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Associate

Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 33
Good Answers: 2

Conductive Bearings?

01/30/2008 10:18 AM

Hello, I am looking for highly conductive bearings (to transmit ~100A of current through to a shaft). Any rolling-element bearing type should work.

I've found several sites where people have replaced the original bearing grease with conductive grease with fairly respectable results, but have not found any commercially available products. Does anyone know of a product or manufacturer that would be worth a look?

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Guru

Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4448
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#1

Re: Conductive Bearings?

01/30/2008 10:35 AM

100A ? Through a bearing? Oy Vey! Can't you use a slip ring? 100A is more than enough to give you arcing if there is any interruption and arcing is the last thing you'd want in a bearing.

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Associate

Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 33
Good Answers: 2
#2
In reply to #1

Re: Conductive Bearings?

01/30/2008 11:26 AM

Think I may have found something that will work: http://www.mercotac.com/

Thanks for the suggestion.

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Guru

Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ohio. USA
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#3

Re: Conductive Bearings?

01/30/2008 2:56 PM

Most bearings are designed with clearance between the races and elements. For that reason when certain types of mechanical load is applied I believe they would ark if they were carrying significant electrical power. Also the contact points in a bearing can be pretty small so current carrying ability is a question in my mind. I can see where conductive grease would be important in a do-it-yourself application. Is there a reason why a slip ring won't work? In addition to the liquid conductor version that was mentioned, I believe they are also made with roller elements that are designed to carry electrical power.

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