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Bearings are key components of mechanical equipment, and proper storage is crucial for their performance and lifespan.

What is a Slew bearing

The design of slew bearings is full of wisdom and ingenuity. With a simple yet sophisticated structure, the inner ring, outer ring, rolling elements, and cage work together to convert sliding friction into rolling friction, minimizing the resistance to motion. This is not only a great innovation in mechanical engineering but also the ultimate pursuit of efficient operation, enabling equipment to achieve maximum value with minimum energy consumption.

Stringent Control of the Storage Environment

The ideal temperature range for slew bearing storage is between 10°C and 25°C. If the temperature is too high, it will accelerate the oxidation and deterioration of the lubricating grease on the slew bearing surface. For example, when the temperature exceeds 35°C, the chemical structure of the grease will gradually change, resulting in a decrease in its viscosity and a significant reduction in lubrication performance. This will not only increase the wear of the slew bearing during subsequent use but may also cause abnormal noise and vibration. Conversely, a too-low temperature is also extremely harmful. In an environment close to 0°C or even lower, the metal material of the slew bearing becomes brittle and its toughness decreases. Once subjected to external impact, even a slight collision, it is very likely to cause cracks on the slew bearing surface, seriously affecting its structural integrity and performance. Moreover, frequent temperature fluctuations cannot be ignored. They will cause internal stress due to inconsistent thermal expansion and contraction of different components inside the slew bearing. Over time, this will lead to a decrease in slew bearing accuracy and even deformation.

Strict Control of Humidity

A relative humidity of 40% – 60% is the optimal humidity condition for slew bearing storage. When the humidity is too high, exceeding 60%, water vapor in the air is likely to condense into small water droplets on the slew bearing surface. These seemingly insignificant water droplets can undergo an electrochemical corrosion reaction with the metal material of the slew bearing, causing rust on the slew bearing surface in a short period. This is especially prominent in coastal areas or during the plum rain season, where extra vigilance is required. When the humidity is lower than 40%, electrostatic phenomena are likely to occur. Static electricity can attract dust and small particles in the surrounding environment. Once these impurities adhere to the slew bearing surface or enter its interior, they will exacerbate wear during the operation of the slew bearing, greatly shortening its service life.

The Ultimate Pursuit of Cleanliness

The storage environment must be kept highly clean, away from dust, oil, and other pollutants. Although dust particles are small, they can cause severe friction with components such as rolling elements and raceways during the operation of the slew bearing, resulting in surface scratches and wear, and thus seriously affecting the accuracy and performance of the slew bearing. The warehouse for storing slew bearings should be regularly and thoroughly cleaned. The floor is preferably paved with dust – proof materials, and high – efficiency air filtration equipment should be installed to minimize the dust content in the air. The harm of oil to slew bearings is also significant. It will not only contaminate the lubricating grease on the slew bearing surface, reducing the lubrication effect, but may also react chemically with the slew bearing metal, causing corrosion. Therefore, operations that may generate oil, such as mechanical equipment maintenance, oil storage, and handling, should be prohibited in the storage area. If it is unavoidable, reliable isolation measures must be taken.

Pay Attention to the Details of Packaging Protection

The original packaging equipped when the slew bearing leaves the factory plays an irreplaceable role. The original packaging is carefully designed to not only effectively prevent moisture and dust but also buffer external impacts during transportation and storage, protecting the slew bearing from damage. The original packaging of high – precision slew bearings usually has a special sponge or foam lining inside, which can tightly wrap the slew bearing to prevent it from shaking inside the package. Before the slew bearing is used, it is necessary to properly protect the integrity of the original packaging and never remove it casually. At the same time, regularly check whether the original packaging is damaged or damp. If the original packaging is slightly damaged, it should be promptly sealed and repaired with tape. If it is severely damp, the packaging needs to be replaced, and the slew bearing should be carefully inspected to see if it has been affected.

