Load rings are a common bearing adjustment component. Load rings by Temper Corporation are precision rings that work as predictable, constant force elements. Also known as constant force adjustable spacers, Temper load rings can withstand constant force and spring back a small, constant value. Our load rings are made from strong, ductile stainless steel alloys, and they offer unique benefits compared to load rings by other manufacturers. Temper load rings are highly adjustable and accurate, eliminating the time-consuming process of shimming and measuring bearings.
This blog will explain more about our load rings, including the main considerations when choosing load rings.
How Are Temper Load Rings Used?
Load rings go over a shaft or into a housing, where they are crushed by torquing a nut or installing a cap. A load ring crushes axially at a constant force over a wide range, which means the load value is constant over a sizable axial displacement. Once installed, the ring will not crush any further during operation or run the risk of overloading the assembly.
Benefits of Constant Force Adjustable Spacers
At Temper Corporation, we have expanded our Temper load ring constant force adjustable spacers to include high-force spacers with Rockwell C60 hardness. These adjustable spacers have load rating capacities ranging from 25,000 to 100,000 pounds. Their tapered design helps absorb the accumulation of axial tolerances in assemblies, and spacers set bearings to precise locations. The load rings also eliminate the imprecision associated with shimming.
Ring Strength Is Important to Consider
Load rings must also provide more than enough strength to tolerate all the operating conditions of your application. We recommend application testing for all new designs. For example, a load ring must withstand over two times static loads, three times cyclic loads, and high enough above shock forces.
Further examples include:
- Induced thrust resulting from a radial load. We recommend a safety margin of nine times maximum induced thrust since the backing ring typically resists this load type over approximately ⅓ of its circumference.
- Cyclic operation thrust force. Ideally, the safety margin should be three times the max direct thrust on the bearing. This margin will permit allowable stress to resist fatigue.
- Shock loads. The majority of assemblies require shock force resistance. Shock forces typically occur during handling, transport, or other situation unique to the device’s operation. For instance, when couplings hammer together on speed reducer shafts, this is an atypical shock load that is important to consider when choosing backing rings. In this example, a backing ring with a 5,000-lb capacity is recommended.
- Static loads. Steady forces usually require a safety margin of twice the maximum static load.
How Temper Corporation Can Help
Temper load rings are vital in a wide range of powertrain applications ranging from hydraulic pumps to farm tractors to boat motors. In addition to these applications, we serve the mining, material handling, automotive, aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing industries. Contact Temper Corporation or call us at 518-853-3467 to choose the best load rings for your specific needs.
