Bearings play an important role in any machinery; they provide smooth functioning and heat reduction due to friction. In addition, they act as a lubricant between two moving bodies in a machine. They are classified into several categories based on the rolling element, function and application.
Spherical Plain bearing types:
Spherical Plain bearing | Image Resource: wikipedia.org
One among the widely used bearing, the spherical bearing which has spherical shaped rolling element in it is used in heavy duty machines such as mining equipment, construction machineries and agricultural machines etc. They are generally classified as self-lubricant and lubricant spherical bearings.
Self- lubricating is made to serve application where proper lubrication is not possible, for this purpose they are made. PTFE based coating for lubrication. Furthermore, to provide more protection the inner race and the outer races are made of steel metals where the raceway in the outer part is fused with the inner ring. Since no lubrication is applied here, these bearings are very clean. But frequent examination and caring is required. And it offers long life too.
This type serves one directional rotation where low-frequency oscillation movement need to be served. To withstand high pressure high carbon chromium steel is coated in the sliding surface of the inner race.
Lubrication: Here the inner and outer ring are made of steel and the sliding surface is made of high carbon chromium. There is no fitting groove present and it provides high strength during alternating loads, also, it needs lubrication They are designed with oil hole to get lubrication.
To safeguard from rust and to provide more lubrication the manufacturing process of these bearing involves heat treatment, phosphate film coating and the sliding surfaces are glazed with molybdenum disulfide.
Pillow Block Bearing
In all bearing types including spherical bearing, when used in application which involves high vibration, they are mounted on a secured with bolts and they are called as the pillow block bearing. They come along with lock units to withstand tough circumstances and vibration. The bolts and housing offer more support during high vibration and heavy loads.
Angular Contact bearing;
Yet another type angular contact bearing, which is incorporated with all bearing types have inner and outer displace in one direction support radial and axial loads.
If you are buying Spherical Plain bearing, always get and expert advice to make right purchase. There a lot of bearing available in the market which suits the same application, but you have to see the quality standards, and resistance level to suit your application. A catalog will provide you with all details of a bearing. Search online to get more details in this regard as the bearing determines the life span of the machine.