Extending Rolling Element Bearing Life: The Interdependence of Lubrication, Environment and Material with Dan Snyder

In this episode, we talk to Dan Snyder who discusses the interrelated forces that come into play when selecting and utilizing bearings. Having worked in the industry for 50 years, Dan has seen many changes and improvements that have greatly affected bearing performance. We take advantage of his experience while covering his thoughts on ISO 281:2007, bearing life factors, things to consider for different applications, and his advice for OEMs and end users. Click on the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read and translate the transcript.

Dan's best practices for extending bearing life: "Be sure you identify the actual operating conditions for the bearing and select your lubrication accordingly. Use a good quality bearing from a reputable supplier, use recommended practices for both installation and lubrication and be aware how changes in machine use can affect bearing life. Today, maintaining the proper lubricant quality and cleanness through a rigorous condition monitoring program can go a long way."

What are your best practices?

STLE is dedicated to providing you with up-to-date information on the latest developments in the tribology community. Visit our website for more news and information on extending bearing life, and look below for resources to spark further discussion and debate, or just get informed on the key issues and concepts.

Resources

• Article: Selecting Rolling Element Bearings for Modern Applications - includes a quick-reference list of factors to consider at each stage of the bearing selection process


• Article: Optimizing Bearing Service Life - offers specific strategies on how to extend bearing life in practice


• Article: When Bad Things Happen to Good Bearings - key questions that form a simple guide you can use to diagnose a problem


• Article: Updating DaVinci: The Role of Computers in Bearing Design - includes interviews with 5 STLE members on their perspective and the evolution of bearing design


• Article: Lubricant Selection: Bearings, Gear Drives and Hydraulics - includes detail on lubricants and additives to use with different bearing types


• Article: An Engineering Guide for Bearing Selection - covers a different perspective on selection, including information on all types of bearings


• Article: ISO 281:2007 Bearing Life Standard: And the Answer Is? - an interview with some of those involved with the development of the standard, presenting their case in favor of it


• Article: In Search of a Fatigue Limit: A Critique of ISO 281:2007 - presents the argument for a lack of data to support the standard, and why it should be withdrawn


• Book: Life Factors for Rolling Bearings (on CD) - edited by Erwin Zaretsky and covers failure modes, materials and processing, bearing load, lubrication, and application of life factors. 300 pages. Available for purchase in the STLE Store


• Webinar: Bearing Damage Analysis with Dr. Paul Shiller - presentation covering how to analyze, diagnose and prevent bearing damage. Available for purchase in the STLE Store

Upcoming Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course - Registration Now Open!

Join us in Southfield, Michigan (USA) for the 2011 STLE Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course. The course gives you updated knowledge, techniques and best practices, as well as proof of your continuing education to take back to your workplace!

Registration is now open! Register now to ensure your place in this very popular education course. View the flyer, event details, or read the overview below for more details. Click here to register.

When: November 1-3, 2011 (2 1/2 day course)

Where: Engineering Society of Detroit, 20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450, Southfield, MI

Instructors: Fred Passman (bottom right) and Gary Rodak (top right)

Registration Deadline: October 1, 2011

Cost: $550 for members, $650 for non-members

A Certification Exam sitting will be offered the day after the course concludes on November 4. Click here to register (registration closes 2 weeks prior to exam date).

A hotel block has been set up at the Westin Southfield, which is only a 10 minute walk or 3 minute drive from the Engineering Society of Detroit's facility. Click here to see the map. The block rate is $105/night.

If you need some background or would like something extra - you can pick up the Metalworking Fluids, Second Edition, textbook, written by Jerry P. Byers. Click here to read a review of the book.

September Webinar: The USDA's BioPreferred Program with Rudy Pruszko

Join us on September 21, 2011 for this month's webinar on the USDA's BioPreferred Program, given by Rudy Pruszko. Rudy is an Industrial Specialist with the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University. He is currently working on the program as a project manager to assist in the development and implementation of supporting systems in the program, including the area of complex assemblies. The presentation will provide a brief background of the BioPreferred Program and the new USDA Labeling Program. For more details, view the flyer, event listing, or read the overview below.

What: USDA BioPreferred Program Certification - Double Your Market Advantage

Who: Rudy Pruszko, Industrial Specialist, CIRAS at Iowa State University

When: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT, with bonus Q&A 1-1:30 p.m.

Where: STLE University, broadcast directly to your computer

Abstract: See the event listing for more information

Cost: $39 for members, $59 for non-members

The registration deadline is Monday, September 19, 2011. Please note that there is limited space available, so register early to ensure your seat. To register, visit the STLE Store, find the event listing and click "Add to your products" to start the purchase process. Your purchase includes reading and/or reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for easy reference later), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which can be applied in the recertification process. We hope to see you there! If you have questions, or would like to register multiple people, contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

The 2011 International Joint Tribology Conference

Attending the IJTC? Not sure yet? Have no idea what the IJTC is? This interview will provide all the information you might need. Our interviewee, Q. Jane Wang, is a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Northwestern University. She is currently serving as the Chair of the ASME/STLE Conference Planning Committee for the IJTC, making her well acquainted with the event both as part of the committee, but also a past attendee and presenter. She covers all the ins and outs of the conference including the different components - the keynote, symposia, technical tracks, presentations and exhibits.

Click on the slider bar above to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read and translate the transcript. You can read the article on the keynote speaker in the August issue of TLT. There are also other articles you can read on the IJTC to give you a sense of past events and highlights and developments from the last few years.

Visit our website for more news and information about the IJTC. New information is posted often, so be sure to bookmark the page to stay updated. On our website, you can register online, make hotel reservations, find information for authors and presenters, view photos from last year, and even get information on sponsorship if you're a company looking for some exposure at this truly unique meeting. Don't forget about Early Bird Registration, which can save you $100 on your meeting registration. It expires September 26.