Machine tool bearings, as essential components of machine tools, must possess specific mechanical characteristics to meet the requirements of their applications. These characteristics include:

1. High precision:
   Machine tool bearings must exhibit high manufacturing accuracy to ensure the precision and stability of the machine tool. This includes precise control of rotation accuracy and pre-tightening force in spindle bearings, guaranteeing the desired machining accuracy.

2. High-speed operation:
   Modern machine tools operate at increasingly higher speeds, necessitating bearings with enhanced speed capacity and stability. Additionally, bearings used in high-speed applications should demonstrate excellent heat dissipation and friction performance to ensure reliable operation.

3. Large load-bearing capacity:
   Machine tools encounter substantial loads during the machining process, demanding bearings with a significant load-bearing capacity and rigidity. This ensures that the machine tool remains free from excessive deformation or vibration when subjected to heavy loads.

4. Long service life:
   The service life of machine tool bearings has a direct impact on maintenance costs and machine tool efficiency. High-quality bearings maintain stable performance over an extended period, reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

5. Good lubrication performance:
   Effective lubrication is crucial for reducing friction and wear in bearings, leading to prolonged service life. Lubricants also aid in heat dissipation and noise reduction. Therefore, selecting suitable lubricants and implementing appropriate lubrication methods significantly influences the performance and longevity of machine tool bearings.

6. Impact resistance and vibration:
   Machine tools experience various external forces during the machining process. Hence, bearings need to possess excellent impact resistance and vibration damping capabilities, ensuring that the machine tool remains undamaged and free from excessive deformation when subjected to external forces.

7. Strong adaptability:
   Machine tool bearings should exhibit adaptability to different working conditions and environments, including temperature, humidity, and atmosphere. This ensures that the machine tool maintains stable performance and accuracy across diverse operating conditions.