SKF Bearing Selection

Principles of bearing selection and application
Angular contact ball bearings
112
Cylindrical roller bearings 180
Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings
214
Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings 234
Locking devices 260

Copyright SKF 2003 The contents of this publication are the copyright of the publisher and may not be reproduced (even extracts) unless permission is granted. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of the use of the information contained herein. www.skf.com Publication 5002 E 2003 - 02
Gauges 286
Other products and services 298
Products index 301
The SKF Group a worldwide corporation

SKF is an international industrial Group operating in more than 130 countries and is world leader in bearings. The company was founded in 1907 following the invention of the self-aligning ball bearing by Sven Wingquist and, after only a few years, SKF began to expand all over the world. Today, SKF has some 40 000 employees and around 80 manufacturing facilities spread throughout the world. An international sales network includes a large number of sales companies and some 7 000 distributors. Worldwide availability of SKF products is supported by a comprehensive technical advisory service. The key to success has been a consistent emphasis on maintaining the highest quality of its products and services. Continuous investment in research and development has also played a vital role, resulting in many examples of epoch-making innovations. The business of the Group consists of bearings, seals, special steels and a comprehensive range of other high-tech industrial components. The experience gained in these various fields provides SKF with the essential knowledge and expertise required in order to provide the customers with the most advanced engineering products and efficient service.
The SKF Group is the first major bearing manufacturer to have been granted approval according to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems. The certificate is the most comprehensive of its kind and covers more than 60 SKF production units in 17 countries. The SKF Engineering & Research Centre is situated just outside Utrecht in The Netherlands. In an area of 17 000 square metres (185 000 sq.ft) some 150 scientists, engineers and support staff are engaged in the further improvement of bearing performance. They are developing technologies aimed at achieving better materials, better designs, better lubricants and better seals together leading to an even better understanding of the operation of a bearing in its application. This is also where the SKF Life Theory was evolved, enabling the design of bearings that are even more compact and offer even longer operational life. SKF has developed the Channel concept in factories all over the world. This drastically reduces the lead-time from raw material to end product as well as work in progress and finished goods in stock. The concept enables faster and smoother information flow, eliminates bottlenecks and bypasses unnecessary steps in production. The Channel team members have the knowledge and commitment needed to share the responsibility for fulfilling objectives in areas such as quality, delivery time, production flow etc.
SKF manufactures ball bearings, roller bearings and plain bearings. The smallest are just a few millimetres (a fraction of an inch) in diameter, the largest several metres. SKF also manufactures bearing and oil seals that prevent dirt from entering and lubricant from leaking out. SKFs subsidiaries CR and RFT S.p.A. are among the worlds largest producers of seals.
Foreword
Wherever there is rotation, there is a need for some form of bearing. The function of a rolling bearing is to reduce or eliminate the friction between a fixed and a moving surface and to carry a load. The life of a rolling bearing must be compatible with the life of the application in which it is mounted. The SKF standard product range comprises more than 22 000 variants, covering all the principal bearing types. Made by SKF stands for excellence. It symbolises our consistent endeavour to achieve total quality in everything we do. For those who use our products, Made by SKF implies three main benefits. Reliability thanks to modern, efficient products, based on our worldwide application know-how, optimised materials, forward-looking designs and the most advanced production techniques. Cost effectiveness resulting from the favourable ratio between our product quality plus service facilities, and the purchase price of the product. Market lead which you can achieve by taking advantage of our products and services. Increased operating time and reduced downtime, as well as improved output and product quality are the key to a successful partnership. Machine tool applications require superior performance from the bearings used to support spindles and precision ball screws. They must exhibit this in terms of speed capability, system temperature stability, rigidity, accuracy and noise level; such characteristics are rarely met by bearings for general-purpose applications. Therefore, SKF produces special high-precision bearings designed to satisfy the most demanding requirements in the machine tool environment. This catalogue presents the current range of SKF high-precision bearings and related products. The data in this catalogue are based on current production. However, design refinement for continuous improvement in either manufacturing or performance may result in changes. The basic load ratings have been calculated in accordance with the latest specifications. Earlier catalogues, in which the data varies from that given here, are rendered invalid. SKF reserves the right to make changes necessitated by technological developments. In accordance with ISO (International Standards Organisation) Standard 1000: 1992, SI units (Systme International dUnits) are used in this catalogue. Almost 100 years of worldwide experience For almost 100 years SKF has held a leading position in all major industrial fields where rolling bearings are used. SKF not only supplies a wide range of bearings but also has broad experience in application engineering, and is at the forefront of systems design. This background comes from the partnerships developed over the years with leading firms in the machine tool industry. The more complex the problems, 5 the more important it is to make use of SKF know-how in the manufacture and application of high-precision rolling bearings. Where to find information The bearing tables and technical data on the following pages provide information for bearing selection and application design. More details on bearing technology and on other related products can be found in specific publications, the SKF General Catalogue or the SKF Interactive Engineering Catalogue, available as a CD-ROM or online under www.skf.com. This site also contains further information on the SKF Group, its products, services and contacts.
Principles of bearing selection and application

Contents
Selection of bearing types A wide range of high-precision bearings Bearings materials Accuracy Rigidity Speed Available space Loads Load carrying capacity and life General Rating lives Rating life equation for hybrid bearings Load carrying capacity of bearing sets Equivalent bearing loads Rigidity System rigidity Influence of a loose fit Speed Rotational speed Speed ratings Speed capability of bearing systems Bearing data general Dimension Tolerances Bearing internal clearance or preload Material for high-precision bearings Application of bearings Bearing arrangements Radial location of bearings Application examples Axial location of bearings Bearing preload Seals Lubrication and maintenance General Grease lubrication Oil lubrication Maintenance Dismounting and mounting Dismounting Mounting Inspection 8 8 9 10 12 12 13 14 17 17 17 18 19 19 21 21 22 23 23 25 26 27 27 28 30 31 34 34 35 36 51 52 57 62 62 62 71 78 79 79 89 105 7
1 Principles of bearing selection and application
Selection of bearing type

A wide range of high-precision bearings
It is not always possible to find an appropriate solution to application design and problems using standard bearings for general machinery. This is particularly true in machine tool applications where requirements are tougher. SKF has developed a very comprehensive range of high-precision bearings for machine tool spindles, and other applications where high demands are placed on accuracy and speed capability. Each of these bearing types has specific features that make it particularly suitable for specific applications. Internal design is state-of-the art, and differs in many ways from that of a standard bearing. The design has been optimised for outstanding speed capability in combination with the highest possible stiffness. When designing a bearing arrangement it is necessary to consider a number of factors, i.e.: G Accuracy G Available space G Load G Required system rigidity G Accommodation of axial displacements G Speed G Heat generation. Depending on the application, one or more of these factors will have a dominant influence. It is therefore, not possible to set down general rules for the selection of bearing type or bearing series. Where demands for high-precision and productivity are exceptionally high, SKF provides a comprehensive range of hybrid (i.e. bearings with steel rings and ceramic rolling elements) high-precision angular contact ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings for machine tool spindles. To make bearing selection easier, the properties of the different bearing types are described in the following.
Bearing materials
All-steel bearings The performance and reliability of rolling bearings are determined to a large degree by the materials from which the bearing components are made. Steels used for high-precision bearing rings and rolling elements are capable of being adequately hardened and have high fatigue strength and wear resistance. Moreover they have the structural and dimensional stability to satisfy the spindle operating temperatures. SKF high-precision bearing rings and rolling elements are generally made of through-hardened carbon chromium steel containing approximately 1 % carbon and 1,5 % chromium.
Hybrid bearings Machine tools, especially machining centres, can have higher machining efficiencies and higher machining accuracies when operated at higher speeds. For this reason, there have been ever-greater demands for higher speed performance of their spindle bearings. If the performance required is close to all-steel bearing limits, or if higher rigidity or longer life are needed, hybrid highprecision bearings can be used. Hybrid high-precision bearings consist of outer and inner rings made of bearing steel and ceramic (silicon nitride Si3N4) rolling elements, having density as light as 40 % of bearing steel but yet having a high rigidity ( fig 1 ).
Comparison of performance and cost for different bearing design (material)

Fig 1
Bearing material
Performances
Cost
Typical applications Machine tools. Precision equipments. High speed rolling mills. High speed electric motors, etc. Machine tools. Precision equipments. Turbochargers. High speed electric motors, etc.
Full steel
Hybrids
Accuracy
Running accuracy The running accuracy of a bearing arrangement is governed by the accuracy of all the component parts of the arrangement. Where bearings are concerned, this is primarily determined by the accuracy of form and position of the raceways on the bearing rings. When selecting the appropriate tolerance class for a particular bearing, the maximum radial runout of the inner ring (Kia) is usually the determining factor for most applications. To facilitate comparison, Diagram 1 gives relative values of the radial runout
for the different tolerance classes comparing bearings with bore diameters. The different standards ABMA and ISO are also compared in Table 1 . Most SKF precision bearings are manufactured to tolerance class P4A, P4C, and SP. P4A is the standard tolerance class for angular contact ball bearings; SP the standard for cylindrical roller bearings and double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings, and P4C the standard class for single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings of the BTM series. For bearing arrangements where this standard precision is inadequate, angular contact ball bearings made to tolerance class PA9A, and cylindrical roller bearings and double direction
angular contact thrust ball bearings made to tolerance class UP specifications can be supplied ( Table 2 ). Normally, the maximum values of Kia given in the table are much higher than the actual values. This means for example, that if bearings with class SP tolerances are used, depending on the bearing size and whether bearings are properly mounted, a running accuracy of less than 2 m can be achieved.
Dimensional accuracy The dimensional accuracy of a bearing is important with respect to the fit between bearing ring and shaft or housing. As the fit influences the clearance or preload of mounted bearings, the tolerances for the bearing and its seating lie within narrow limits. Where cylindrical roller bearings with a tapered bore are concerned, slightly larger dimensional deviations are permissible than for example, angular contact ball bearings with similar running accuracy. This is because the clearance or preload of the bearing is determined by driving up the inner ring on its tapered seating.
Comparison of accuracy of different tolerance classes

Diagram 1
Inner ring radial runout factor 100
100
Comparison of different standards

80 60
ABMA Tolerance class ISO Tolerance class Table SKF Standard 1
SKF tolerance classes for high-precision bearings

Table SKF Tolerance Class Boundary dimensions ISO, ABMA Running accuracy ISO, ABMA 2
60
40 30 20 10 0 Normal P6 P5 P4, SP, P4C P4A, PA9A UP Tolerance class
ABEC 9 ABEC 7
2 4 5
PA9A P4 P5
SP UP P4A P4C PA9A
ISO 5, ABEC 5 ISO 4, ABEC 7 ISO 4, ABEC 7 ISO 4, ABEC 7 ISO 2, ABEC 9
ISO 4, ABEC 7 ISO 2, ABEC 9 ISO 2, ABEC 91) ISO 4, ABEC 7 ISO 2, ABEC 9
20
ABEC 5
1)
Up to 120 mm bore diameter, for larger sizes, ABEC 7 or better
10
11
Rigidity
The rigidity of a spindle/bearing system is of particular importance in machine tool applications as the magnitude of the deflection under load determines the productivity and machining accuracy of a machine tool. Bearing stiffness influences the stiffness of a bearing arrangement and thus the stiffness of the complete spindle/bearing system. However, bearings alone cannot be the only reason for high or low rigidity: when checking the behaviour of a complete system, bending of the spindle itself, position and number of support bearings and tool overhang may also have a great influence. The stiffness of a bearing depends on its type and size, the most important criteria being: G type of rolling elements (rollers or balls) G number and size of the rolling elements, and G contact angle. Because of the much larger contact area between rolling elements and raceways in a roller bearing than in a ball bearing, roller bearing stiffness is much higher than ball bearing stiffness. The number of rolling elements has a greater influence on bearing stiffness, than the size of the rolling elements. Because of this, highprecision bearings almost always have the dimensions of the light Diameter Series 0 or 9. Where high radial stiffness is required, bearings having the smallest possible contact angle should be used. Conversely, where high axial stiffness is called for, the contact angle should be as large as possible.
Speed
There is a limit to the speed at which rolling bearings can be operated. Generally, it is the permitted operating temperature with respect to the lubricant being used, or to the material of the bearing components that sets the limit. The speed at which this limiting bearing temperature is reached depends on the frictional heat generated in the bearing (including any externally applied heat) and the amount of heat that can be transported away from the bearing. Bearing type and size, internal design, load, lubrication and cooling conditions, as well as cage design, accuracy and internal clearance/preload, all play a part in determining speed capability.
Available space
High-precision bearing arrangements generally call for bearings with a low crosssection because of the space available, together with the high requirements in respect of stiffness and running accuracy of the arrangement. These bearings generally have a large number of rolling elements and consequently a high stiffness. They also enable relatively large diameter spindles to be used for a given housing bore diameter, and therefore exhibit all the advantages important for the stiffness and running accuracy of a bearing arrangement, e.g. a spindle bearing arrangement. Almost all of the angular contact ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and angular contact thrust ball bearings used
for machine tool applications belong to the ISO Diameter Series 9 and 0. By selecting suitable combinations of bearings it is thus possible to achieve an optimum bearing arrangement for specific requirements within the same radial space. For bearing arrangements where less radial space is available, angular contact ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings belonging to ISO Diameter Series 9 can be used. Angular contact ball bearings to the ISO Diameter Series 2, despite being rarely chosen for new designs, are still common in existing applications. To illustrate the space required, fig 2 shows cross-sections of the most common machine tool spindle bearings belonging to the different Diameter Series.
High-precision bearings cross section for different Diameter Series

