Spherical bearings are used in various applications, wherever rotational motion is required to change the alignment of the rotation axis.
Spherical bearings are bearings that permit angular rotation at about the central point in two orthogonal directions, which is usually within a specified angular limit based on the bearing design. These bearings are designed to support a rotating shaft in the bore of the inner ring. These should not only rotate on the inner ring but also at an angle. There are many spherical bearing systems manufactures online in India, who supply the products throughout the country.
Structure & construction of spherical bearings
When talked about its structure, a spherical bearing can be of a mechanical or hydrostatic construction. A spherical bearing consists of an inner ring, an outer ring and a locking feature. These three parts ensure captivity between the inner and outer ring in the axial direction only. The outer surface of the inner ring and the inner surface of the outer ring are spherical (or more correctly, toroidal). These are collectively called the raceway, which slides against each other, either with a lubricant, a maintenance-free (typically polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) based liner, or a rolling element such as a race of ball-bearings, allowing lower friction.
Application of spherical bearings
As mentioned above, spherical bearings are used in applications where rotational motion is required to change the alignment of the rotation axis. It can be better understood with the example of drive axle bearings of a vehicle control arm suspension. The mechanics of the suspension allows the axle to move up and down along with the wheel to turn according to the steer the vehicle. The axle bearings must also allow the rotational axis of the axle to change without binding. This simple example illustrates the concept of spherical bearings and its possible application; however, spherical bearings are rarely used in this example.
To mention a few, spherical bearings are used in smaller sub-components of some suspension, for example, certain types of constant-velocity joints. These bearings are also used in engines, car suspensions, driveshafts, robotics, sewing machines, heavy machinery and many other applications.
Type of spherical bearings
There are some types of spherical bearings, mentioned below:
- Spherical ball bearings that include double-row, self-aligning ball bearings.
- Spherical roller bearings that include double-row, self-aligning roller bearings.
- Spherical plain bearings that include ball bushings.
- Rod ends that include spherical rod end bearings.
The leaders in spherical bearings!
Igus, a German-based plastic fabrication company in Bangalore, India is one of the leading spherical bearing manufacturers in India. The company produces igubal® spherical bearings, a special spherical bearing range of products. These are maintenance-free, self-aligning bearing elements manufactured completely from plastic.
The igubal® joint systems are insensitive to dirt and dust and have resistance to corrosion. In addition to this, the lubrication-free property of igubal® ensures easy deployment in liquid media. The service life of these spherical bearings can also be calculated with the help of igubal® experts. Here are some of the spherical bearings offered by Igus.
- Rod end
- Clevis joints
- Pillow block bearing
- Flange bearings
- Spherical bearings
- Spherical ball
The benefits of igubal® spherical bearing technology
- 100% maintenance-free and lubrication-free
- Cost-effective bearing
- Resistant to dirt and dust, no lubrication necessary
- Can be used in liquid media because of its corrosion-free property
- Vibration-dampening
- Inner rings set in housings with little clearance required
- Lightweight
- Depending on the choice of material, deployable at temperatures up to +200 °C
- Delivery within 24–48 hrs.
- No minimum order value or quantity
- Predictable service life
Igus is one of the best spherical bearing system manufacturers online in India. You can buy any kind of spherical bearings from its huge range of igubal® product range and enjoy the benefits attached to it.
