Electric motors have become an integral part of modern life. Whether in household appliances, industrial systems such as drive and conveyor systems, or cutting-edge electric vehicles, they ensure efficient motion and play a key role in automation and electrification. With the growing focus on sustainability, electric motors are gaining even more importance. To ensure their reliable and efficient operation, high-quality rolling bearings are essential. Among them, deep groove ball bearings have proven to be an ideal solution. These bearings can accommodate both radial and axial forces in both directions while offering smooth operation and low friction. Additionally, they provide an excellent price-performance ratio and are widely available on the market.
Deep Groove Ball Bearings: The Optimal All-Rounder
The use of deep groove ball bearings in electric motors offers numerous advantages. Their low friction and high efficiency contribute to energy-efficient operation, while durable materials, high-quality lubricants, and optimized seals ensure a long service life with minimal maintenance. Furthermore, deep groove ball bearings are available in a variety of designs to meet diverse application requirements.
Why Do Manufacturers Recommend Bearings with CM Clearance?
In recent years, there has been a growing preference for deep groove ball bearings with CM internal clearance in electric motors. This clearance classification falls between C2 (reduced internal clearance) and C3 (increased internal clearance) and provides optimized radial clearance, compensating for thermal expansion of the shaft and housing. This helps prevent excessive friction and premature wear.
Especially at higher speeds and loads, CM bearings enhance performance and longevity by ensuring better lubricant distribution. They also help compensate for manufacturing tolerances, leading to a smoother and more stable operation. Another key benefit is the reduction of noise and vibration, which increases operational efficiency and enhances user comfort.
Thanks to their resilience under varying operating conditions, deep groove ball bearings with CM clearance are the ideal choice for a wide range of industrial applications.
Electric Motor Quality (EMQ) – A Meaningful Classification?
The term “Electric Motor Quality” (EMQ), often referred to as premium quality, is frequently mentioned in the industry. It encompasses characteristics such as low noise and vibration levels, high precision, and extended service life.
However, there is no standardized definition for EMQ, meaning that criteria and evaluations can vary between manufacturers. As a result, it is worth comparing specifications from different suppliers to ensure the best choice.
Application Solutions for Various Electric Motors
The requirements for deep groove ball bearings depend significantly on the size and intended application of the electric motor. Below are some typical use cases:
Small electric motors are commonly found in household appliances such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and garden tools. In these applications, energy efficiency is a priority—especially in battery-powered devices. To ensure long service life and reliable performance, these bearings are often equipped with seals that effectively protect against dust and moisture. This is indicated by suffixes such as “2RS” (Rubber Shield) in product descriptions. Many other bearing characteristics are also defined through manufacturer-specific suffixes.
For particularly quiet operation, noise-reducing bearing solutions are available, including polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages and lubricants tailored to specific ambient temperatures. These noise reduction measures are particularly important in electric vehicles, where even the slightest noise can be noticeable.
Medium-sized electric motors with power ratings between 3 kW and 500 kW are widely used in industrial applications such as pumps, fans, and conveyor systems. In these environments, reliable continuous operation and minimal maintenance are crucial. The rolling bearings used in these motors are generally larger, such as those labeled 6312.
To prevent damage from stray electrical currents, electrically insulated deep groove ball bearings can be used. This insulation can be achieved through:
Steel cages provide additional space for lubricants, optimizing lubrication and extending bearing life. Additionally, automatic lubricators can ensure continuous lubrication, reducing maintenance efforts and improving operational efficiency. These measures minimize downtime and enhance the longevity of drive systems.