Fig 2
Bearings with steel rolling elements 9 0 2 9 0 0 0 0
Bearings with ceramic rolling elements 9 0 2 0 0 0
12
13
Loads
In machine tools the main application for high-precision bearings the load carrying capacity of a bearing is usually of much less importance when determining bearing size, than in engineering applications in general. Other criteria such as stiffness, size of the requisite bore in the spindle, machining speeds and accuracy are the decisive factors. When selecting the bearing type for a given bearing arrangement, however, the magnitude and direction of action of the load play an important part. As a general rule, roller bearings can carry heavier loads than ball bearings having the same boundary dimensions ( Table 3 ).
Diametric Series ISO SKF Series designation Bearing Code Contact angle deg Shaft diameters from up to and incl. Loading Precision SKF tolerance Class
Table Speed rating n dm
mm
mm
106 mm/min
719 ACX 719 ACD 719 ACE 719 CX 719 CD 719 CE 719 ACX/HC 719 ACD/HC 719 ACE/HC 719 CX/HC 719 CD/HC 719 CE/HC NNU 49 B/W33 NNU 49 BK/W33
A A A A A A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A C2 C2 A A A A A A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A C1 C1 Hybrid C1 Hybrid C1 C2 C2 AT2 AT2 AT2 A A A A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A Hybrid A AT1 AT1 AT1
25 25 25 15 15 15 25 25 25 15 15 15 0 0 25 25 25 15 15 15 25 25 25 15 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 30 40 25 25 15 15 25 25 15 15 60 60 60
10 35 20 10 10 20 10 35 20 10 35 20 100 100 10 35 20 8 35 20 10 35 20 8 35 20 40 40 40 40 25 25 35 60 60 10 30 10 30 10 30 10 30 12 25 20
30 220 120 30 220 120 30 140 120 30 140 120 240 240 30 240 100 30 240 100 30 100 100 30 100 100 120 120 120 120 130 280 200 130 130 25 120 25 120 25 60 25 60 35 40 50
combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined radial only radial only combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined radial only radial only radial only radial only radial only radial only thrust only thrust only thrust only combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined combined
P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A SP SP P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A SP SP SP SP SP SP SP P4C P4C P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4A P4 P4 Special
1,5 1,5 2,2 1,8 1,8 2,4 1,8 1,8 2,5 2,1 2,1 2,8 0,8 0,8 1,5 1,5 2,2 1,8 1,8 2,4 1,8 1,8 2,5 2,1 2,1 2,8 1 1,8 1,15 2 0,8 0,8 0,7 1,05 0,9 1,5 1,5 1,8 1,8 1,8 1,8 2,1 2,1 0,5 0,5 0,5
70 ACX 70 ACD 70 ACE 70 CX 70 CD 70 CE 70 ACX/HC 70 ACD/HC 70 ACE/HC 70 CX/HC 70 CD/HC 70 CE/HC N 10 KTN(9) N 10 KTNHA N 10 KTN(9)/HC N 10 KTNHA/HC NN 30 NN 30 K 2344(00) B BTM A BTM B
Radial load
Fig 3
Main features, speed rating and size range for different bearing design
Codes: A = Angular Contact Ball Bearing, Single direction; AT2 = Angular Contact Thrust Ball Bearing, Double direction; C1 = Cylindrical Roller Bearing, Single row; C2 = Cylindrical Roller Bearing, Double row; Hybrid = Bearing with steel rings and silicon nitride (ceramic) rolling elements
2
72 ACX 72 ACD 72 CX 72 CD 72 ACX/HC 72 ACD/HC 72 CX/HC 72 CD/HC BSA 2 BSA 3 BSD
14
15

Radial loads Purely radial loads can be supported by cylindrical roller bearings having one ring without flanges (N, NN and NNU types figs 3 page 14 and 4 ). All other radial bearings can carry some axial load in addition to radial loads; see Combined load page16. Axial loads Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings series 2344(00) and BTM are designed to take loads that are purely axial ( fig 5 ). For large bearing arrangements, or those subjected to particularly heavy axial loads, special single direction thrust ball bearings or cylindrical roller thrust bearings are recommended. Please consult the SKF application engineering service for more details. Combined loads Combined loads consist of a radial load and a simultaneously acting axial load. This type of load can be accommodated by bearings having raceways in the inner and outer rings, situated at an angle to the bearing axis. Where high-precision bearings are concerned, the angular contact ball bearings (series 70, 719 and 72) and the single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings (series BSD and BSA) fall into this category. The ability to carry axial loads is determined by the angle of contact; the larger the angle, the greater the axial load, which can be accommodated ( figs 6 and 7 ).
Load carrying capacity and life

General
All general information on life, basic load rating, and life equations described in the SKF General Catalogue or the SKF Interactive Engineering Catalogue also applies to high-precision bearings. In general-machinery applications, the size of bearing to be used is initially selected on the basis of its load carrying capacity in relation to the loads to be carried, and the requirements regarding life and reliability. For machine tool spindles, bearing size is nearly always determined by criteria such as stiffness of the system, fixed dimensions for the tool holder, or the spindle bore. The bearings selected according to such criteria give arrangements that are often required to have a very long life. For high-precision bearings, determining the load to which a bearing will be subjected is particularly complex as it involves many influencing factors. SKF has therefore developed special computer programs for the calculation of indeterminate spindle bearing systems. Contact SKF for assistance in determining the bearing loads and in designing an optimum bearing arrangement.
Rating lives
Basic rating life equation For calculation of simple bearing systems, the classic ISO equation for basic rating life can be used: L10 = (C/P)p where L10 = basic rating life, millions of revolutions C = basic dynamic load rating, N P = equivalent dynamic bearing load, N p = exponent of the life equation (3 for ball bearings, 10/3 for roller bearings) Adjusted rating life equation As there are many other factors influencing bearing life besides load, ISO introduced an adjusted life equation Lna = a1 a2 a3 (C/P)p or simply Lna = a1 a2 a3 L10 where Lna = adjusted rating life, millions of revolutions (the index n represents the difference between the requisite reliability and 100 %) a1 = life adjustment factor for reliability a2 = life adjustment factor for material a3 = life adjustment factor for operating conditions
Radial load
Fig 4
Thrust load
Fig 5
Combined loads
Fig 6
Combined loads
Fig 7
16
17

SKF Life Theory rating life equation. Practical experience and modern research have shown that, under special conditions, SKF bearings attain a much longer life than predicted by standardised life calculation methods, particularly when loads are light. These special conditions apply when the rolling surfaces (raceways and rolling elements) are effectively separated by a lubricant film, and where the risk of the surfaces becoming damaged by contaminants are largely non-existent. In fact, under ideal conditions it is possible to speak of infinite life. The SKF Life Theory introduces the concept of a fatigue load limit Pu analogous to that used when calculating other machinery components. This fatigue load limit represents the load below which fatigue will not occur in the bearing under ideal conditions. Due to the complexity, a detailed description of the theory is beyond the scope of this publication. For further details, please consult SKF application engineering services. Values of the Pu limit for precision bearings are given in the bearing tables. The adjusted life equation according to the SKF Life Theory is: Lnaa = a1 aSKF L10 where: Lnaa = adjusted rating life to SKF Life Theory, millions of revolutions L10 = basic rating life, millions of revolutions a1 = life adjustment factor for reliability aSKF = life adjustment factor based on SKF Life Theory For details on the aSKF life adjustment factor, please consult the SKF General Catalogue or the SKF Interactive Engineering Catalogue.
Rating life equation for hybrid bearings

When using hybrid bearings, the effect of the different rolling element material should also be taken into account. Under the same external load, the stress in the contact area between a hybrid bearing ball and each raceway will be higher than in an all-steel bearing. This is due to the greater hardness and stiffness of the ceramic material compared with steel. As ISO does not provide guidelines for calculating basic load ratings for hybrid bearings, SKF quotes the same load rating values for hybrid bearings as for all-steel bearings. By introducing a factor aHC into the life equations, the higher contact stress is taken into consideration. L10 (hybrid) = aHC (C/P)p Lna (hybrid) = a1 a23 aHC (C/P)p Lnaa (hybrid) = a1 aSKF aHC (C/P)p Recent results from practical experience and extensive laboratory testing indicate that the factor aHC can be considered equal to 1 both for hybrid ball and roller bearings. In general, experience shows that the service life of hybrid bearings is significantly longer than that of all-steel bearings under the conditions normally encountered in machine tool operations. Hybrid bearings are much less susceptible to wear, and lubrication conditions are generally superior to those in an all-steel bearing.
Load carrying capacity of bearing sets

The basic load ratings listed in the product tables for angular contact ball bearings and single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings apply to single bearings. The basic dynamic load rating for sets of bearings arranged back-to-back, face-to-face or in tandem, is obtained by multiplying the C value for a single bearing by 1,62 for sets comprising two bearings 2,16 for sets comprising three bearings 2,64 for sets comprising four bearings. For the basic static load rating, values for bearing sets can be obtained by multiplying the single bearing value by the number of bearings in the set, viz. by 2, 3, or 4. For single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings, refer to the product section, Table 10 page 247.
Equivalent bearing loads

Equivalent dynamic bearing load Angular contact ball bearings are generally subjected to combined loads, i.e. radial and axial loads acting simultaneously. Preload forces are included in the axial load. In all such cases, it is necessary to calculate the equivalent dynamic bearing load that has the same influence on bearing life as the actual load to which the bearing is subjected. The equivalent dynamic bearing load can be obtained from the general equation: P = XFr + YFa where P = equivalent dynamic bearing load, N Fr = actual radial bearing load, N Fa = actual axial bearing load, N X = radial load factor for the bearing Y = axial load factor for the bearing All information necessary for calculating the equivalent dynamic bearing load for single bearings and sets of two bearings is given in the relevant product sections. The information does not apply to sets of three, or more bearings, as it cannot be assumed that the load is evenly distributed over the bearings, and reaction forces caused by spindle deflection cannot be ignored. Special SKF computer programs are used to calculate the equivalent dynamic loads of such bearing arrangements and other parameters, e.g. spindle deflection. Further information will be supplied on request.
18
19

Equivalent static bearing load Static loads comprising radial and axial components must be converted into an equivalent static bearing load. This is defined as that load (radial for radial bearings and axial for thrust bearings) which, if applied, would cause the same permanent deformation in the bearing as the actual load. It is obtained from the general equation P0 = X0Fr + Y0Fa where P0 = equivalent static bearing load, N Fr = actual radial bearing load, N Fa = actual axial bearing load, N X0 = radial load factor for the bearing Y0 = axial load factor for the bearing All information and data necessary for the calculation of the equivalent static bearing load for single bearings and sets of two bearings is given in the relevant product sections. The information does not apply to sets of three, or more bearings, as it cannot be assumed that the load is evenly distributed over the bearings, and reaction forces caused by spindle deflection cannot be ignored. Further information will be supplied on request.
Rigidity
System rigidity
Bearing rigidity influences the rigidity of a bearing arrangement and thus the rigidity of the complete spindle/bearing system. It is of particular importance in machine tool applications, as the magnitude of the deflection under load determines the machining accuracy of a machine tool. The rigidity of a bearing depends on its type and size, the most important criteria being: G type of rolling elements (rollers or balls) G number and size of rolling elements, and G contact angle. To enhance the rigidity of the bearing arrangement, or to increase running accuracy, bearings can be preloaded. These are two important reasons why machine tool spindles are almost always fitted with preloaded bearings or bearing sets. Apart from the bearings, other components might influence the rigidity of a system i.e. bending of the spindle itself, position and number of support bearings, and tool overhang. Thus, it is necessary to consider how different bearing arrangements behave and how they contribute to the systems overall rigidity. The rigidity indexes given in Table 1 page 22 are guideline values and must not be taken as tools for precise calculations of system rigidity. General guidelines for designing a rigid spindle are: G select the largest possible shaft diameter compatible with other restrictions G minimise the distance between the front support position and the spindle nose G bearing spacing (between rear and front supports) should be fairly short. As a guideline, a ratio I/d = 3 3,5 provides the best compromise, where I = distance between the rearmost bearing row and the first front side bearing row, and d = bore diameter of the front bearing. Please consult the SKF application engineering service for advanced system analysis. Table 1 shows the radial and axial stiffness of a 100 mm shaft diameter spindle where different bearing arrangements are compared.
20
21
Influence of a loose fit

