What is the primary purpose of bearings in machinery?

The primary purpose of bearings in machinery is to support loads and reduce friction. Bearings provide a smooth surface for rotation or linear movement, allowing machinery components to move with reduced resistance. When a rotating shaft is present, bearings facilitate its alignment and stabilize its position, ensuring that it can handle both axial (along the shaft) and radial (perpendicular to the shaft) loads effectively.

By minimizing friction between moving parts, bearings not only enhance efficiency but also prolong the life of the machinery by reducing wear and tear. This reduction in friction is crucial in applications where heat generation due to rubbing surfaces can lead to failure or decreased performance.

Other functions mentioned, like increasing speed, transferring power, or guiding movement, can be associated with specific types of bearings or aspects of their application but do not encapsulate the fundamental role of bearings as effectively as their ability to support loads and reduce friction does.