Application and installation tips for spherical sliding radial and thrust bearings

Oct 26, 2023

Spherical sliding radial bearings and thrust bearings (spherical plain thrust bearings) are essential components in mechanical equipment, and they play an important role in the operation of the equipment. Spherical plain bearings come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from micro 3mm to large spherical plain bearings. The following will introduce the applications of spherical sliding radial and thrust bearings to help you better understand their application scenarios and advantages.

Application of spherical sliding radial bearings

Spherical sliding radial bearings have the advantages of radial solid load-bearing capacity and low friction resistance, so there are various mechanical equipment. The following are some typical applications of spherical plain radial bearings:

Industrial robot

Industrial robots are mechanical devices designed for automating work processes. Industrial robots use spherical sliding radial bearings in their joints. These bearings allow for smooth and precise movement, making industrial robots more efficient and reliable. They can withstand the radial load generated when the robot moves and improve the flexibility and accuracy of the robot.

CNC machine tools

CNC machine tool is a high-precision and high-efficiency machine tool equipment. Spherical sliding radial bearings are suitable for the spindle support and feed system of CNC machine tools. They can withstand the radial load generated when the spindle is running and improve the processing accuracy and stability of the machine tool.

Centrifuge

A centrifuge is a mechanical apparatus employed to separate liquids and solids. It works on the principle of centrifugal force, which causes denser substances to move outward and settle at the bottom while lighter imports rise to the top. Spherical sliding radial bearings are used in centrifuges' rotor support parts. They can withstand the radial load generated when the rotor is running, ensuring the stability and safety of the centrifuge.

The picture above is FV Spherical Plain Bearings GE80ES-2RS

Application of thrust bearings

Thrust bearing is one of the types of approaches that bear axial load. It usually consists of a thrust plate, thrust ring, and cage. The following are some typical applications of thrust bearings:

Steam turbine

The steam turbine is a type of machine that transforms the energy generated by steam into mechanical energy. It's used to produce electricity in power plants and other industrial settings. Thrust bearings are usually used in steam turbines' thrust shaft support parts. They can withstand the axial load generated when the steam turbine is running and ensure the stability and safety of the steam turbine.

Compressor

The compressor is a mechanical device used to compress gas. Thrust bearings are usually used in the piston support parts of compressors. They can withstand the axial load generated during piston movement and ensure the stability and accuracy of the compressor.

Hydraulic motor

The hydraulic motor is a mechanical device that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. Thrust bearings are usually used in the piston support part of hydraulic motors. They can withstand the axial load generated when the piston moves and ensure the stability and accuracy of the hydraulic motor.

In short, spherical sliding radial and thrust bearings are essential in various mechanical equipment. Understanding their application scenarios and advantages will help us better select and use these bearings and improve the performance and reliability of equipment.

Installation tips for spherical plain bearing mounting pins

Preparation work: Before installing spherical sliding bearings, sufficient preparations need to be made. First, ensure the workplace is clean and tidy to prevent impurities and dust from affecting the quality of the installation. Secondly, prepare the required tools and materials, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, cleaners, lubricants, etc.

Check bearing quality: Before installation, the spherical plain bearing needs to be inspected. Check the surface of the approach for scratches, cracks, burrs, and other defects to ensure the quality of the path. At the same time, check whether the size and model of the bearing are consistent with the equipment requirements.

Clean the bearing seat and journal: Workers must clean the bearing seat and journal before installing the spherical sliding bearing. You can use detergent and cotton gauze to wipe it clean to prevent residues from affecting the regular direction of operation.

Correct installation: When installing spherical sliding bearings, you need to pay attention to the following points:

After wiping the bearing seat and journal clean, install the direction correctly on the bearing seat as required to ensure that the path is installed in place;

During the installation process, avoid hitting the bearing seat and journal with heavy objects such as hammers to prevent damage; adjust the bearing clearance to ensure that the bearing usually operates; during the installation process, ensure that the bearing seat has good sealing performance to avoid dust and impurities get inside the approach.

Reasonable lubrication: Lubrication is one of the critical factors for the regular operation of spherical sliding bearings (SPHERICAL PLAIN BEARING). An appropriate amount of lubricant must be applied to the bearing seat and journal to ensure smooth bearing operation during installation. At the same time, the lubricant usage should be checked regularly and replenished or replaced in time.

Adjust operating status: After the installation is completed, the operating status of the spherical sliding bearing needs to be adjusted. Adjusting the operational level can reduce bearing wear and vibration and extend its service life. When changing the operating position, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Adjusting the active position needs to be done when the equipment is no-load;

Adjust the bearing clearance and tightness according to equipment requirements;

When changing the operational level, ensure that the equipment runs smoothly and makes no abnormal noise;

After the adjustment, the equipment must be tested and inspected to ensure regular operation.

Maintenance

Regular equipment maintenance is required to ensure normal operation and extend the service life of spherical sliding bearings. Maintenance includes the following points:

Regularly check bearing wear and lubricant usage;

Clean the bearing seat and journal periodically and keep them clean;

When the equipment has not been used for a long time, it needs to be placed in a dry and ventilated place to avoid moisture and rust;

During maintenance, workers must use professional maintenance tools and materials to avoid equipment damage caused by improper use.

In short, correct installation and maintenance are key factors to ensure the regular operation and extended service life of spherical sliding bearings. The above tips will be helpful to you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact a professional technician.