In general, a machine component is supported in a locating and a non-locating bearing. Non-locating bearings can be displaced axially and so prevent the bearings from being subjected to extra stresses, e.g. as a result of changes in shaft length caused by thermal expansion.
If non-separable bearings, e.g. angular contact ball bearings, are used as nonlocating bearings, one of the bearing rings must have a loose fit. Usually the nonrotating outer ring is given a loose fit in the housing, although this has a negative influence on the total stiffness of the bearing arrangement.
Speed
Rotational speed
The permissible operating temperature governs largely the speed at which rolling bearings can operate. Bearing types with low friction and thus low heat generation in the bearing itself are the most suitable for high-speed operation. Generally speaking, ball bearings are preferred for high speed. The following graphs gives guidelines on the attainable speeds from different bearing designs and executions with grease and oil lubrication ( Diagrams 1 and 2 page 24).
Table Bearing arrangement Rear side Rigidity index Radial
Tool side
Axial
Relative stiffness of spindles equipped with different bearing arrangements
NN 30 KTN NN 30 KTN NN 30 KTN N 10 KTN N 10 KTN N 10 KTNHA NN 30 KTN 719 CD/DBA NN 30 KTN 70 CD/DBA 70 CD/DBA N 10 KTNHA 70 CE/HCDT 70 CD/DBA 719 CE/HCDBA 70 CE/DT N 10 KTNHA 719 CE/DBA 70 CD/HCDBA N 10 KTNHA/HC5 70 CE/DBA N 10 KTNHA 719 CE/DBA 70 CE/DBA N 10 KTNHA
2344(00) + NN 30 KTN BTM B + NN 30 KTN BTM A + NN 30 KTN BTM A + NN 30 KTN 70 CD/QBCB 719 CE QBCB 719 ACD/TBTB 719 ACD/TBTB 70 CD/TBTB 70 CD/TBTB 70 ACD/TBTB 70 CE QBCB 70 CE/HCDT 70 ACD/DBB 719 ACE/HCTBTA 70 CD/DT 70 CE/DBB 719 ACE/TBTA 70 ACE/HCDBA 70 ACE/HCDBA 70 ACE/TBTA 719 ACE/DBA 719 ACE/DBA 70 ACE/DBA 70 ACE/DBA
100 100 100 98 76 74 67 67 67 67 63 63 55 54 49 49 47 40 39 38 37 36 36 34 34
100 67 44 44 45 34 75 75 36 36 74 30 33 48 48 30 16 42 28 28 41 26 26 25 25
Diagram
Bearing design 70-719 CE/HC 70-719 CE 70-719 ACE/HC N 10 KTNHA/HC5 70-719 ACE 70-72-719 CD/HC and CX/HC 70-72-719 CD and CX N 10 KTNHA 70-72-719 ACD/HC and ACX/HC NN 30 KTNHA/HC5 70-72-719 ACD and ACX BTM A/HC NN 30 KTNHA N 10 K N 10 K/HC5 NN 30 K/HC5 NN 30 K BTM A BTM B/HC BTM B 2344(00) 0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4
Speed guidelines for different bearing designs Oil spot lubrication
The table above specifies the relative stiffness, calculated on a real spindle design having 100 mm shaft diameter at the tool side and 90 mm shaft diameter at the rear side. It must be taken into account that the shaft length (i.e. the distance from the first and last bearing centres) has an important influence on actual rigidity, while axial stiffness may be influenced by the actual preload in operation
Catalogue speed Field experience Special designs
Speed factor, n dm ( 106)
22
23

However, the primary parameter that sets the actual limit for the operating speed in bearing systems is the maximum permissible temperature for safeguarding the lubricant life and the complete systems thermal stability. The operating temperature of the system depends on a number of factors, and bearings are only one consideration. To obtain thermal stability it is always necessary that Wg = Wd = Wn + Wc where Wg is the generated heat in the system and Wd is the heat dissipated by the system, which comes partly from natural dissipation, Wn, and partly is obtained by forced cooling, Wc. In many cases where no cooling acts on the system, Wc = 0. Wg is the result of several factors such as the temperature of the environment, the heat generated by motors, electrical losses, friction in the bearings, friction of the lubricant, etc. The heat generated by the bearings themselves has many causes, i.e. the bearings internal design, the material of the rings and rolling elements, the type of lubrication, the loads acting on the bearings (including preloading) etc. When Wn is insufficient to stabilise the system temperature to the desired value, it is necessary to modify the design of the system to reduce Wg. If this is not possible, a cooling system must be introduced to re-establish the thermal equilibrium. This can be done by air-cooling the entire system, by using chilled air in the oil spot lubrication system, or by using the oil jet method, making the oil the vehicle for heat, transfer from the system to another area.
Speed ratings
The speed ratings quoted in the product tables are guideline values and are valid, provided that the bearings are lightly loaded, that they are lightly preloaded and that the transport of heat away from the bearing position is good. The values under oil spot lubrication are maximum values and should be reduced for other methods of oil lubrication, other than those involving minimum oil quantities are applied, or where additional cooling is not
provided. A 0,3 0,4 reduction factor should be considered with oil bath, while a 0,95 factor should be considered for oil mist lubrication. Conversely, oil jet might allow higher speeds than those given for oil spot, but it depends very much on oil type, oil supply rate, oil inlet temperature, oil drainage efficiency, etc. Please consult the SKF application engineering service for details. The values under grease lubrication are maximum values that can be attained using a good quality grease of soft consistency.
Table Bearing Rear side arrangement1) Work side 2344 + NN 30 KTN BTM B + NN 30 KTN BTM A + NN 30 KTN BTM A + NN 30 KTN 70 CD QBCB 719 CE QBCB 719 ACD/TBTB 719 ACD/TBTB 70 CD/TBTB 70 CD/TBTB 70 ACD/TBTB 70 CE QBCB 70 CE/HCDT 70 ACD/DBB 719 ACE/HCTBTA 70 CD/DT 70 CE/DBB 719 ACE/TBTA 70 ACE/HCDBA 70 ACE/HCDBA 70 ACE/TBTA 719 ACE/DBA 719 ACE/DBA 70 ACE/DBA 70 ACE/DBA Speed index Oil Grease
Relative speed capability of bearing systems for machine tool spindles equipped with different bearing arrangements
Diagram
Bearing design 70-719 CE/HC 70-719 CE 70-719 ACE/HC N 10 KTNHA/HC5 70-719 ACE 70-72-719 CD/HC and CX/HC 70-72-719 CD and CX N 10 KTNHA 70-72-719 ACD/HC and ACX/HC NN 30 KTNHA/HC5 70-72-719 ACD and ACX BTM A/HC NN 30 KTNHA N 10 K N 10 K/HC5 NN 30 K/HC5 NN 30 K BTM A BTM B/HC BTM B 2344(00) 0 Catalogue speed Field experience 0,5 1 1,5 2
Speed guidelines for different bearing designs Grease lubrication
NN 30 KTN NN 30 KTN NN 30 KTN N 10 KTNHA N 10 KTNHA N 10 KTNHA NN 30 KTN 719 CD/DBA NN 30 KTN 70 CD/DBA 70 CD/DBA N 10 KTNHA 70 CE/HCDT 70 CD/DBA 719 CE/HCDBA 70 CE/DT N 10 KTNHA 719 CE/DBA 70 CD/HCDBA N 10 KTNHA/HC5 70 CE/DBA N 10 KTNHA 719 CE/DBA 70 CE/DBA N 10 KTNHA
84 100 100 100 102 107 100 118 100 124 110 88 312 140 225 262 176 190 240 240 173 213 220 200 200
70 84 89 89 60 64 70 70 73 73 66 56 204 84 144 180 120 121 150 150 112 140 140 130 130
Speed factor, n dm ( 106)
1)
Reference size: work size bearings 80 mm bore diameter; rear side bearings 70 mm bore diameter
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25
Speed capability of bearing systems

When designing a spindle, a bearing system will be used. The system may be composed of various bearing arrangements, normally a set of bearings at the work side, and another set at the drive side (rear end). The spindle speed must be evaluated on
the most critical bearing set, normally the one at the tool side, which is bigger in bore diameter, forcing it towards high values of the speed factor n dm. Table 1 page 25 provides a comparison of possible choices in this respect. A comparison of temperature rise versus speed for grease-lubricated spindles based on actual field results is shown in Diagram 3 .
Bearing data general

Dimension
High-precision bearings, similarly to rolling bearings in general, are manufactured with very few exceptions, according to Dimension Plans for the boundary dimensions issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). More precisely, boundary dimensions follow the ISO Dimension Plan for radial bearings ISO15: 1998, where a progressive series of standardised outside diameters (Diameter Series 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2 etc., in order of increasing outside diameter), are set for every standard bore diameter. Within each Diameter Series different Width Series are also established (Width Series 8, 0, 1, 2, 3 etc., in order of increasing width). The Width Series for radial bearings correspond to the Height Series for thrust bearings (Height Series 7, 9, 1 and 2 in order of increasing height). By combining a Diameter Series with a Width or Height Series, Dimension Series, designated by two figures, are arrived at. The first figure identifies the Width Series and the second the Diameter Series. The bearings in this catalogue comply with the ISO Dimension Plans, with the exception of double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings and single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings belonging to metric series, whose boundary dimensions are not standardised, but recognised by the market and used by the manufacturers as such.
Temperature rise from existing applications Grease lubrication

Diagram 3
Temperature rise above ambient, C 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0,25 0,3 0,41 0,49 0,57 0,66 0,74 0,82 0,99 1,15 1,2 1,35 1,45 1,57 1,62
Speed factor, n dm ( 106) 70 CD/DBA 719 CD/QBCA 70 CD/TBTA NN 30 70 CE/HCDBA BTM 100 A/DB 70 CE/HC Spring 2344..
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Tolerances
Tolerance classes for bearings are internationally standardised. Depending on the bearing type, SKF High-precision bearings are manufactured to the following tolerances ( Table 1 ). Actual tolerance values are equal to or better than those specified by the following international standards: G ISO 199:1997 Rolling bearings-Thrust bearingsTolerances G ISO 492:2002 Rolling bearings-Radial bearingsTolerances G ANSI/ABMA Std. 20-1996 Radial bearings of ball, cylindrical roller and spherical roller types, Metric design G DIN 620-2:1999 Rolling bearings-Tolerances for radial bearings G DIN 620-3:1982 Rolling bearings-Tolerances for thrust bearings
Tolerance symbols Following are explanations for the symbols used in the tolerance tables: Symbol Definition d Nominal bore diameter dmp Mean bore diameter, arithmetical mean of the largest and smallest single bore diameters in one plane ds Single diameter of bore dmp Deviation of the mean bore diameter from the nominal d2mp Deviation of the mean bore diameter at large end of tapered bore (for cylindrical roller bearings), arithmetical mean of the largest and smallest single bore diameters at distance a d3mp Deviation of the mean bore diameter at small end of tapered bore (for cylindrical roller bearings), arithmetical mean of the largest and smallest single bore diameters at distance a
ds Vdp
Vdmp
D Dmp
Ds Dmp Ds VDp
VDmp
Bs, Cs Cs
High-precision bearing tolerance classes
Table Radial angular contact ball bearings Radial cylindrical roller bearings Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings (ball screw support bearings) Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings series 2344(00) Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings series BTM A and BTM B P4A and PA9A SP and UP P4 SP and UP P4C 1
B1s, C1s Bs, Cs Cs
Deviation of a single bore diameter from the nominal Bore diameter variation; difference between the largest and smallest single bore diameters in one plane Mean bore diameter variation; difference between the largest and smallest mean bore diameters of one ring Nominal outside diameter Mean outside diameter, arithmetical mean of the largest and smallest single outside diameters in one plane Single diameter of outside cylindrical surface Deviation of the mean outside diameter from the nominal Deviation of single outside diameter from the nominal Outside diameter variation; difference between the largest and smallest single outside diameters in one plane Mean outside diameter variation; difference between the largest and smallest mean outside diameters of one ring Single width of inner ring and outer ring, respectively Single height (width) of housing washer (For bearing series 2344(00)) Single width of inner ring and outer ring, respectively, of bearings made for paired mounting Deviation of single inner ring width or single outer ring width from the nominal Deviation of single housing washer height (width) from the nominal
B1s, C1s
VBs, VCs
Kia, Kea Sd SD
Sia, Sea
Si, Se
Ts Ts
Deviation of single inner ring width or single outer ring width from the nominal of a bearing specially manufactured for paired mounting Ring width variation; difference between the largest and smallest single width of inner ring and outer ring, respectively, Radial runout of assembled bearing inner ring and assembled bearing outer ring, respectively Side face runout with reference to bore (of inner ring) Outside inclination variation; variation in inclination of outside cylindrical surface to outer sideface Side face runout with reference to raceway of assembled bearing inner ring and assembled bearing outer ring respectively Thickness variation, measured from middle of raceway to back (seating face) of shaft washer and housing washer, respectively Single height of thrust bearing Deviation of single height of thrust bearing from the nominal
Limits of chamfer dimensions To prevent the improper dimensioning of associated components for rolling bearings and to facilitate the calculation of retaining ring location arrangements, minimum values for the chamfer dimensions in the radial direction (r1, r3) and the axial direction (r2, r4) are given in the product tables These values conform to ISO 582:1995 for metric bearings with series designations. Maximum values associated with these minimum chamfer dimensions are found in the standards
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29
Bearing internal clearance or preload

All bearings, are designed in a way to get, in unfitted conditions, a certain amount of internal clearance that can be radial or axial, depending on the direction one of the rings can be moved, with respect to the other. This clearance value, fixed at the design stage, nevertheless, is reduced after mounting; because of the fitting conditions (interference) the bearing is subjected to and/or because of the thermal expansion or compression of the rings. Thus, operational clearance is the key parameter for a correct bearing operation. To ensure maximum running accuracy and rigidity of the system, bearings used in machine tool spindles should have a minimum radial internal clearance or a preload after mounting. This is most valid for angular contact ball bearing sets, which are prepared at a certain step of the manufacturing process, in a way, that after fitting them on the shaft, the required preload is obtained.
Similarly, double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings are set up, in a way, to get a fixed static preload after mounting on the shaft. Conversely, cylindrical roller bearings are supplied with radial clearance according to different possible classes. Depending on the speed operations, and on the thermal expansion or compression of the rings expected, the operational clearance can be set up at the required value, by driving the inner ring of the bearing on its tapered seat. For relatively low speed a certain amount of radial preload can be applied. The clearance values for cylindrical roller bearings and the preload values for matched single row angular contact ball bearings, and single and double row angular contact thrust ball bearings will be found in the relevant tables in the product sections.
Materials for high-precision bearings