Scientific Selection of Placement Methods

Slew bearings should always be placed horizontally. This is because the internal structure of the slew bearing is optimized based on the horizontal stress state during design. If it is hung vertically, the rolling elements and raceways of the slew bearing will be affected by uneven gravity. Over time, the raceway may deform, affecting the rotational accuracy of the slew bearing. For large – sized slew bearings, horizontal placement can also avoid local pressure concentration caused by their own excessive weight, preventing dents or deformations on the slew bearing surface. At the same time, regardless of the size of the slew bearing, it should be avoided to stack them too high. The stacking layer of small – sized slew bearings should not exceed 5 layers, that of medium – sized slew bearings should not exceed 3 layers, and large – sized slew bearings should be placed in a single layer as much as possible. If multi – layer storage is required, special shelves or pallets should be used, and ensure that there is sufficient support and spacing between each layer.

Clear Management of Classified Storage

Slew bearings of different models and specifications must be stored separately and clearly marked. They can be classified according to parameters such as the inner diameter, outer diameter, and type of the slew bearing. Slew bearings of the same model are stored in the same area, and information such as the model, specification, and quantity should be marked on the shelves or storage containers. This not only facilitates quickly and accurately finding the required slew bearings when needed but also avoids incorrect use caused by confusion. At the same time, new slew bearings, used slew bearings, and slew bearings with quality problems should be strictly stored separately. Used slew bearings may have potential problems such as wear and fatigue. Mixing them with new slew bearings is likely to cause misapplication. Slew bearings with quality problems should never be mixed with qualified products. They should be stored separately and clearly marked to prevent them from entering the normal use link.

Meticulous Appearance Inspection

It is recommended to conduct an appearance inspection of the stored slew bearings once a month. Carefully check whether there are any abnormal conditions on the slew bearing surface, such as rust, discoloration, scratches, and deformation. Rust is the most common problem. Once rust spots are found on the slew bearing surface, the cause should be immediately analyzed and corresponding rust – removal and anti – rust measures should be taken. Discoloration may be caused by the deterioration of the lubricating grease, high temperature, or chemical erosion. It is necessary to further check the internal condition of the slew bearing. Scratches and deformations will directly affect the performance of the slew bearing. If found, it is necessary to evaluate their impact on use and decide whether to repair or scrap the slew bearing.

Indispensable Rotation Inspection

For slew bearings stored for a long time, a rotation inspection should be carried out every three months or so. Slowly and evenly rotate the slew bearing to feel whether its rotation is smooth and whether there are any abnormal phenomena such as jamming or abnormal noise. The rotation inspection can prevent the internal parts of the slew bearing from sticking or seizing due to long – term immobility, ensuring that it can operate normally when in use. If the slew bearing is found to rotate unevenly or make abnormal noises during the rotation inspection, stop rotating immediately and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the slew bearing. It may be caused by reasons such as dry lubricating grease, rust or damage of internal parts. It is necessary to take corresponding measures according to the specific situation, such as replenishing lubricating grease, rust – removal, repair, or replacement of parts.

Slew bearing storage is a task that requires great attention to details. From the strict control of the storage environment, the careful handling of packaging protection, to the reasonable planning of the storage method and the effective establishment of a regular inspection mechanism, each link is closely connected and jointly determines the quality and service life of the slew bearing. Only by following scientific storage methods can we ensure that the slew bearing can perform optimally when needed and provide a solid guarantee for the smooth progress of industrial production.

The Price of Slew bearings

The price of slew bearings is affected by many factors. The material is the foundation. Ordinary carbon steel is affordable, while special materials such as ceramics and stainless steel have higher costs due to their outstanding performance and complex processing. Precision is also crucial. Ordinary precision can meet the requirements of general equipment, while high – precision grades are used in high – end fields. The manufacturing process is strict, and the price naturally rises. Custom – made slew bearings cost much more than conventional ones due to special specifications and performance requirements.

Supplier of Slew bearing

Since its establishment in 1999, LDB bearing has been rooted in Luoyang, Henan, a slew bearing production base in China. With the unique industrial environment and its own unremitting efforts, it has gradually grown into a comprehensive enterprise integrating design, development, manufacturing, and sales. After more than two decades of trials and tribulations, LDB slew bearing has always adhered to its original intention, committed to providing high – quality slew bearing products to global customers. It has stood out in the fierce market competition and won wide recognition and trust.