolling element and raceway contact So : Safety factor
points are given below. Co : Basic static load rating, N {kgf}
2 (radial bearings: Cor, thrust bearings: Coa)
For ball bearings 4,200 MPa {428kgf/mm } Po : Static equivalent load, N {kgf}
2
For self-aligning ball bearings 4,600 MPa {469kgf/mm } (radial: Por, thrust: Coa)
2
For roller bearings 4,000 MPa {408kgf/mm }
Table 3.5 Minimum safety factor values S0
Referred to as "basic static radial load rating" for radial
bearings and "basic static axial load rating" for thrust Operating conditions Ball Roller
bearings bearings
bearings, basic static load rating is expressed as Cor or High rotational accuracy demand 2 3
Coa respectively and is provided in the bearing dimensions
table. Normal rotating accuracy demand 1 1.5
(Universal application)

Slight rotational accuracy

3.6 Allowable static equivalent load
Generally the static equivalent load which can be
permitted (See page A-25) is limited by the basic static
rating load as stated in Section 3.5. However, depending
on requirements regarding friction and smooth operation,
these limits may be greater or lesser than the basic static
rating load.
deterioration permitted 0.5 1
(Low speed, heavy loading, etc.)
Note 1: For spherical thrust roller bearings, min. S0 value=4.
2: For shell needle roller bearings, min. S0 value=3.
3: When vibration and/or shock loads are present, a load factor
based on the shock load needs to be included in the P0 max value.
4: If a large axial load is applied to deep groove ball bearings or
angular ball bearings, the contact oval may exceed the raceway
surface. For more information, please contact NTN Engineering.

A-20