The performance and reliability required from high-precision bearings implies the use of adequate materials for rings, rolling elements and cages. Steel for bearing rings and rolling elements The standard SKF steel for high-precision bearings is, according to the usual classification, a high carbon content one (more than 0,5 %). Additional alloying elements such as Chromium, Manganese and Molybdenum are included in the steel composition to obtain the necessary properties in the finished components. By means of the heat treatment and the resulting changes in the microstructure of the steels, the mechanical properties of the components can be addressed to specific requirements. Rings and rolling elements of SKF highprecision bearings are made of typical martensitic through-hardened steel that provide sufficient resistance to sub-surface rolling contact fatigue, sufficient static capacity and structural strength combined with adequate dimensional stability. SKF high-precision bearings can generally be used up to 120C. When operating temperatures exceed this value a special heat treatment (stabilisation) has to be
adopted, so that it is possible to get the required dimensional stability, avoiding changes in dimension that could result in premature bearing failure. In order to significantly improve the resistance to corrosion, the use of nitrogen as an alloying element has been introduced in a newly developed bearing steel. Nitrogen leads to precipitation of chromium nitrides rather than chromium carbides, enabling a much higher content of chromium to be dissolved in the steel matrix, resulting in a better resistance to oxidation, and in a longer service life of the bearings. It is advisable to contact SKF regarding the selection and application of nitrogen steel bearings. Ceramic materials for rolling elements Within the various ceramic materials, the hot isostatic pressed silicon nitride identified with the chemical formula Si3N4 is commonly used for rolling elements, in both balls and rollers. Silicon nitride is hard and its main properties are high modulus of elasticity, low density and thermal expansion. The modulus of elasticity of silicon nitride is some 50 % higher than for steel. This means that a ceramic rolling element under load does not distort to the same extent, and in turn, the contact between rolling elements and rings is smaller. So there is less friction.
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31

The density of silicon nitride rolling elements is 60 % lower than that of steel of the same size. This leads to considerably reduced centrifugal loads and consequently reduced stresses. Furthermore, for angular contact ball bearings, the lower density has a beneficial effect on contact angle variation at high speeds, leading to reduced ball sliding and consequently to reduced friction. The thermal expansion of silicon nitride is less than 30 % that of steel and this, in cases, where the difference in temperature between inner ring (usually warmer than outer ring) and outer ring is not negligible, reduces the clearance reduction and/or preload increase, hence reducing the risk of drastic failure. A comparison of the physical properties of silicon nitride Si3N4 and bearing steel is shown in Table 2 . Bearings assembled with steel rings and ceramic rolling elements are commonly called hybrids. Compared to standard all-steel bearings they can run at higher speeds with a certain temperature increase, or at the same speeds with a lower temperature increase. They have also a greater rigidity, both under dynamic and static conditions. They are less sensitive to temperature differences between the rings, and the preload increase is smaller than for normal bearings. The low coefficient of friction of silicon nitride enhances their wear resistance and enables them to run cooler under poor lubrication conditions. Moreover, silicon nitride is hard, tough and strong and these properties combined with a better surface finish give better resistance to damage from particles and impurities that may enter the bearing. Material for cages The main purpose of the cage is to keep the rolling elements at an appropriate distance from each other and to prevent immediate contact between two neighbouring rolling elements, in order to keep friction and consequently heat generation at a minimum. Materials and the shape of cages for high-precision bearings have been developed parallel to the development of the bearings and to the requirements they have to satisfy. High-precision bearing cages are mechanically stressed by frictional strain and inertia forces. They might also be subjected to chemical action of certain lubricants. Thus, the design and choice of material are of paramount importance for the performance of the cage, as well as for the operational reliability of the bearing as a whole. For each of the bearings shown in the product tables one particular cage design is established as the standard cage for that bearing. The standard cage is always well proven in service and is the design considered most suitable for the majority of applications. In the introductory text to each table section information is provided regarding the standard cages bearings are fitted with and also the possible alternatives. Machined outer ring land-riding fabric-reinforced phenolic resin cages are used for most of the angular contact ball bearings. This material is lightweight resulting in minimal centrifugal forces and having the capability of retaining part of the lubricant, ensuring optimum lubrication. Fabricreinforced phenolic resin cages should not be used at temperatures exceeding 120C. Moulded glass fibre reinforced polyamide cages are normally fitted in cylindrical roller bearings and single and double row angular contact thrust ball bearings. This material is characterised by a favourable combination of strength and elasticity. The good sliding properties of the polyamide on lubricated steel surfaces and the smoothness of the cage surface in contact with the rolling elements results in little friction from the cage, with minimum heat generation and wear in the bearing. They can be used for operating temperatures not exceeding 120C. When higher speeds or better performances need to be reached, as in the case of angular contact ball bearings or single row cylindrical roller bearings, glass fibre reinforced PEEK (poly-ether-etherketone) cages are chosen. The injection moulding process used to produce these cages allows functionally suitable designs to be realised. Moreover, PEEK offers a better stability and rigidity than polyamide. For lower speeds and higher loads, as in the case of large size double row cylindrical roller bearings or double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings, machined brass cages generally centred on the rolling elements are selected. For special applications, where high temperatures or poor lubrication are involved, silver-plated steel or brass cages can represent the optimal solution.
Properties of silicon nitride and bearing steel

Table Property Unit Silicon nitride Si3N4 3,2 Bearing steel, hardened 2
Density, Coefficient of thermal expansion 20 1 000 C 20 300 C Modulus of elasticity, E Poissons ratio Hardness HV10 Tensile strength 20 C 1 000 C Fracture toughness, KIC Thermal conductivity Specific electrical resistivity
g/cm3 106/K
7,9
3,2 11,5 GPa kg/mm2 MPa 800 800 MPa.m1/2 W/mK m 7 30 40 1012 2 400 0 25 40 50 0,4 106 310 0,26 1 600 210 0,3 700
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Application of bearings
Bearing arrangements
General The classic application field for highprecision bearings is machine tools spindles, which may have different requirements depending on the working operations they are designed for. Generally, lathe spindles are used to cut metals at rather low speeds and in combination with relatively large cutting loads. Such types of spindles usually have the driving torque transmitted through a pulley or toothed gears. This means that loads at the rear side of the shaft are also rather heavy. For such applications, the requirements in terms of speed are not so tough; the more important parameters are rigidity and load carrying capacity. It is quite common to have, at the front side of the spindle, a double row cylindrical roller bearing in combination with a double row angular contact thrust ball bearing, while having a double row cylindrical roller bearing at the rear end of the shaft. This type of arrangement ensures a long calculated life and an excellent rigidity, so that a good quality of the workpiece is obtained. Also, from a kinematic point of view, the bearings run in a stable way, as there are two types of bearing (radial and axial) that carry independently, the loads applied on the shaft (in fact, to avoid that angular contact thrust ball bearings carry radial loads, the outer ring outside diameter has a special tolerance so that it is never in contact with the housing). When designing these types of spindles (this applies in general when rather heavy loads are involved) a good rule of thumb concerning the position of the bearings along the shaft, is to have the distance between the centre of the front and rear support in the range of 3 3,5 times the bearing inner diameter. When higher speeds are requested (i.e. high-speed machining centre or internal grinding) different bearing solutions need to be found. Obviously, in such cases something has to be paid in terms of rigidity, as well as carrying capacity. High-speed applications usually have direct-driven spindles driven by direct coupling and/or
electrical motors (i.e. the so called motorised spindles). There are no loads due to transmission of power and consequently single row angular contact ball bearings paired in sets or single (for extremely high speed) and single row cylindrical roller bearings are frequently adopted, if enhanced performances are required, equipped with silicon nitride rolling elements. The front side bearing set is axially located, whilst mounting a cylindrical roller bearing at the rear side permits axial displacement, due to spindle elongation. When very high speeds are involved (n dm factor over 2 million) it is quite common to see angular contact ball bearings on both sides, preloaded by springs. This is done to control the heat generation. If sets of angular contact ball bearings arranged in a constant position are chosen, preload would increase with the speed, and at high speed produce an amount of heat which is not sustainable. Conversely, spring preload remains constant with the speed, thus ensuring a more correct kinematic behaviour and a limited amount of heat generation. An even better solution is represented by the possibility to preload the bearings (angular contact) by a hydraulic system. In such a case, the amount of preload can be adjusted according to the speed of the spindle, thus reaching the best possible combination among rigidity, heat generation and theoretical life of the bearings.
Radial location of bearings

General In order to work properly, bearings must have their rings or washers fully supported around their complete circumference and across the whole width of the raceway. The support must be firm and even, and can be provided by a cylindrical or tapered seating or, for thrust bearing washers, by a flat (plane) support surface. This means that the seatings must be made with adequate accuracy and that their surface should be uninterrupted by grooves, holes or other features. This is particularly important with high-precision bearings since they have relatively thin-walled rings, which adapt themselves to the form of the shaft or housing bore. In addition, the bearing rings must be reliably secured to prevent them from turning on or in their seatings under load. A satisfactory radial location and an adequate support can generally be obtained when the rings are mounted with an appropriate degree of interference. Inadequately or incorrectly secured bearing rings generally cause damage to the bearings and associated components. However, when easy mounting and dismounting are desirable, or when axial displacement is required with a non-locating bearing, an interference fit cannot be used. In certain cases where a loose fit is employed it is necessary to take special precautions to limit the inevitable wear, for example, surface hardening of the seating and abutments.
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35
Application examples
Spindle arrangements for heavy machining, CNC lathes and conventional milling machines ( figs 1 , 2 and 3 ).
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 ACD/P4ATBT; drive side NN 30 K
Fig 2
Bearing arrangement work side: NN 30 K + 2344(00); drive side NN 30 K

Fig 1
Bearing arrangement work side: N 10 KTN + BTM-A/HC; rear side N 10 KTN

Fig 3
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37

Spindle arrangements for great rigidity and high speed machining centres, high speed turning centres and high speed milling ( figs 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 ).
1
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CE/HCP4ADB; rear side N 10 KTN
Fig 4
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CE/HCP4AQBC; rear side 70 CE/HCP4A

Fig 6
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CD/P4AQBC; rear side 70 CD/P4A

Fig 5
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CD/P4ADB; rear side N 10 KTN

Fig 7
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39

Spindle arrangements for maximum speed, internal grinding machines ( figs 8 and 9 ).
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CE/HCP4A; rear side 70 CE/HCP4A
Fig 8
Bearing arrangement for live centres ( fig 10 ).
Bearing arrangement work side: NN 30 K ; rear side 72 ACD/P4AQBT

Fig 10
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CD/HCP4ADT; rear side 70 CD/HCP4ADT

Fig 9
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41

Recommended fits Appropriate shaft and housing tolerances for high-precision bearings are shown in Tables 1 and 2 . However, in the specific case of spindle applications with normal load and speed conditions, the interference/ clearance fit between bearings, shaft and housing shown in Tables 3 and 4 page 44 are recommended. The table of housing tolerance recommendations also gives information as to whether the outer ring can be axially displaced in the housing bore. For extreme conditions, such as very high speed or exceptional loading, please consult SKF application engineering services.
Table Bearing type Operating conditions Tolerance Bearings of tolerance class P4A, SP, P4C PA9A, UP 2
Non-locating bearings, displacement of outer ring desired Locating bearings, displacement of outer ring not required Rotating outer ring load
H51) JS5 M5
H41) JS4 M4
Cylindrical roller bearings
Normal and light loads Heavy loads, rotating outer ring loads
K5 M5
K4 M4
Angular contact thrust ball bearings Single direction Double direction2)
H5 K5
K4
1) 2)
The upper half of the recommended tolerance range should be used, especially when important drive loads (belts, gears) are acting at the spindle drive side The 2344(00) and BTM series bearings are mounted with radial clearance in the same housing bore seating as the appropriate cylindrical roller bearing. Fits tighter than those recommended should never be used even if they are required for cylindrical roller bearings
Fits for steel shafts (solid and hollow)

Table Bearing type Shaft diameter over mm incl. mm Tolerance Bearings of tolerance class P4A, SP, P4C PA9A, UP 1
Fits for cast iron and steel housings
Angular contact ball bearings with rotating outer ring load with rotating inner ring load Cylindrical roller bearings with cylindrical bore
240 240
h4 js4
h3 js3
Preferred fits on the shafts

Table Bearing type Bearing bore over incl. mm mm Interference 3
40 140 200
40 140 200 240
js4 k4 m5 n5
Angular contact thrust ball bearings Single direction Double direction
Angular contact ball bearings 130 200 h4 h4 h3
50 80 120 150
50 80 120 150 200
02 13 14 25 26
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43

Table Bearing type Outside diameter over mm incl. mm Recommended clearance for bearings axially located free (non-located) m 4
50 120 150
50 120 150 250
02 03 04 05
58 6 10 8 12 10 15
Tolerances for shaft and housing Appropriate shaft and housing tolerances for high-precision bearings will be found in the Table 5 page 46 : ISO shaft limits and Table 6 page 47 : ISO housing limits. The positioning of tolerance zones given in the tables, in relation to the nominal bore and outside diameter of the bearings is shown in Diagram 1 .
Specific recommendations for single direction angular contact thrust ball bearing seatings are given in the relevant bearing section.
Bearing type
Outside diameter over mm incl. mm
Recommended interference
ISO shaft and housing limits, position of the tolerance zones

