Bearing races
Raceway washers are disc-shaped components used with thrust needle roller bearings and thrust cylindrical roller bearings, providing the hardened raceway surface on which the rollers run. They serve as a substitute hard raceway where the shaft or housing surface cannot be hardened and ground. Main types include the LS, made of hardened bearing steel with a ground raceway surface; the AS, a thin-section type about 1 mm thick made of hardened spring steel; and the WS (shaft side) and GS (housing side), with 811 series dimensions. LS and AS suit low-speed applications that do not require centering, while WS and GS suit high-speed applications requiring accurate centering. They are used in parts receiving thrust loads, such as machine tools, automotive components and various reduction gears.
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Bearing races
Universal Raceway LS Series
Raceway made of hardened carbon chromium bearing steel with shaft diameter of 6 to 160 mm. Used as shaft and housing raceway for AXK series and as housing raceway for AXW series.
SKF
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Bearing races
Thin Universal Raceway Disc AS Series
Thin raceway disc, 1 mm thick, for shaft diameters of 4 to 160 mm, made of hardened spring steel. Provides rigidity even when adjacent components are not hardened, enabling an economical bearing configuration.
SKF
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Bearing races
811 Series Shaft Race (WS) and Housing Race (GS)
Shaft race (WS) and housing race (GS) with 811 series dimensions. Mainly for use with thrust cylindrical roller bearings with cage, but can also be combined with needle rollers.
SKF
How to choose Bearing races
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1. Select the type suited to the application
The LS is a general-purpose type made of hardened bearing steel with a ground raceway surface. The AS is a 1 mm thin-section type that allows both faces to be used as raceway surfaces. The WS (shaft side) and GS (housing side) have 811 series dimensions and suit high-speed applications requiring accurate centering. Determine the type based on rotational speed and centering accuracy requirements.
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2. Confirm compatible thrust bearings
Select the raceway washer according to the model number of the bearing it will be combined with. The LS is compatible with AXK series shaft and housing raceway washers and AXW series housing raceway washers. The WS and GS are mainly for thrust cage-type cylindrical rollers and can also be combined with AXK series needle rollers. Verify using the compatibility table in the catalog.
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3. Match inner and outer diameters to shaft and housing
The inner diameter d should match the shaft diameter, and the outer diameter D should match the housing bore or the bearing outer diameter. The applicable shaft diameter range for listed products is 4 to 160 mm. Shaft raceway washers and housing raceway washers guide on different sides (inner or outer diameter), so confirm the fit and clearance on the drawing.
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4. Consider thickness and rigidity of adjacent parts
The thin-section AS type, at 1 mm thickness, reduces axial installation space and can be used even when adjacent parts are not hardened. However, because it is thin, check the flatness and supporting area of the supporting surface. The thicker LS type depends less on the supporting surface.
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5. Verify raceway durability by material and hardness
The raceway surface must have sufficient surface hardness because it directly receives the contact load of the rollers. The LS uses hardened chromium bearing steel and the AS uses hardened spring steel. Check the material and hardness (HRC) values against load conditions and life requirements.
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6. Surface treatment according to operating environment
In humid or wet environments, or when storage periods are long, check whether rust prevention treatment is applied. Rust on the raceway surface causes flaking and abnormal noise. Consider lubrication methods together with measures to prevent the lubricant from running out.
This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.