Spherical roller bearing

Spherical roller bearings are engineered to support high axial and radial loads while automatically compensating for misalignment. They are ideal for heavy-duty and demanding applications, such as mining, wind energy, and industrial machinery.

Key Features of Spherical Roller Bearings
Typically made from chrome steel, these bearings contain one or two rows of barrel-shaped rollers, arranged at opposing angles. Unlike angular contact bearings, spherical roller bearings can support axial loads in both directions.

Construction
A spherical roller bearing consists of:

An outer ring
A cage that holds the rollers
An inner ring, which may have either a cylindrical or tapered bore

Bearings with a tapered bore allow for greater misalignment and can accommodate heavier loads and higher rotational speeds than those with a cylindrical bore.

Also explore our ranges of roller bearings and toroidal roller bearings.

Mounting Options
Spherical roller bearings can be mounted in three ways:

With a locking collar and set screws
With a tapered adapter sleeve (for bearings with a tapered bore)
Directly on the shaft (for cylindrical bore versions)

Industry Standards
All primary dimensions comply with DIN 635-2, and dimensional and operational tolerances meet DIN 620, which governs rolling bearing measurement methods.

Spherical vs. Ball Bearings
The main difference lies in their application capabilities:

• Ball bearings can operate at higher speeds
• Spherical roller bearings support heavier loads and accommodate shaft misalignment, making them better suited for high-stress environments

Why Choose Spherical Roller Bearings?
These bearings offer:

• High load-carrying capacity (both radial and axial)
• Excellent resistance to vibrations
• Outstanding rigidity

Adaptability to misalignment (up to 2°; for more, consider self-aligning bearings)

Their self-adjusting geometry helps reduce friction, noise, and vibration, while their robust construction extends service life and reduces maintenance costs.

Applications
Spherical roller bearings are ideal for situations involving shaft misalignment or movement, particularly in heavy industries such as:

• Wind turbines
• Paper machinery
• Mining equipment
• Conveyor systems
• Construction equipment
• Metallurgy

Choosing the Right Spherical Roller Bearing
Consider the following factors:

• Application type
• Rotational speed
• Load capacity
• Bearing life expectancy (based on cycles or operating hours)
• Nominal fatigue life (service life with 90% reliability)

Use single-row bearings for lighter axial loads, and double-row versions for higher axial load capacity.

When replacing a damaged bearing, always select the same type (e.g., sealed for sealed).
If the part markings are illegible, carefully measure all dimensions to identify the correct model.

Trusted Brands Available at Rubix
Rubix offers a wide range of premium spherical roller bearings from recognised manufacturers known for their precision engineering and performance:

• SKF
• FAG
• NSK
• TIMKEN
• NTN

Available dimensions include:
Widths from 11.8 mm to 243 mm
Inside diameters from 20 mm to 560 mm
Outside diameters from 52 mm to 750 mm

Spherical roller bearings deliver exceptional performance at high speeds, even under heavy radial loads.

They are engineered to compensate for shaft deflection and misalignment, making them ideal for complex industrial installations in sectors like wind energy and mining.