Spherical Plain Thrust Bearings

Spherical plain thrust bearings support rotational motion in a single direction and can tolerate angular misalignment. These bearings are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and performance specifications.

They can be categorized as either lubrication-requiring or self-lubricating. The sliding contact surfaces are coated with a lubricant, which prevents metal-to-metal contact, reduces friction, and extends the life of the bearing.

Self-aligning

Spherical plain thrust bearings are designed to accommodate heavy radial and axial loads in both directions. They can also take shock loads. They are self-aligning and can compensate for large angular misalignment. This makes them ideal for shafts that must rotate about an axis and are prone to deflection.

Spherical thrust bearings are metal-on-metal, and the sliding surfaces are coated with a material that reduces friction between the bearing and shaft. This minimizes the risk of seizure or galling during the running-in phase. Several coatings are available, including phosphate and molybdenum disulfide. These can help ease the lubrication process and improve durability.

These metal-on-metal bearings are available in a variety of sizes, materials and configurations. Many are qualified to aerospace standards, including Mil Spec standards. They are also available in a number of specialty and custom options. These include swaged construction, load leader slot, split ball and high misalignment designs. The company also offers a range of self-lubricating metal-to-metal bearings for harsh environments and applications that require high temperature operation.

Self-lubricating

Unlike other types of thrust bearings that require periodic lubrication, self-lubricating spherical plain bearings have special sliding contact surfaces that are bonded with a low coef. of friction. These bearings are used in low speed, high thrust and radial load applications like steering axles and suspensions. They are also used in applications where angular misalignments are common and where it’s not practical to re-lubricate the bearings.

Embedded graphite plugs in the bronze housing of the bearings serve as solid lubricants and reduce maintenance requirements. They are also resistant to corrosive chemicals and can be used in a variety of environments. They can also withstand high shock loads.

These bearings are often used in skid steer, telehandler, and off-road forklift applications, including on cylinders, allowing the equipment to tilt and accommodate angular misalignments. They are also highly durable, reducing field reliability and warranty costs. The lubricant prevents metal to metal contact, eliminating friction and wear. This allows the bearings to operate longer, reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of the equipment.

Corrosion-resistant

Spherical plain thrust bearings are ideal for applications that require a high level of radial load at low misalignment. They are also suitable for arrangements that require low speed oscillation. They can withstand heavy axial loads and are maintenance-free. This type of bearing has a special sliding contact surface that is offset from the shaft. They are often used in low-speed and radial load applications such as steering axles and suspensions.

They can be installed with set screws or bolts, which must be matched to the bearing’s specifications and expected loads. Choosing the wrong screw size can result in excessive ring bending.

Spherical plain bearings, or bushings, are metal-on-metal bearings consisting of a ground inner ring housed in a mated outer ring without rolling elements. The center of spherical curvature on the inner and outer rings coincides with the bearing center, making them internally self aligning. They also tolerate angular misalignment. Phosphate treated outer rings coated with Molybdenum Disulfide minimize friction between the contacting surfaces.

High load capacity

These bearings are designed to accommodate radial and axial loads while allowing misalignment. They are ideal for static and oscillatory applications such as articulation joints on construction equipment. They are also useful for moderate misalignment in rotating applications such as machine tool axes and servo drives. Their high load capacity ensures optimum performance.

The spherical contact surface of the inner and outer rings makes them suitable for high radial and thrust loads. The lubricant acts as a barrier between the metals, reducing friction and wear and protecting the bearing from corrosion.

Typically, spherical plain bearings have a through-hardened and ground inner ring mated with a spherical outer ring without rolling elements. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Some are relubricable steel-on-steel, while others are self-lubricating PTFE-on-chromium or PTFE-on-stainless steel. These bearings are used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. They are highly resistant to abrasion, heat, and corrosive environments.