Cylindrical roller bearings 460 02 Diagram 1
Preferred fits in the housings
h4 h3 js3 js4 js5 js6 k4 k5 m5 n5 H5 H4 JS4 JS5 K4 K5 M4 M5
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Table Shaft diameter Nominal over incl. mm Tolerances h4 Deviations high low m +1,25 +1,5 +2 +2 +2,5 +3 +4 +5 +6 +2 +2,5 +3 +3,5 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +3 +4 +4,5 +5,5 +6,5 +7,5 +9 +10 +11,5 5 Housing bore diameter Nominal over incl. mm Tolerances H5 Deviations high low m +9 +11 +13 +15 +18 +20 +23 +25 +27 +6 +7 +8 +10 +12 +14 +16 +18 +20 +3 +3,5 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10 +4,5 +5,5 +6,5 +7,5 +9 +10 +11,5 +12,5 +13,5 Table 6
1
H4 high low JS4 high low JS5 high low
h3 high low
js3 high low
js4 high low
js5 high low
6 10 18 30 50 80 120 180 250
10 18 30 50 80 120 180 250 315
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2,5 3 4 4 5 6 8 10 12
1,25 1,5 2 2 2,5 3 4 5 6
2 2,5 3 3,5 4 5 6 7 8
3 4 4,5 5,5 6,5 7,5 9 10 11,5
18 30 50 80 120 180 250 315 400
30 50 80 120 180 250 315 400 500
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3,5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4,5 5,5 6,5 7,5 9 10 11,5 12,5 13,5
Shaft diameter Nominal over incl. mm
Tolerances js6 Deviations high low m +4,5 +5,5 +6,5 +8 +9,5 +11 +12,5 +14,5 +16
k4 high low
k5 high low
m5 high low
n5 high low
Housing bore diameter Nominal over incl. mm
Tolerances K4 Deviations high low m
K5 high low
M4 high low
M5 high low
6 10 18 30 50 80 120 180 250
10 18 30 50 80 120 180 250 315
4,5 5,5 6,5 8 9,5 11 12,5 14,5 16
+5 +6 +8 +9 +10 +13 +15 +18 +20
+1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +4 +4
+7 +9 +11 +13 +15 +18 +21 +24 +27
+1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +4 +4
+12 +15 +17 +20 +24 +28 +33 +37 +43
+6 +7 +8 +9 +11 +13 +15 +17 +20
+16 +20 +24 +28 +33 +38 +45 +51 +57
+10 +12 +15 +17 +20 +23 +27 +31 +34
18 30 50 80 120 180 250 315 400
30 50 80 120 180 250 315 400 500
0 +1 +1 +1 +1 0 0 +1 0
6 6 7 9 11 14 16 17 20
+1 +2 +3 +2 +3 +2 +3 +3 +2
8 9 10 13 15 18 20 22 25
6 6 8 9 11 13 16 16 18
12 13 16 19 23 27 32 34 38
5 5 6 8 9 11 13 14 16
14 16 19 23 27 31 36 39 43
ISO shaft limits
ISO housing limits
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47

Accuracy of associated components Maximum running accuracy, high speeds and low operating temperatures can only be achieved, even with precision bearings, if the mating parts and other associated components are made with equal precision. Deviations from geometric form must therefore be kept as small as possible where the mating parts are concerned. The rings of the bearings shown in this catalogue are relatively thin-walled, so they will adapt themselves to the form of the shaft or housing bore. Any errors of form or other inaccuracies of the shaft and housing bore seating will thus be transmitted to the raceways of the bearing rings. Angular misalignment of one bearing ring in relation to the other can cause high operating temperatures; the axial support surfaces for the faces of the bearing rings must therefore, be precisely machined. This is particularly important where high-speed operation is intended. Consequently, an important prerequisite to achieving highly accurate bearing arrangements is that the recommendations, concerning accuracy of form and position, as well as surface finish, are adhered to when machining the mating parts ( figs 11 and 12 ). Limits for tolerance grades and roughness classes can be found in Tables 7 and 8 page 50.
Fig 11
Accuracy of form for housings 1)
t3
AB
DA
DB
t t1
t 4 /300
1)
t 4 /300
The housing form tolerances, symbols and reference surfaces are in accordance with ISO 1101
Fig 12
Accuracy of form for shafts 1)
t A t t1 t2 B B
dA
dB
t3 t 4 /300
1)
AB t 4 /300 A
The shaft tolerances, symbols and reference surfaces are in accordance with ISO 1101
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49

Table Tolerance parameter Shaft Tolerance class P4A, SP, P4C t t1 t2 t3 t4 IT2/2 IT2/2 IT3/2 IT1 IT4 Housings Tolerance class P4A, SP, P4C IT2/2 IT2/2 IT1 IT4 7
Tolerance grades appropriate to spindle bearings
Axial location of bearings

General An interference fit alone, is inadequate for the axial location of a bearing ring. As a rule, therefore, some suitable means of axially securing the ring is needed. Both rings of locating bearings should be axially secured at both sides. For non-locating bearings, on the other hand, where they are of a non-separable design, it is sufficient if the ring having the tighter fit usually the inner ring is axially secured; the other ring must be free to move axially with respect to its seating. In machine tool applications, usually, the work side bearings ensure the shaft location to support the axial load transmission from the shaft to the housing. Generally, then, work side bearings are axially located, while rear side supports are axially free.
PA9A, UP IT1/2 IT1/2 IT2/2 IT0 IT3
PA9A, UP IT1/2 IT1/2 IT0 IT3
Circularity Cylindricity Angularity Runout Coaxiality
Roughness1) d, D over incl. 80 250 80 250 N4 N5 N6 N3 N4 N5 N5 N6 N7 N4 N5 N6
Stepped sleeves Stepped sleeves may be used to axially lock bearings or other precision components on a shaft. Compared to threaded locking nuts, stepped sleeves ensure a superior accuracy, provided they are manufactured to a high degree of accuracy. Conversely, stepped sleeves are expensive to manufacture, have to be designed properly, and require proper mounting procedure. Stepped sleeves are generally used in very high-speed spindles, where the accuracy granted by conventional locking devices may not be sufficient. Stepped sleeves are not standardised and can be designed in many different ways to suit the spindle design.
1)
For surface roughness Ra see Table 8 ; roughness classes N to ISO 1302
Limits for tolerance grades, surface roughness class values 1)

Table 8
Diameter Nominal over incl. mm
Tolerance grades
Surface roughness class IT2 IT3 IT4 IT5
Roughness
IT0 m
IT1
Ra m
6 10 18 30 50 80 120 180 250 315 400
10 18 30 50 80 120 180 250 315 400 500
0,6 0,8 1 1 1,2 1,5 2 3 4 5 6
1 1,2 1,5 1,5 2 2,5 3,5 4,5 6 7 8
1,5 2 2,5 2,5 3 4 5 7 8 9 10
2,5 3 4 4 5 6 8 10 12 13 15
4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
6 8 9 11 13 15 18 20 23 25 27
N3 N4 N5 N6 N7
0,1 0,2 0,4 0,8 1,6
Methods of location Bearing rings having an interference fit are generally mounted so that the ring abuts a shoulder on the shaft or in the housing at one side. At the opposite side, inner rings are normally secured using a lock nut (of series KMT or KMTA). Outer rings are usually retained by a housing end cover. Instead of integral shaft or housing shoulders, it is frequently more convenient to use spacer sleeves or collars between the bearing rings or between a bearing ring and an adjacent component, e.g. a gear. Other methods of axial location which are suitable, above all, for high precision bearing arrangements involve the use of press fits, e.g. in the form of stepped sleeve arrangements. Bearings with tapered bore mounted directly on tapered journals are generally retained by a lock nut on the shaft.
1)
Surface roughness in Ra to DIN 7184; roughness classes N to ISO 1302
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Bearing preload
Depending on the application, it is necessary to have a positive, or a negative operational clearance in a bearing arrangement. In the majority of highprecision bearing applications a negative operational clearance i.e. a preload is desirable in order to enhance the stiffness of the bearing arrangement, or to increase the running accuracy. The application of a preload is also recommended where bearings are to operate without load, or under very light load and at high speeds. In such cases the preload serves to guarantee a minimum load on the bearing and thus prevents bearing damage resulting from sliding movements. Types of preload Depending on the type of bearing the preload may be either radial or axial. Cylindrical roller bearings can only be radially preloaded and thrust ball bearings can only be axially preloaded. Single row angular contact ball bearings that are
normally subjected to axial preload, are generally mounted together, with a second bearing of the same type in a back-to-back or face-to-face arrangement. The distance between the pressure centres of two angular contact ball bearings is longer when the bearings are arranged back-to-back and shorter when they are arranged face-to-face. This means that the bearings arranged back-to-back can accommodate large tilting moments even if the distance between bearing centres is relatively short. Reasons for bearing preload The main reasons of bearing preload are: G enhance stiffness G reduce running noise G enhance the accuracy of shaft guidance G compensate for wear and settling (bedding down) processes in operation G give a long service life. It is easy to understand that preloading bearings have a very positive effect for machine tool spindles.
Adjustment procedures ( fig 13 ) Single row angular contact ball bearings are generally adjusted against each other by axial displacement of the inner or outer rings until a certain preload (or a certain clearance) is obtained in the bearing arrangement, (a). Single row angular contact ball bearings that are mounted in sets, (b) and (c), are matched in production so that when they are mounted immediately adjacent to each other, predetermined values of preload are obtained. Cylindrical roller bearings with tapered bore are preloaded by driving the inner ring up on to its tapered seating, (d) and (e); see also mounting instructions from page 79.
With regard to double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings, the spacer sleeve arranged between the shaft washers is dimensioned so that a suitable preload will be obtained once the bearing has been mounted, (f). For high speed bearing arrangements incorporating angular contact ball bearings it is customary to axially preload the bearings by means of springs, (g). This way it is possible to maintain a constant preload in the bearing arrangement throughout the whole range of operating conditions. Specific information concerning preload values is given in the relevant bearing section.
Bearing preload - adjustment procedures

Fig 13
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
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Preloading by springs The simplest method of applying preload is by springs or spring package ( fig 14 ). The spring acts on the outer ring of the bearings that are able to be axially displaced. The preload force remains practically constant even when there is axial displacement of the bearing as a result of thermal expansion. Spring loading is a common method of applying preload to the angular contact ball bearings of high speed grinding spindles. The method is not suitable, however, for bearing applications where high stiffness is required, where the direction of load changes, or where undefined shock loads can occur. Specific recommendations for preloading by springs are given in the angular contact ball bearing section. External axial loads on preloaded bearing sets Angular contact ball bearing sets, and double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings are matched during manufacture to have a predetermined preload once in operation. External axial load may release bearings not supporting the external load from preload ( Diagram 2 ). When two bearing rows are preloaded against each other, the same force is exchanged between the two rows. Force will induce a certain displacement in each row, . When an external axial load is applied to bearing 1, Ka, deflection of bearing 1 will follow the relevant curve on the abovementioned diagram. At the same time bearing 2 will be subjected to progressively less axial preload which will move from the original static preload value F0 down to the residual force F2. When Ka reaches the value Fb, bearing 2 has no preload left. The force Fb is then the axial external load which releases bearing 2 from preload, the so-called Breakaway load. Breakaway load varies depending on preload. For angular contact ball bearing sets of two bearings matched back-to-back or face-to-face, for series 2344(00) and BTM the relation between breakaway load and preload is shown in Table 9 page 56. It sometimes happens that the external axial load is greater than the breakaway load Fb. This usually occurs when the spindle is cutting with heavy axial forces and rotating at relatively low speed. In such conditions, and if the spindle, while working is not subjected to strong acceleration, no consequences to operation will result. However, to avoid working beyond the breakaway load it is possible to increase the preload of the bearing sets, or if this is not possible, bearing sets with mixed contact angles may be used. For advice on this, please consult the SKF application engineering service.
External axial loads on preloaded bearing sets

Diagram 2
Bearing 1 2
Load
Deflection on bearing 2
Deflection on bearing 1
Fig 14
For an application where extremely high speed is required and moderate stiffness is acceptable, preloading should be done through calibrated springs acting against a bearing ring
Fb
Breakaway load
K a = external axial load A F1 C F2 0 Displacement of bearing 2 = 2 F0 = static preload Deflection
Displacement of bearing 1 = 1
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Preload for customised needs As it is mentioned above, high-precision angular contact ball bearing preload is predetermined during manufacture. In certain special cases it might happen that a different preload is required to achieve the best performances. In these cases it is recommended to use spacers between the bearings with different length. All details covering spacers and spacer reworking are shown in the angular contact ball bearing section.
Seals
Bearing positions must be efficiently sealed both outwards and inwards, so that contaminants and damp cannot penetrate, and the lubricant cannot escape, if reliable performance is to be obtained. This is particularly true of bearing arrangements incorporating high-precision bearings where the demands in respect of running accuracy, bearing life and reliability are generally very high. Seals can be of two basic types: noncontacting (non-rubbing) and contacting (rubbing). Contacting seals The following are some examples of contacting seal arrangements ( fig 15 ). Because of the friction, contacting seals will raise the temperature of the system and therefore cannot be considered for the majority of machine tool spindles. Thus, in general, contacting seals are used only where low speeds n dm below 200 000 are involved and the influence of higher
temperature has no important effects on the spindle working conditions. Because of this, non-contacting seals are almost always used for high-precision bearing arrangements. Non-contacting seals Non-contacting seals are the most commonly used arrangements in machine tools applications, despite their being more difficult to manufacture, more expensive and more complex. Some examples of non-contacting seals are shown in figs 16 and 17 page 58. Among the non-contacting seals, labyrinth seals are the most widely used in spindle applications. They make access to bearings and thus contamination difficult, and prevent cutting fluids from entering the bearing area. The main design features of a labyrinth seal, starting from the external side, are: splashguard, narrow gaps, large drainage chamber(s), and if there is adequate room, further gaps and drainage chambers. The splashguard prevents the fluids gaining access directly to the first gap. The gaps
Guidelines for breakaway load calculation

Table Bearing type & arrangement Breakaway load vs static preload 9
Contacting seals, examples of application

