Spherical roller bearings: The indispensable powerhouses for demanding applications
In the world of rolling bearings, spherical roller bearings play a crucial role, especially when it comes to high loads, misalignment, and harsh environmental conditions. These robust and versatile bearings are the heroes of heavy industry, enabling the smooth operation of machines that move our world.
Structure and Functionality: A Masterpiece of Technology
Spherical roller bearings are characterized by their unique design:
- Inner and Outer Ring: The spherical-shaped raceways allow for self-alignment, meaning the bearing compensates for shaft misalignment and prevents uneven loading.
- Rolling Elements: The barrel-shaped rollers roll freely around their own axis and can move within the bearing to compensate for misalignments.
- Cage: The cage keeps the rollers in position, ensures even load distribution, and contributes to optimal lubrication.
This design allows spherical roller bearings to accommodate both radial and axial forces, making them the ideal choice for applications where both occur simultaneously.
Variety of options for every requirement
The world of spherical roller bearings is diverse and offers the right solution for every application. NTN, a leading manufacturer of rolling bearings, offers two main designs:
- B-Type: This classic variant is characterized by asymmetric rollers that ensure excellent kinematic behavior and low friction. Ideal for general applications.
- E-Type: With symmetrical rollers and particularly high load capacity, E-Type bearings are the powerhouses among spherical roller bearings. The Ultage variants (EA, EM, EMA, EG15) offer additional advantages such as optimized cages, lubrication holes, and a longer service life.
Additionally, there are various suffixes that denote specific properties:
- K: Cylindrical bore for easy mounting with clamping sleeves, ideal for applications with varying loads.
- M: Brass solid cage for increased shock and vibration resistance, perfect for harsh environments.
- MA: Reinforced brass solid cage for extreme requirements and maximum load capacity.
- 2RS/2Z: Sealed bearings with contact seals or Z-rings for protection against contamination and extended service life.
Applications: Where Spherical Roller Bearings Shine
Spherical roller bearings are the first choice for demanding applications in heavy industry, such as:
- Wind turbines: As main rotor bearings, they withstand enormous forces, misalignments, and changing wind conditions.
- Ship screws: Here they withstand extreme loads, impacts, and corrosive environments.
- Crushers and Rolling Mills: Under extreme conditions with high shock loads and vibrations, they demonstrate their robustness.
- Conveying systems and construction machinery: They carry heavy loads and handle changing load directions with excellence.
Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of Spherical Roller Bearings
Spherical roller bearings are the reliable powerhouses for demanding applications. Their versatility, robustness, self-alignment, and high load capacity make them the ideal choice for heavy industry and many other areas.