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Self Aligning Ball Bearings

TFL’s self aligning ball bearings are designed to accommodate misalignment in automation and machine tools. Our self-aligning ball bearing range offers flexibility and durability, ensuring smooth performance in dynamic conditions.

What makes these bearings “self-aligning”? TFL utilizes a unique design featuring a spherical raceway in the outer ring.

This allows the inner ring, complete with two rows of balls and the cage, to freely tilt or self-align relative to the outer ring, compensating for alignment errors.

Design and Functionality of Self-Aligning Ball Bearings

The core design of self-aligning ball bearings consists of two rows of balls sharing a common sphered raceway in the outer ring. This geometry is key to their function. It permits the inner ring assembly to swivel within the outer ring, automatically accommodating initial static angular misalignment that might arise from machining inaccuracies or shaft deflection under load.

Key Benefits and Typical Applications

The primary advantage of using a self-aligning bearing is its ability to tolerate misalignment without inducing excessive stress or reducing bearing life. This makes self-aligning ball bearings particularly suitable for applications involving long shafts that are prone to deflection, non-rigid housings, agricultural machinery, fans, conveyors, and textile machinery where maintaining perfect alignment can be challenging.

Selection Considerations and Sizing

When selecting self-aligning ball bearings, it’s important to consider the load capacity (they typically handle lower loads than deep groove ball bearings of the same size) and speed limitations. Using a self-aligning ball bearing size chart is crucial for identifying the correct dimensions (bore, OD, width) for your application. TFL offers these bearings in various sizes, both open and with seals, to meet diverse operational requirements.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can self aligning ball bearings support heavy loads?

Self aligning ball bearings are best for radial loads and moderate axial loads in systems with misalignment, like textile looms or conveyor belts. While they’re not meant for super heavy loads like some other bearings, their strength lies in adapting to shifting conditions, such as in agricultural equipment or fans with variable forces. They keep things running smoothly under typical industrial demands, reducing downtime and maintenance hassles for reliable operation.

What causes the misalignment that these bearings accommodate?

Misalignment can stem from several sources, including manufacturing tolerances in housings, inaccuracies during machine assembly, or shaft deflection caused by operational loads or temperature variations. Self aligning ball bearings are designed to manage these common issues.

How much misalignment can a typical self-aligning ball bearing handle?

Standard self-aligning ball bearings can typically accommodate static misalignment of roughly 2 to 4 degrees, depending on the specific series and size. However, always consult the manufacturer's specifications (like those provided by TFL) for precise limits.