**Who Invented the Bearing?**
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The history of bearings dates back to ancient times, with early forms of linear motion bearings using wooden poles placed beneath a sled or platform. This method may have been used during the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, though there is no definitive evidence. Modern linear motion bearings operate on similar principles, often using balls instead of rollers for smoother movement.
Early sliding and tumbler bearings were made from wood, ceramics, sapphires, glass, metals like steel and copper, and later plastics such as nylon, bakelite, Teflon, and UHMWPE. Bearings are essential in a wide range of applications, from heavy-duty wheel axles and machine tool spindles to delicate clock mechanisms.
The simplest form of a rotary bearing is a bushing bearing, which consists of a sleeve placed between the axle and the wheel. Over time, this evolved into roller bearings, where cylindrical rollers replaced the bushings, acting like small wheels. One of the earliest known roller bearings with a cage was created by John Waller around 1760 for use in H3 chronographs.
An ancient Roman ship discovered in Lake Nemi, Italy, contained an early example of a ball bearing—a wooden ball system used to support a rotating tabletop. The ship was built in 40 BC. There are also records suggesting that Leonardo da Vinci sketched a ball bearing design over 500 years ago. However, early ball bearings faced challenges due to friction between the balls, which could cause misalignment. This issue was resolved by placing the balls in a small cage, improving their performance.
In the 17th century, Galileo made one of the first depictions of a "fixed ball" bearing, possibly the precursor to the modern "cage ball" bearing. Despite these advancements, it took many years before ball bearings were widely implemented in machinery.
The first patent for a ball bearing was granted to Philippe de la Hire in 1794. A major milestone came in 1883 when Friedrich Fischer founded "Fischers Automatische Gußstahlkugelfabrik," which later became "Fischer Aktien-Gesellschaft." The company registered its trademark on July 29, 1905. In 1962, FAG (Friedrich Fischer's company) was restructured and continued to operate until 1979, when it became an inseparable part of the SKF group.
In 1907, the SKF bearing factory, led by its founder, introduced significant innovations in bearing technology. These developments laid the foundation for modern bearing systems that are now used in countless industrial and mechanical applications.
Bearing technology has come a long way since its early days, evolving from simple wooden structures to highly engineered components that ensure smooth and efficient motion in machines worldwide.
**Related Bearing Knowledge:**
Understanding the terminology of rolling bearings helps in identifying how different types of bearings function, including hub bearings, thrust bearings, and angular contact ball bearings. Proper maintenance and installation can significantly extend the life of a bearing, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
This article is sourced from China Bearing Network. For more information, visit: [http://www.chinabearing.net](http://www.chinabearing.net)
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