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Self-aligning ball bearings

Self-aligning roller bearings have two rows of raceways on the inner ring, a spherical raceway on the outer ring, and two rows of barrel-shaped rollers between them. Because the outer ring raceway is spherical, the inner ring, rollers and cage can tilt relative to the outer ring, absorbing shaft deflection and misalignment caused by mounting errors. They support radial loads as well as axial loads in both directions, and feature high load capacity. Dimension series (222, 223, 230, etc.) define different width-to-outside-diameter ratios. Available bore types include cylindrical bore, tapered bore fixed to the shaft with adapter or withdrawal sleeves, and sealed types that prevent foreign matter ingress. They are used in heavy-load, shock-load and shaft-deflection applications such as continuous casting rolls in steel plants, conveyors, gear reducers, paper machines and vibrating screens.

How to choose Self-aligning ball bearings

  1. 1. Select size by shaft diameter and mounting space

    Bore diameter d is determined by the shaft diameter, while outside diameter D and width B are determined by the housing fit. Listed products cover bore diameters of 35 to 380 mm, outside diameters of 80 to 650 mm and widths of 28 to 200 mm. Even with the same bore, outside diameter and width vary by series, so verify all three dimensions together.

  2. 2. Choose dimension series for load capacity and size

    The series designation (222, 223, 230, etc.) indicates the width-to-outside-diameter ratio. In general, larger outside diameter and width series such as 223 offer higher load capacity, while narrow-width series such as 230 suit space-limited installations. Select the series based on load conditions and available mounting space.

  3. 3. Verify required life using basic dynamic load rating

    The basic dynamic load rating Cr is the reference value for life calculation. For roller bearings, life is proportional to the load ratio raised to the 10/3 power. Calculate the rated life from equivalent load and rotational speed, and confirm it meets the required life. High-load design products rated at 1.15 times conventional products are candidates where longer life is needed within the same dimensions.

  4. 4. Evaluate heavy loads at standstill or low speed using static load rating

    For applications such as continuous casting rolls or heavy material transfer equipment that experience large loads or shocks at low speed or under oscillation, evaluate using the static safety factor against the basic static load rating C0r. To prevent permanent deformation (indentations) of the raceways, check the ratio of maximum load to C0r.

  5. 5. Match bore type to the mounting method

    Cylindrical bores are fitted to the shaft with interference fit, while tapered bores can be secured to shafts without shoulders using adapter or withdrawal sleeves. With tapered bores, internal clearance decreases as the bearing is driven onto the sleeve, so also confirm the compatible sleeve model and assembly dimensions.

  6. 6. Specify internal clearance suited to operating temperature

    Clearance decreases when the inner ring runs hotter than the outer ring or when the interference fit is large. Determine whether normal clearance CN is sufficient or whether a larger clearance such as C3 is required, based on fit, temperature difference and drive-up amount for tapered bores.

This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.