Bearings and Bushings

Bearings and bushings support rotating shafts and reduce friction between moving parts. They are essential components in nearly every FRC mechanism. 

 

 Bearings 

 Bearings use rolling elements, typically balls, to allow shafts to rotate with very low friction. 

 Advantages: 

 

 Very low friction 

 Smooth rotation 

 High efficiency 

 Excellent for high-speed applications 

 

 Common FRC uses: 

 

 Drivetrains 

 Rollers and intakes 

 Arms and elevators 

 Gearboxes 

 

 

 Bushings 

 Bushings use a smooth surface that the shaft slides against rather than rolling elements. 

 Advantages: 

 

 Simple and inexpensive 

 Lightweight 

 Resistant to dirt and debris 

 Compact design 

 

 Common FRC uses: 

 

 Low-speed pivots 

 Lightly loaded mechanisms 

 Simple rotating joints 

 

 

 Common Bearing Sizes 

 Typical FRC bearings include: 

 

 1/2" hex bearings 

 1/2" round bearings 

 Flanged bearings 

 

 Bearings are often press-fit into plates, tubes, or bearing blocks. 

 

 Bearing vs. Bushing 

 

 Bearing: lower friction, higher performance, higher cost 

 Bushing: simpler, cheaper, and better for low-speed applications 

 

 

 Key Idea 

 Bearings provide smooth, efficient rotation for most FRC mechanisms, while bushings offer a simple solution for lower-speed or lower-load applications. Choosing the correct support method improves reliability and reduces wear.