Figure 8 grease groove 1

[BodyBagger]

Hello all,
What is the best way to create the "figure 8" grease groove in a bushing? Helix, composite curve, etc....

Thanks,
BB

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Usually a Cut-Sweep using a Helix will do the trick.

 

[Updraft]

You might have to do half the curve then mirror or pattern it since swept features fail if they self-intersect.

- - -Updraft

 

[ArtL]

BB Before you get to out of hand, make a grease groove that can be manufactured for a reasonable cost. mabey a spirol or some other kind of groove will be cheeper. Unless you are making a large Qty, a figure 8 is really a pain in the posterior to machine in a small bearing.

 

[BodyBagger]

Hi ArtL,
I appreciate and understand your position. The legacy drawing I have does not show the part only specs. One of the specs is called a "Style 3" lubrication groove and according to my google search a "Style 3" is a figure 8 design.

BB

 

[ArtL]

BB Now that I have thought about how a figure 8 groove is done in a small bearing,it is done flat with matching dovetails at both ends of the flat piece. Then it is rolled and locked togather with the dovetail type ends interlocking. a small bearing with a figure 8 oil groove. I wish I had an example to show you, but they are probibly arround if you search enough bearing books. They are usually bi-metal, brass/alloy and babbot on the outer surface.

 

[BodyBagger]

What I ended up doing is I created a sketch circle with a diameter equal to the groove and then a plane at the appropriate angle to sweep cut the diameter. On that plane I created an ellipse as the path and then mirrored the sweep cut over the center plane. I did this with a combination of suggestions from replies so thanks to all. Picture included if you care to see.

 

[BodyBagger]

I found a great link that shows styles for the different oil grooves available. It was very hard to find so I hope this link will help others.

http://buntingbearings.thomasnet.com/Asset/Drilling-Graphiting.pdf

BB