Fig 15
Series 70, 72 and 719 CD or ACD, CX or ACX in DB or DF sets Series 70, 72 and 719 CD or ACD, CX or ACX in TBT or TFT sets (where two bearings are supporting the load) 2344(00), BTM A and BTM B series Ball screw support bearings
Fb = 2,8 F0 Fb = 4,2 F0
Fb = 2,85 F0 as for 70, 72 and 719 series
Note: for bearings series or designs not listed above please contact SKF application engineering service
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prevent most of the fluid proceeding further in. The drainage chambers also serve to reduce the velocity of the fluid arising from the rotation of the shaft. In order to avoid pumping effects inward, the labyrinth components should progressively decrease in diameter inwards from the outside. Machining spirals that can direct the fluid inwards should be avoided. If the spindle is designed to rotate in both directions clockwise and counter clockwise spirals have to be avoided. Additional protection is achieved by creating an overpressure inside the spindle. This is the case when oil spot or oil mist lubrication systems are used. Under severe conditions, an air barrier can be created by blowing air into the labyrinth. It is important that the flow is balanced, so that the dominant flow is outwards. An air barrier can provide a reasonably efficient sealing even with a fairly simple labyrinth design. The following is an example of an efficient sealing system. Preventive stages The sealing system can be divided into the following preventive stages ( fig 18 ). 1 Direct access to the labyrinth of fluid washing over the spindle housing is prevented. 2 Splashguard, designed as a labyrinth, together with the housing cover, throws fluids outward. Both the splashguard and the housing cover are provided with one or several annular grooves to direct the fluid. When positioned on a rotating body, the grooves have little influence during rotation. 3 Gap with a height of 0,1 0,2 mm. 4 Groove or grooves on the shaft to direct the fluid under non-rotating conditions.
Non-contacting seals, examples

Fig 16
Labyrinth sealing system, example

Fig 18
3 4 5 7 8 11 12
Fig 17
10
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59

5 Large drainage chamber where the velocity of the fluid is reduced. The chamber should be relatively large as the amount of fluid at this stage can be important. 6 Drainage using a large outlet area around 250 mm2, so that no fluid stays inside the chamber (5). 7 Labyrinths with gap heights of 0,2 0,3 mm. 8 Chamber for fluid retardation. 9 Collector to guide the fluid to the lower side and prevent it from penetrating further. 10 Drainage using an area of 100 150 mm2. 11 Chamber with collector and drainage as in steps (8) (10). Only very little fluid should be present here and a drainage area of around 50 mm2, should be adequate. 12 Gap with a height of about 1 mm to avoid capillary action. This design is rather complex and more costly than conventional labyrinths, however, if the environmental conditions are severe, a very efficient sealing should be considered. The service life of the spindle will otherwise suffer, and downtime and replacement costs can be very high. A sealing system that takes up considerable space axially is favourable, as large drainage areas and collectors can be designed, thus improving sealing efficiency. However, the larger the space taken axially, the longer the overhang from the front bearing and the cutting force position, thus making the spindle radially less rigid. Retaining covers Retaining covers and their securing screws may be a source of deterioration in bearing accuracy. If the wall thickness between the bearing seating and the screw holes is too small, and/or the screws are tightened too hard, the outer ring raceway may be deformed. Bearings of the lightest ISO Dimension Series, 19 may be more seriously affected than the thicker rings of bearings belonging to ISO Dimension Series 10 or above. It may be advantageous to use a large number of small diameter screws. Using only 3 or 4 screws should be avoided as such a small number of tightening points may produce lobes in the housing bore diameter. This can produce changeable friction torque, noise and unstable preload (when angular contact ball bearings are used). For spindles where the design is complex, space is limited, only a few screws can be used and thin-section bearings are used, an FEM (finite element) analysis may be recommended to accurately monitor deformation. In addition, the play between the housing and the front cover should be checked. A guideline value may fall between 10 and 15 m per 100 mm housing bore diameter (or bearing outside diameter) ( fig 19 ).
Checking the play between the housing and the front cover
Fig 19
1015 m/100 mm D
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Lubrication and maintenance

General
The choice of lubricant and lubrication method for a particular application depends primarily on the operating conditions, e.g. permissible temperatures or operating speeds, but may also be dictated by the lubrication of adjacent components (e.g. gear wheels). For an adequate lubricant lm to be formed between the rolling elements and raceways, only a very small amount of lubricant is required. With very small quantities, the hydrodynamic friction losses are small and operating temperatures can be kept down. Such minimal lubricant quantity can reliably be obtained using grease, and this method of lubrication is also becoming popular for spindle bearing arrangements. However, where speeds are very high, the bearings should be lubricated with oil, as the service life of grease is too short under such conditions.
Grease lubrication
Grease lubrication may be used for all bearings shown in this catalogue. The use of grease means that bearing arrangement design can be relatively simple because grease is more easily retained at the bearing position than oil, and it also contributes to sealing the bearing against contaminants and damp. Bear in mind that the grease applied should always be free from contaminants. In most cases a lithium grease with a mineral oil base is suitable for highprecision bearings. Where demands for speed, temperature and service life are high, the use of bearing greases based on synthetic oils, e.g. the SKF grease LGLT 2 which has a diester oil base, have proved benecial. The lubrication of a bearing arrangement with a good quality grease in suitable quantity, permits relatively high speed operation without an excessive rise in temperature, compared with some other methods of lubrication. Grease lubricated bearing arrangements are therefore suitable for a wide speed range.
Grease selection Lithium base greases with a mineral oil base are particularly suitable for the lubrication of rolling bearings and may also be used for high-precision bearings. These greases adhere well to the bearing surfaces and can generally be used in the temperature range 30 to +110 C. This is sufficient for most applications. In cases involving special features (e.g. operating temperature below 50 C or above 100 C, very high or very low bearing speed, bearings subject to heavy load or shock loads, water resistance, compatibility) the following criteria can be adopted. First select consistency and base oil viscosity, check EP additives needed, then check for additional requirements ( Table 1 ). The method of selecting the required oil viscosity is explained in the section Lubrication and maintenance in the SKF General Catalogue or the SKF Interactive Engineering Catalogue. The selection process is based on the elasto-hydrodynamic theory of lubrication (EHL). It is assumed that there is an
abundant supply of oil to the contact to be lubricated (fully ooded inlet conditions). This is usually correct for oil lubrication, but for grease lubrication the situation can be quite different. In most grease lubricated bearings there is only a very minute amount of lubricant available in the actual contact between the rolling element and the raceway. This lubrication mode is called Starved Lubrication. The consequence of this is that with grease lubrication the lubricant lm thickness is often much less than with oil lubrication and a correction has to be made when calculating the grease base oil viscosity. From practical experience the following guidelines can be given. If the calculation leads to a viscosity of more than 500 mm2/s at 40 C, then consider applying a correction factor for base oil viscosity of 0,5 or smaller. Greases with very high base oil viscosities should only be used in very special applications (typically very slowly rotating rolling bearings with continuous lubrication). If the calculated viscosity is lower, do not apply a correction
Consistency selection
Table Consistency Applications 1
NLGI 2 grade NLGI 3 grade
Normal applications Large bearings, vibration, high ambient temperatures, vertical shafts Low ambient temperatures, oscillating applications
NLGI 1 grade
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factor. If the required base oil viscosity is not high (typically below 20 mm2/s at operating temperature), consider multiplying the calculated base oil viscosity by a factor 2. Following from this empirical rule, selection of too high a grease base oil viscosity will impede the lubricants access to the bearing contacts. And with increasing base oil viscosity, oil bleed also reduces. So with a very high base oil viscosity, the lubricant lm actually becomes thinner instead of thicker. Conversely, if the calculated oil viscosity is low, the lubricant lm thickness can be increased by selecting a grease with a higher than calculated base oil viscosity. Greases with EP additives may be used if bearings are subjected to heavy loads (e.g. C/P < 5), shock loads occur frequently, or if frequent start-up and shutdown occurs during the working cycle. Use EP additive lubricants only if necessary. Certain EP additives are not compatible with some cage materials. Please consult the SKF application engineering service for further details. Grease quantities Bearings operating at high speeds, where it is desirable to keep the operating temperature low to ensure long grease life should be lubricated with small quantities of grease. In machine tool applications that mostly run at high speed the quantity should be lower than 30 % of the free space in a bearing. Freshly greased bearings should be run at low speed during a running-in phase so the grease will be evenly distributed within the bearing and excess grease can be ejected. If this running-in phase is neglected, risk of temperature peaking can lead to bearing failure later on. From experience in the eld, the most common lling quantities are about 10 % lling grade. Suggested quantities for high-precision bearings in machine tool applications are given in Table 2 . Pre-greased angular contact ball bearings may be delivered on request with the proper grease type and lling grade. Please consult SKF for availability and technical details.
Table Bearing Grease charge for bearings of series bore diameter 719 CD 70 CD 72 CD 719 CE 70 CE N 10 NN 30 NNU 49 BTM A 2344(00) BSA 2 BSD 719 ACD 70 ACD 72 ACD 719 ACE 70 ACE BTM B BSA 31) 719 CX 70 CX 72 CX 719 ACX 70 ACX 72 ACX mm cm3 2
8 9 10 12 15 17 20 23,8 25 30 35 38,1 40 44,4 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 220 240 260 280
0,04 0,04 0,07 0,08 0,15 0,18 0,21 0,31 0,48 0,54 0,58 0,83 0,9 0,95 1,5 1,7 1,7 2,4 2,5 2,6 3,5 3,7 3,8 5,1 6,8 7,2 11 11 12 18 19 27 28 31
0,05 0,06 0,08 0,09 0,13 0,18 0,3 0,34 0,53 0,66 0,8 1,1 1,2 1,7 1,8 1,9 2,7 2,8 3,7 3,9 5 5,2 5,4 6,8 8,5 9 14 15 18 22 28 37 38 51 67 72
0,12 0,15 0,22 0,3 0,46 0,57 0,83 1,2 1,5 1,8 2,1 2,6 3,3 4,1 4,6 5 6 7,2 9 11 13 16 18 22
0,16 0,18 0,21 0,32 0,49 0,55 0,59 0,85 0,92 0,98 1,6 1,7 1,8 2,5 2,6 2,7 3,6 3,8 3,9 5,3
0,34 0,4 0,57 0,71 0,86 1,1 1,2 1,55 1,65 1,75 2,5 2,7 3,6 3,8 5 5,2 5,5
1,2 1,3 1,5 1,8 2 2,1 2,6 2,8 3,4 3,5 4,1 4,3 4,5 5,3 6,1 6,7
0,9 1,1 1,4 1,7 1,9 2,1 2,6 2,8 3 3,8 4 4,9 5,1 5,9 6,2 6,5 7,6 8,8 9,6 12 17 20 22 29 34 36 42 76 83 140 155
3,2 3,3 4,4 6,4 6,7 8,9
1,9 2,3 2,7 3,2 3,5 4,5 4,8 5,1 6 6,4 7,7 8,1 9,6 10 11 12 14 15 19 27 31 36 43 51 53 57
0,3 0,4 0,6 0,8 1 1,5 2
1 1,4 1,4 1,4 1,8 3,8 3,8 (1,6)2) 5 5 (1,6)2) 5
4,5 7 7,3 9 11 15 19 21 24 30 31 39 62 68 122 128
9,6 12 17 25,5
1) 2)
Values for BSA 3 series are 1,7 times the values of BSA 2 series Values in brackets refer to smaller outside diameter where two different bearings have the same bore diameter (e.g. BSD 4072 C and BSD 4090 C)
Grease charges
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Grease service life Several methods are used to calculate the relubrication interval for grease lubricated bearings. However there are several important factors inuencing the grease life, many of which are difficult to estimate. It is extremely complex to calculate precisely how long the grease can survive in a given application depending on the actual conditions. It is better to talk of grease life estimation, and the following data assists in making the best estimate. The graph ( Diagram 1 and Tables 3 and 4 ) shows the theoretical relubrication interval tf for high-precision bearings in various executions. The angular contact ball bearing curves refer to single bearings, so data for matched sets should be reduced depending on the arrangement as per Table 3 . For hybrid bearings the estimated grease service life can be obtained by multiplying the calculated value for the all-steel bearing by the factor given in Table 4 .
Table Bearing design Preload class Light Medium 3 n dm Heavy millions A Set of 2 Set of 3 Set of 4 More A T C Table 4
0,8 0,7 0,7 0,55 0,65 0,45 Contact SKF
0,55 0,35 0,25
0,5 0,7 1
3 3,5 3 2,8
3 3 3 2,5
Codes: A = Angular Contact Ball Bearings; C = Cylindrical Roller Bearings; T = Angular Contact Thrust Ball Bearings; B = Ball Screw Support Bearings.
Grease relubrication intervals guidelines
Diagram 1
T, BTM series 1 B As A
0,5 As A
1,5
Factors to calculate grease relubrication interval depending on bearing arrangement
Ceramic material effect
Relubrication interval (hours) 100 000 A 15
Guidelines on correction factors for relubrication interval estimation

