Self Aligning Ball Bearing
Self-aligning Ball Bearing
Self-aligning Ball Bearings are ball-bearing with two rows of balls (called “races”). The inner ring has two raceways, and the outer ring has a spherical raceway whose center of curvature coincides with the bearing axis. In this way, the axis of the inner circle, the ball, and the cage can be deflected around the bearing center, thereby automatically correcting the misalignment caused by the machining or installation errors of the bearing seat and the shaft.
They are available to be open or sealed. The bearings are insensitive to angular misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing.
Self-aligning Ball Bearings Types:
Self-aligning Ball Bearings can provide a variety of sizes, materials, and types according to consumer needs, including particular industrial uses, such as high-temperature applications.
They have three main self-aligning ball bearings: Self-aligning ball bearings-open type, Sealed self-aligning ball bearings, and Self-aligning ball bearings with an extended inner ring. Depending on the application, they can also be made into different sizes and loads, from miniature ball bearings for light loads and trim components to large Self-aligning Ball Bearings.
Self-aligning Ball Bearings Construction
Self-aligning ball bearings consist of an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements, a cage to house the rolling elements, and seals that protect the balls from contaminants and other dirt. Due to their design, these elements make it possible for self-aligning bearings to counteract any static or dynamic misalignment of a shaft and housing assembly up to 3°. They also generate far less heat than other bearings due to the low friction within the bearing, allowing them to run cooler than other bearings at higher speeds.
- Outer Ring: The outer ring of the bearings has a smooth spherical shape without raceways. The shape of the outer ring allows for slight movement within the bearing, which in turn allows the bearing to self-align.
- Inner ring: The inner ring of the self-aligning bearing has two raceways that keep the balls and cage in place.
- Rolling elements and cage: The rolling elements on self-aligning ball bearings are kept in place by the cage and the inner ring. As there is a loose configuration between the balls and the inner and outer ring, friction and frictional heat are very low. The cage is typically stamped steel, PA66, reinforced glass fiber, or machined brass.
- Seal: A sealed self-aligning ball bearing ensures dirt and other contaminants don’t affect the bearing rolling elements.
Self Aligning Ball Bearing Advantages
- Accommodate static and dynamic misalignment
The bearings are self-aligning like spherical roller bearings. - Excellent high-speed performance
Self-aligning ball bearings generate less friction than any other type of rolling bearing, which enables them to run cooler even at high speeds. - Minimum maintenance
Because of low heat generation, the bearing temperature is lower, leading to extended bearing life and maintenance intervals. - Low friction
Very loose conformity between balls and outer ring keeps friction and frictional heat at low levels. - Excellent light load performance
Self-aligning ball bearings have low minimum load requirements. - Low noise
Self-aligning ball bearings can reduce noise and vibration levels, for example, in fans.
Self Aligning Ball Bearing Disadvantages
- Load-types: The ball bearings on self-aligning ball bearings are mounted at a relatively straight angle between the inner and outer ring. This means that the load types the bearing can handle is radial, with little axial load carrying capacity.
- Load-amount: As ball bearings have a small point of load-bearing contact, the amount of load this type of bearing can handle is relatively small.
Installing a Self-aligning Ball Bearing on the Adapter Sleeve
- Bearings often come with a protective film that protects the components from outside influences during transport. Make sure to remove this film before mounting the bearing
- Oil the exterior surface of the bearing with oil or grease.
- Apply oil to the adapter.
- Open the adapter slightly with the help of a screwdriver and slide it in place on the shaft.
- Once the adapter is in the correct position, position the bearing on the adapter sleeve. If the shaft has threads, it will help to use a nut to bring the bearing in the correct place; if not, use a bearing pusher kit or a small mallet.
- Once the bearing is in place, test the rotation of the bearing on the outer ring. It should be able to rotate freely, but not swivel.
- Lock the bearing in place with a locking washer by first removing the nut, placing the washer in place, and putting the nut back again.
Self Aligning Ball Bearing Application
Given the benefits of the self-aligning ball bearing, there are several industries that can use them, including:
• Textile
• Mining
• Heavy machinery
• Power machinery
• Agricultural
If you’re dealing with issues like misalignment in your applications, it can be difficult to operate efficiently. Self-aligning ball bearings can help you with that problems.