The Spherical Plain Bearing, also known as a joint bearing, is a heavy-duty self-aligning plain bearing designed to withstand significant impact loads and accommodate misalignment. Its unique spherical contact surface allows for adaptive adjustment, making it ideal for applications involving slow oscillating or rotating motions, as well as those subject to radial and axial loads.

Working Principle

The Spherical Plain Bearing operates on the principle of sliding friction. It consists of an inner ring, an outer ring, and a sliding contact surface between them. When subjected to load, the spherical contact surface allows the inner and outer rings to shift relative to each other, thereby compensating for axial and angular misalignments. This self-aligning capability ensures smooth and stable operation, even under varying load conditions.

Product Characteristics

One of the standout features of Spherical Plain Bearings is their high resistance to impact loads. They are also known for their durability and reliability, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. Additionally, many models come with integral high-performance seals, reducing the need for maintenance. The bearings are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel and corrosion-resistant coatings, to suit different operating environments.

Product Brands

Prominent brands in the Spherical Plain Bearing market include SKF, THK, and others. SKF, for instance, offers a wide range of Spherical Plain Bearings, including radial spherical plain bearings and rod ends, designed for minimal maintenance and high load ratings. THK, on the other hand, specializes in precision machinery components, including Spherical Plain Bearings tailored for specific industrial applications.

Industry Applications

Spherical Plain Bearings are widely used in various industries, including aerospace, construction, transportation, and heavy machinery. In the aerospace industry, they are crucial for flight control systems and landing gear. In construction, they are found in crane systems and other heavy-duty equipment. Transportation systems, such as trains and buses, rely on Spherical Plain Bearings for smooth and reliable operation.

Radial spherical plain bearing, maintenance-free, low friction, metric sizes

These radial spherical plain bearings have a steel/PTFE sintered bronze contact surface combination and are maintenance-free. They have to be externally protected from contaminants. They are also available with a wider inner ring and larger outside diameter (suffix GEH) to enable higher load ratings and a larger tilt angle.

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