A 25 10 000
Shaft position correction factor C1 Vertical 0,5 C/P > 20 1 L1 0,37 Low 1 Low 1 40 C >1 Horizontal 1 C/P > 10 0,7 L50 2 Moderate 0,3 Moderate 0,5 55 C >1 Strong 0,1 High 0,3 70 C 1 Very high 0,1 85 C 0,5 100 C 0,25 C/P > 8 0,5 C/P > 5 0,3 C/P > 2 0,2 C/P >1 0,1 Table 5
C N 10
Bearing load correction factor C2
1 000
T&B
Reliability correction factor C3 Air ow-through correction factor C4
C NN 30
Damp & dust correction factor C5 Temperature correction factor C6
100 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,3 0,5 0,7 1 1,5 Speed factor, n dm (millions)
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The basic conditions for which Diagram 1 page 66 has been drawn up are: 1) bearings are mounted on horizontal shafts 2) bearing operating temperature does not exceed 70 C 3) a good quality lithium base grease is used 4) a relubrication interval at the end of which 90 % of the bearings are still reliably lubricated (L10 life). The data from the graphs must then be multiplied by several factors related to the specic application data ( Table 5 page 67). The relubrication interval then becomes Trelub = tf C1 C2 Ci Other conditions such as the presence of water, cutting uids, vibration etc may affect grease life. Machine tool spindles often operate with working conditions that are not constant. If the speed spectrum is known and the lubrication interval for each speed is estimated, a total lubrication interval can be calculated with the following equation: tf tot = 100 (ai/t)
Li soap Ca soap + O + O O O O O + O + O O O O O + O O + + O O + + O + + O O + O + + O O O + O O + O O + + O O O + O + + + O O + O + + O O O O O O + O O O O + O O O O +
Changing the grease type Where an alternative grease is considered for a certain application, its compatibility with the grease currently used should be checked rst. Tables 6 and 7 indicate compatibility of base oil and thickener type. Before applying a new grease, the old one should be completely removed. Also, for a certain period during the early stages of running, regular checks, grease replacement and close monitoring of the bearings need to be made. The above is based on grease composition and is an indication only, so in order to be certain, individual testing may be required. The above procedure does not apply to PTFE thickener or silicone based greases for which bearings should be thoroughly washed (using appropriate solvents) before the new grease is applied. Always check that the new grease is suitable for the application.
Table Mineral oil Ester oil Polyglycol Siliconemethyl + + Siliconephenyl + + + + +
Polyphenylether
Mineral oil Ester oil Polyglycol Silicone-methyl Silicone-phenyl Polyphenylether
+ + + O
+ + + + O
+ +
O O + +
+ = compatible, = incompatible, O = individual testing required
Compatibility of base oil types
Compatibility of thickeners
Table Li soap Ca soap Na soap 7
Li Ca Na Ba Al Clay Polyurea complex complex complex complex complex soap soap soap soap soap
where: tf tot = total lubrication interval ai = part of the total cycle time at speed ni, %; t = lubrication interval at speed ni.
Na soap Li complex soap Ca complex soap Na complex soap Ba complex soap Al complex soap Clay Polyurea
+ = Compatible, = Incompatible, O = Individual testing required
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Running-in of greased bearings A grease-lubricated bearing will initially run with a rather high frictional moment, and if the speed is high, the temperature rise can be considerable and excessive. The high frictional moment is due to churning of the grease, and it takes some time for the excess grease to work its way out of the contact zone and be forced away from the raceways. This can be minimized by applying a small quantity of grease and distributing the grease evenly on both sides of the bearing. Where possible, the adoption of spacers in between two adjacent bearings is also benecial. The time required to stabilize temperature depends on a number of factors the type of grease, the grease charge, how the grease is applied to the bearings, the bearing type and internal design, and the running-in procedure. When properly run-in, the bearings work with minimal lubricant, giving the lowest frictional moment and temperature. The grease remaining at the sides of the raceways will act as a reservoir and the oil will bleed into the raceways, ensuring a safe lubrication for a long period of time. Running-in can be done in several ways. The most common is to increase the speed in stages, waiting for the bearing temperature to stabilize before moving on to the next step. It is advisable to go one step more than the operating speed of the system, as this will ensure a lower temperature rise while operating. The temperature should be monitored during running-in to avoid large peaks which may later be detrimental to the grease life. As a general recommendation, the absolute temperature should be limited to approximately 60 65 C. If running-in is done automatically on a test machine, it is preferable to set the machine with temperature alarms which will stop the spindle if the temperature rise exceeds xed limits. Although easy to handle, automatic machines operating on time steps only, do not monitor the temperature that may go beyond acceptable levels. Though widely used, the above procedure is time-consuming. Several hours may be required for a medium high spindle speed, as each step may take between 30 minutes and 1 2 hours before temperature stabilises. Total time for completing the running-in could be 8 10 hours. The running-in time can be shortened considerably by using a few steps only and by starting at a speed approximately equal to 20 25 % of the bearing catalogue speed. This can signicantly reduce the number of steps, but at each step the temperature increase may be very rapid. The temperature of the bearings must be carefully monitored with this procedure, and if possible should be measured on the bearing outer ring, using an automatic switch off when the temperature exceeds the above set limits. After the outer ring has cooled down 5 10 C the spindle is restarted at the same speed. The same procedure may have to be repeated several times, but the cycle time is just a few minutes. When a temperature peak, lower than the alarm limit, has been reached, the temperature will decrease rather rapidly and the bearing is then run-in at that particular speed. Wherever possible and regardless of the procedure chosen, running-in should involve placing the spindle in rotation both clockwise and anti-clockwise.
Oil lubrication
General Several methods of oil lubrication are available, which differ in specic characteristics. Oil lubrication is therefore recommended for many applications and can be adapted to suit the actual operating conditions and particular machine design. The most commonly used methods of oil lubrication are described below. For spindle bearing arrangements, the high operating speeds and requisite low operating temperatures generally necessitate the use of circulating oil lubrication with oil cooling, or the oil spot method. Depending on the
method chosen, the following factors play an important part: G quantity and viscosity of the oil G speed and hydrodynamic friction loss which is a function of the speed G permissible bearing temperature The relationships between oil quantity, friction and bearing temperature are shown in Diagram 2 . Where there is insufficient oil (region A), complete separation of rolling elements and raceways will not be achieved. Metallic contact will lead to increased friction and temperature, and nally to bearing wear. A cohesive, load-carrying oil lm can only be formed if a greater quantity
Information on oil quantities for special applications may be obtained from SKF applications engineers.
Bearing temperature and frictional loss as a function of oil quantity

Diagram 2
Bearing temperature, T
Frictional losses, Wf
E Oil quantity
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of oil is available (region B). Here the condition is reached where friction and consequently temperature, are at a minimum. A further increase in oil quantity (region C) will result in increases in friction and temperature only until the quantity is such that an equilibrium is achieved between heat generation and heat loss, after which (region D) there is little change in temperature with oil quantity. If even more oil is added, the cooling effect predominates and the temperature starts to fall (region D-E). The conditions obtained with oil spot lubrication correspond to those of region B, and the conditions obtained with circulating oil lubrication where the oil is also cooled correspond to those of region E. Common methods of oil lubrication Several methods of oil lubrication are available, which differ in specic characteristics. Oil bath lubrication Oil bath lubrication is the simplest method of oil lubrication. The oil, which is picked up by the rotating components of the bearing, is distributed within the bearing and then ows back to the oil bath. Oil bath lubrication is particularly suitable for low speeds and enables design of relatively simple and economic bearing arrangements. At high speeds however, the bearings are supplied with too much oil, increasing friction within the bearing and causing the operating temperature to rise. Circulating oil lubrication With circulating oil lubrication, the lubricating oil is pumped to a position above the bearing where it runs down through the bearing. After the oil has passed through the bearing it is ltered and, if required, cooled before being returned to the bearing. Cooling the oil enables the operating temperature of the bearing to be kept at low level. Oil drop lubrication In this method, the bearing is supplied at given intervals with an accurately metered quantity of oil. The quantity supplied may be relatively small, so frictional losses at high speeds are small. However, it is not certain that the oil will penetrate the bearing at high speeds. Oil jet lubrication In the oil jet method a jet of oil under high pressure is directed at the side of the bearing. The velocity of the oil jet must be high enough (at least 15 m/s) so that at least some of the oil will penetrate the turbulence surrounding the rotating bearing. This method is particularly efficient and is often used for high-speed bearing arrangements. Oil mist lubrication In oil mist lubrication, nely divided oil droplets are supplied to the bearing in a stream of compressed air. The air passing through the bearing serves to cool it and produces a slight excess pressure that enhances sealing. Minimum quantities of oil can be used however; in practice it is difficult to supply the bearing reliably with the very small quantities of oil involved. Oil mist is fairly costly and less and less accepted because polluting the immediate surroundings of the machine. Oil spot (minimal) lubrication With the oil spot method very small accurately metered quantities of oil are directed at each individual bearing by compressed air. The minimum quantity enables bearings to operate at lower temperatures than any other method of lubrication. The oil is supplied to the leads by a metering unit, it coats the inside surface of the leads and creeps along them. It is injected to the bearing via a nozzle. The compressed air serves to cool the bearing and also produces an excess pressure in the bearing arrangement that prevents contaminants from entering. The speed rating for oil lubrication given in the product tables apply to oil spot lubrication. When using the circulating oil, oil jet and oil spot methods it is necessary to ensure that the oil owing from the bearing can leave the arrangement by adequately dimensioned ducts. Circulating oil lubrication with additional cooling This method is suitable for high-speed bearings provided an efficient oil cooling system and proper drainage ducts at both sides of the bearing are in place. Cooling the oil helps keeping bearing temperatures down, although the large quantities of oil and the increased frictional losses associated with the lubricant mean that more power is needed. Circulating oil lubrication with cooling system requires pumps and cooling devices and places considerable demands on the sealing. It is therefore relatively expensive. The amount of oil required for circulating oil lubrication with additional cooling can be calculated approximately using Q = (M0 + M1) (n /T)106 where Q = requisite oil quantity, l/min M0 = load-independent frictional moment, see SKF General Catalogue, Nmm M1 = load-dependent frictional moment, see SKF General Catalogue, Nmm n = bearing speed, r/min T = permissible increase in temperature of lubricating oil (difference between oil temperature before and after the bearing position), C The oil quantities determined using the above equation can be used as guideline values when selecting pumps and cooling arrangements. They are valid provided that the operating temperature of the shaft does not exceed ambient temperature by more than 30 C; the bearing outer ring temperature may be 5 C higher. With higher temperatures the formula may give wrong values, as the transfer of heat from the shaft is not considered. For accurate analysis, computer programs are available. Please consult SKF for details. Table 8 gives guidelines for oil ow rate.
Table Bearing bore diameter d over incl. mm Oil ow rate
low l/min
high
50 120
50 120
0,3 0,8 1,8
1 3,6 6
Guidelines for oil ow rate
72
73

Oil spot lubrication Oil spot lubrication enables reliable bearing lubrication to be achieved using extremely small quantities of oil. Lower operating temperatures or higher speeds can be reached using this method of oil lubrication. Guideline values for the oil quantity to be supplied to a bearing can be obtained from Q = q d B 102 where Q = oil quantity, mm3/h d = bore diameter of bearing, mm B = bearing width, mm and q is a factor, see explanation below ( Table 9 ). The quantity varies depending on bearing type and design and this is determined by using different values of the factor q, i.e. should be 1 2 for roller bearings, and 2 5 for ball bearings. When speed is very high and angular contact ball bearings are used, the factor q will be much higher because of the pumping effect of angular contact ball bearings. For such cases a value of q between 10 and 20 should be used. Individual testing is always necessary however to optimise the conditions. Different bearing designs show varying sensitivity to oil quantity change, i.e. roller bearings are very sensitive to oil inlet changes while for ball bearings, the quantity can be changed substantially without any major effect on the bearing temperature rise. Temperature rise and reliability with oil spot method depend to a large extent on the lubrication interval, i.e. the time in between two shots from the oil spot lubricator. Generally the lubrication interval is determined by the oil ow rate generated by each injector and the oil quantity supplied per hour. This interval can vary from one minute to one hour, with the most common interval being 15 20 minutes. Pipes from the lubricator should be long enough, normally 1 5 m in length depending on the time interval between two subsequent shots. The air pressure should be 0,2 0,3 MPa, but must be increased when pipes are long to compensate for the pressure drop along the pipes. To keep rise in temperature at the lowest possible level, good drainage must be designed. With horizontal spindles it is relatively easy to arrange drainage ducts at each side of the bearings involved. Where bearings with lubrication grooves are used, a drainage duct for the annular groove must also be considered. For vertical shafts, the oil passing the upper bearings must be prevented from reaching the lower bearings which otherwise will receive too much lubricant. Drainage, together with a sealing device must be incorporated at the lower side of each bearing. An efficient seal should also be provided at the spindle nose to prevent lubricating oils reaching the workpiece.
Table Bore code 9
1
q=1 q=2 q=3 q=5 q = 10 q = 15 q = 20 0,56 0,63 0,80 0,96 1,35 1,70 2,40 3,00 3,90 4,90 6,00 7,20 8,00 9,90 10,80 11,70 14,00 15,00 17,60 18,70 21,60 22,80 24,00 27,30 30,80 33,60 42,90 46,20 52,50 60,80 71,40 82,80 87,40 102,00 123,20 134,40 1,12 1,26 1,60 1,92 2,70 3,40 4,80 6,00 7,80 9,80 12,00 14,40 16,00 19,80 21,60 23,40 28,00 30,00 35,20 37,40 43,20 45,60 48,00 54,60 61,60 67,20 85,80 92,40 105,00 121,60 142,80 165,60 174,80 204,00 246,40 268,80 1,68 1,89 2,40 2,88 4,05 5,10 7,20 9,00 11,70 14,70 18,00 21,60 24,00 29,70 32,40 35,10 42,00 45,00 52,80 56,10 64,80 68,40 72,00 81,90 92,40 100,80 128,70 138,60 157,50 182,40 214,20 248,40 262,20 306,00 369,60 403,20 2,80 3,15 4,00 4,80 6,75 8,50 12,00 15,00 19,50 24,50 30,00 36,00 40,00 49,50 54,00 58,50 70,00 75,00 88,00 93,50 108,00 114,00 120,00 136,50 154,00 168,00 214,50 231,00 262,50 304,00 357,00 416,00 437,00 541,00 616,00 672,00 5,60 6,30 8,00 9,60 13,50 17,00 24,00 30,00 39,00 49,00 60,00 72,00 80,00 99,00 108,00 117,00 140,00 150,00 176,00 187,00 216,00 228,00 240,00 273,00 308,00 336,00 429,00 462,00 525,00 608,00 714,00 828,00 874,00 1 020,00 1 232,00 1 344,00 8,40 9,45 12,00 14,40 20,25 25,50 36,00 45,00 58,50 73,50 90,00 108,00 120,00 148,50 162,00 175,50 210,00 225,00 264,00 280,50 324,00 342,00 360,00 409,50 462,00 504,00 604,50 693,00 787,50 912,00 1 071,00 1 242,00 1 311,00 1 530,00 1 848,00 2 016,00 11,20 12,60 16,00 19,20 27,00 34,00 48,00 60,00 78,00 98,00 120,00 144,00 160,00 198,00 216,00 234,00 280,00 300,00 352,00 374,00 432,00 456,00 480,00 546,00 616,00 672,00 858,00 924,00 1 050,00 1 216,00 1 428,00 1 656,00 1 748,00 2 040,00 2 464,00 2 688,00
8 9 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 44 48
Factor q for oil spot lubrication and guidelines for angular contact ball bearings series 70
74
75

