Thrust Plate for a Stub Shaft Bearing Assembly

[Plastserv]

Being in Plastics, but not in the Bearing world. What would be the best material for a thrust plate?

The stub shaft or axle passes through a Housed ball bearing and is spring loaded, having about 3/8"-1/2" travel and must have some minimum preload on the spring to hold the axle firmly as the housing rotates (approx.200 RPM) and contacts the spring.

We are talking about a 7/16" Dia. axle and probably a .625" I.D. compression spring about 1" long at the end. Firm attachment of the spring to the axle is not a problem. Therefore, the spring will remain fixed (in pre-load) and the housing will rotate rubbing against the spring.

Should I mold a small cap for the spring using possibly Delrin material and possibly use a flat copper washer as the plate? Placing a roller or ball thrust bearing is not practicle, and the less noise the better. Any suggestions?

Operating temperature will be between 50 and 80 Degrees F.

Thank you!!

 

[MikeHalloran]

Unless the bearing is a special 'X-type', even the stubbiest of stub shafts requires two bearings. You may not recognize the second object that's forced to act like a bearing until it fails. How long does the assembly have to function?

Helical springs don't 'push' on their centerline, even if you draw them that way.

Using a bearing housing as a rubbing surface is not generally good practice.

You need to get an experienced mechanical guy on the team, on site, now.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Plastserv]

There are two bearings, I may not be a bearing guy, but I know that much. Thanks for your input.

 

[Plastserv]

Sorry, I left out needed information. The pre-load on the spring will be minimal, just so that it will not be loose, about 1MM. Expected life minimum 2 years. Thanks!!

 

[caoimhin1]

Try a DU washer (or better DX if you can grease it) from

http://www.ggbearings.com