1. What are bearings?

A bearing is a part that helps an object rotate. As the name suggests, bearings are the parts that support the "shaft" that rotates in the machine.
Machines that use bearings include cars, airplanes, generators, etc. Bearings are also used in household appliances such as refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners that are commonly used in our lives. In these machines, bearings support the "shaft" on which parts such as wheels, gears, turbines, rotors, etc. are mounted, helping the shaft rotate smoothly.
Since many rotating "shafts" are used in various machines, bearings have become an indispensable part and are called "the food of the machinery industry." This part looks inconspicuous, but it is actually very important. Without it, we would not be able to live normally.

2. What is the function of bearings?

≪Function 1≫ Reduce friction and make rotation smoother.

There is bound to be friction between the rotating "shaft" and the rotating support part. Bearings are used between the rotating "shaft" and the rotating support part.

Bearings reduce friction, allowing for smoother rotation and reduced energy consumption. This is what bearings do.

≪Function 2≫ Protect the rotation support part and keep the rotation "axis" in the correct position.
There are significant forces between the rotating "axis" and the rotating support part. Bearings prevent the rotating support parts from being damaged by this force, keeping the rotating "axle" in the correct position.
It is precisely because of these functions of bearings that we can use the machine repeatedly for a long time.