Evaluation of an internally spring preloaded four contact-points bearing for spindle units

In this paper, the concept of an internally spring preloaded four contact-points bearing for the use in high precision and high speed applications is investigated. It is designed as a compact self-contained fixed bearing unit that is free of play, easy to mount and resistant against temperature differences between the inner and outer ring. The concept of the bearing, its functionality and properties are introduced and the results of an experimental analysis of a first prototype are presented. The prototype bearing, which is based on a hybrid 7014 spindle bearing with an additional spring preload unit, was manufactured by hard turning. Its properties are compared to those of similar two and three contact-points spindle bearings. Typical requirements in modern high precision applications, e.g. machine tool spindle units, and limiting characteristics of bearings, such as displacement, stiffness, friction torque and operating temperature, are considered. Finally, the potential of the new bearing concept is discussed.