Position of the oil nozzles Oil nozzles should be correctly positioned to avoid difficulties for the oil to enter the contact area between rolling element and raceway and so that it does not impinge on the cage. Table 10 gives the values of the diameters (from the shaft axis) where oil injection should take place for the most common bearing designs and series ( g 1 ). The data shown in Table 10 refers to bearings with their standard cage designs. For bearings tted with other cages or bearing types not shown, SKF should be consulted. Lubricating oils For the lubrication of high-precision bearings, high quality lubricating oils without additives should be considered. The requisite viscosity of the oil can be determined following the recommendations in the SKF Interactive Catalogue and is essentially a function of bearing size, speed and operating temperature. The intervals at which the oil should be changed when using the oil bath, circulating oil and oil jet methods depend mainly on the operating conditions and the quantities of oil involved. Further information may be found in the SKF Interactive Catalogue, or obtained on request from the oil suppliers. With oil spot lubrication systems there is no restriction as to oil type, and the oil viscosity may be much higher than for oil mist systems. Oils with 40 up to 100 mm2/s viscosity at 40 C are typically used, as are oils with EP additives that are preferable especially with roller bearings. Where oil drop, oil mist or oil spot lubrication is applied, the oil is lost, i.e. it is only supplied to the bearing once.
Table 10 Bore code Bore diameter Oil nozzle position dn for bearings of series 719 CD, 719 CE, 70 CD, 70 CE, 719 ACD 719 ACE 70 ACD 70 ACE 719 CX 70 CX 719 ACX 70 ACX mm
1
72 CD, 72 ACD 72 CX 72 ACX NNU 49 NN 30, N 101)
mm
8 9 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 44 48 52 56
8 9 10 12 15 17 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 220 240 260 280
14,8 16,8 20,1 22,1 26,8 31,8 36,8 43,0 48,7 54,2 58,7 64,7 69,7 74,7 81,7 86,7 91,7 98,6 103,6 108,6 115,6 120,6 125,6 137,6 149,5 159,5 173,5 183,5 193,5 207,4 217,4 231,4 251,4 271,4
26,8 31,8 36,8 43,0 48,7 54,2 58,7 64,7 69,7 74,7 81,7 86,7 91,7 98,6 103,6 108,6 115,6 120,6 125,6 137,6
13,6 15,1 16,3 18,3 21,8 24,0 28,7 33,7 39,7 45,7 51,2 56,7 61,7 68,7 73,6 78,6 85,6 90,6 97,6 102,6 109,5 114,5 119,5 126,5 133,5 143,5 157,5 167,4 179,4 191 205,8 219,7 229,7 243,2 267,1 287
28,8 33,8 40,0 46,0 51,5 57,2 62,2 69,7 74,7 79,7 86,7 91,7 98,7 103,7 110,6 115,6 120,6
18,2 20,0 23,0 25,9 31,1 36,1 42,7 49,7 55,6 60,6 65,6 72,6 79,5 86,5 96,5 103,5 111,5 117,5 124,4 131,4 138,4 145,9 158,2 170,7
113,8 119,0 124,0 136,8 147,0 157,0 169,9 179,8 189,8 203,5 213,0 227,0 247 267,0 294,5 313,5
40,5 47,6 54,0 60,0 66,4 71,4 79,8 85,0 89,7 103,5 111,4 116,5 125,4 130,3 135,3 144,1 153 162,9 179,6 188 201,7 214,4 230,8 248,9 258,9 275,3 302,4 322,4 355,2 375,3
Fig
dn
dn
Oil nozzles position
1)
For N 10 series equipped with TNHA cages please contact the SKF application engineering service
Oil nozzle position for different bearing design
76
77
Maintenance
Bearings storage Bearings can be stored in their original packages for years, provided relative humidity in the storage room does not exceed 60 % and there are no great uctuations in temperature. Humidity and temperature must be controlled during storage, handling and transport if at all possible, particularly in tropical areas. Bearings should be kept in a vibration-free dry place where the relative humidity and temperature are reasonably constant. Bearings that are not stored in their original packages should be well protected against corrosion and contamination. Large rolling bearings should only be stored lying down, and preferably with support for the whole extent of the side faces of the rings. If kept in a standing position, the weight of the rings and rolling elements can give rise to permanent deformation because the rings are relatively thin-walled.
Lubricant storage Most materials including oils and greases deteriorate with time. The art of good storage practice is to have materials always available when required, and to ensure stock turnover so that lubricants are used before any signicant performance loss has occurred. Lubricant properties may vary considerably during storage due to exposure to air/oxygen, temperature, light, water and moisture, oil separation and presence of particles. The recommended maximum storage time is 2 years for greases and 10 years for lubricating oils, assuming reasonable stock keeping practices and protection from excessive heat and cold are followed. A lubricant in excess of the recommended shelf life is not necessarily unsuitable for service but it is advisable to check if it still meets the product requirements/specications.
Dismounting and mounting

Dismounting
Proper maintenance of spindles is essential to their performance, and replacing the bearings in the correct way using the right tools is a major part of that maintenance. Before disassembly begins, a suitable working area should be prepared and the proper tools made available. The working area should be clean and away from areas where cutting and grinding operations take place. No traverses should pass over the working place. It is best to use a separate room if possible, one that is temperature controlled, dedicated to handling of accurate components and easy to keep clean. Tool requirements differ depending on spindle design, but use of the correct tools makes the work easier and more efficient, and avoids damaging the components. Information on mounting and dismounting tools can be found in the catalogue SKF Maintenance and Lubrication Products. A detailed drawing of the spindle should also be available. Dismounting a spindle with bearings arrangement 70 CD/TBT at the work side and NN 30 K at the drive side. To illustrate the procedure for replacing the bearings of a spindle, one of the most common spindle designs is chosen here as an example. The spindle is a cartridge type and thus the complete spindle can be easily removed from the machine. The spindle is belt driven and the pulley is tted directly at its rear. At the work side the spindle is equipped with a set of three angular contact ball bearings of series 70 ACD. At the drive side is a cylindrical roller bearing of series NN 30 K. This bearing is mounted on a tapered seating. The spindle has a ange at the nose that is common for lathe and milling spindles. Thus the bearings have to be removed and tted from the drive side ( g 1 page 80). The bearings are lubricated with grease the most common type of lubrication today. Clean the outside of the spindle before placing it on the worktable.
78
79

Fig 1
Spindle with bearing arrangement 70 CD/TBT at the work side and NN 30 K at the drive side
Removing drive side bearings Place the spindle on V-blocks or another arrangement, depending on external design of the spindle, for easy handling. Unscrew the rear side nut (1), remove the pulley (2) with the keys (3) and the sealing device (4). Remove the housing cover (5) ( g 2 ). As the drive side bearing has a tapered bore and the shaft is provided with an oil duct and oil groove for this bearing, it is easily removed by using a hydraulic pump. ( g 3 ).
1 Connect the nipple to the oil duct and then connect the oil pump to the nipple and tighten the release knob on the pump. 2 Put the rear side nut on the spindle to prevent the bearing falling off the spindle when released. 3 Inject the oil. The bearing inner ring will be released when the pressure is about 20 MPa. The spacer (6) ( g 4 page 82) is taken away after removal of the shaft. If the spindle is not provided with an oil duct and groove, removal of the bearing must wait until the shaft has been withdrawn from the housing.
Removing the drive side bearing: connect the nipple to the oil duct in the shaft
Fig 2
Removal of nut, pulley, sealing device and housing cover
Fig
SKF pump 729124 for pressure up to 100 MPa
80
81

Withdrawal of the shaft from housing. The spindle is equipped with a reinforced labyrinth seal at the work side. Remove the external component (7) ( g 5 ). Normally some force is necessary to withdraw the shaft from the cartridge, as in most cases the work side bearings have a certain interference t. The required withdrawal force expressed in N for a set of three bearings can be estimated at 20 times the outside diameter of the bearing expressed in mm. Example: Bearing set 7020 ACD/P4ATBTB having an outside diameter of 150 mm will require a withdrawal force of approximately 20 150 = 3 000 N. If the bearings are to be used again, e.g. after being relubricated, great care must be taken to avoid damaging them during disassembly of the spindle. Blows to the shaft as a method of withdrawal must be avoided as this can easily create serious indentations on the raceways, making the bearings unt for further use. Use a puller to withdraw the shaft, rotating the shaft during withdrawal to minimise the risk of damage. If no suitable puller is available, one can be made according to the illustration ( g 6 ). The bar through the shaft is threaded at both ends. Turn the nut at the work side of the spindle to withdraw the shaft and bearings. While doing this, rotate the shaft to avoid damage to the bearings if the t is tight. If there is no bore through the shaft, arrange a suitable attachment of the bar to the spindle nose.
Fig 5
1
7
Withdrawal of the shaft from housing: removal of the external cover
Removing the drive side bearing: inject the oil until the inner ring is released
Fig 4
Removal of the shaft using a puller

Fig 6
82
83

Removing drive side bearings If the drive side bearing has not already been removed by the oil injection method this should now be done. A puller to grip the side face of the spacer (6) is used. Do not pull over the roller set as this could make the puller lose its grip, damaging the bearing and making it unt for further use. The required pulling force expressed in N is about 300 times the bore diameter expressed in mm. As the seating is tapered the pulling force acts only to release the bearing ( g 7 ). The outer ring of the cylindrical roller bearing is still seated in the housing. Remove it using a puller, gripping the inner side-face of the ring. Do not put tools on the raceways if the bearings are to be used again. If you do not need to check the bearings, these may be left on site. Often the housing is provided with two diametrically opposed slots for gaining access with puller to the bearing inner side face ( g 9 ). Removing the locating device for the work side bearings The locating device for the work side bearings in this example is a so-called stepped sleeve. It is kept on the shaft by a rather heavy interference t and ensures very good accuracy of the spindle. This method eliminates the need for threaded components and the inaccuracy that the threads can create. The stepped sleeve is fastened on the spindle by an interference t that must be heavy enough to withstand the axial forces. The sleeve is mounted and dismounted by the oil injection method, thus ensuring careful handling of the components. The step that acts as a pressure surface during the mounting and dismounting operation can be sealed in two different ways; by the sleeve having two bore diameters, each with an interference t on the shaft, or by using an O-ring. The latter system is somewhat easier from a manufacturing point of view.
Fig 8
Connecting nipples
Location device stepped sleeve
Removal of the drive side bearing using a puller

Fig 7 Fig 9
Removal of the outer ring of the cylindrical roller bearing
Removal of the locating device for the work side bearing
84
85

Removal of the stepped sleeve requires a hydraulic pump. ( g 8 page 85). The pump should have a capacity of at least 100 MPa. The same injector as that for releasing bearings on tapered seatings can be used. Connect the injector to the nipple that has been attached to the threaded hole of the sleeve. Put cloths around the shaft to dampen the sleeve when it comes loose. Be careful with all connections, as the oil pressure is high. Use only components that are certied for the pressure that can be delivered by the pump. A suitable oil for dismounting and mounting the sleeve is the SKF uid LHDF 900. Start pumping and the sleeve will loosen when the pressure has reached a value of 60 100 MPa depending on size and actual t. If the shaft or sleeve has been incorrectly manufactured, or if any of these components have been damaged, the sleeve may not come off completely. The oil will leak and there will be insufficient build up of pressure. If this is expected to happen the sleeve can be pushed off by hand while the oil is injected. If it remains stuck, use a powerful puller. Look for any potential damage to the components to avoid problems in the future. Removal of work side bearings The work side bearings normally have a light interference t on the shaft. The withdrawal force to be expected is 70 times the bore diameter for a set of three bearings, force in N and diameter in mm. The spindle used in the example is provided with three threaded holes in the spindle nose for dismounting purposes. By using these holes and three long screws the bearings can easily be removed from the shaft without any risk of damage. Use spacers between the screw ends and the sealing/spacer component (9) to avoid damaging the surface of this component. If the bearings have to be pushed a long distance, spacers with different lengths can be made to avoid screws being too long. If the spindle nose is not provided with dismounting holes, a long puller gripping the cover (10) or preferably the labyrinth/spacer (9) can be used ( g 10 ).
Dismounting spindles with other bearing arrangements

Spindle with tandem set of angular contact ball bearings at both sides ( fig 11 ) A spindle having a tandem set of angular contact ball bearings at each side normally requires the drive side set to be withdrawn from the shaft at the same time as the shaft is withdrawn from the housing. The withdrawal force is then acting over the outer rings of this set and the shaft should be rotated during the withdrawal operation to minimise the risk of damage to the bearings.
Removal of the external cover using three long screws

Fig 10
Spindle with tandem arrangement of angular contact ball bearings at both sides
Fig 11
Long screws
Spacers
10
86
87

Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing and angular contact thrust ball bearing at work side A cylindrical roller bearing at the work side of the spindle is dismounted in the same way as described for the drive side bearing. For removing this bearing, together with the angular contact thrust ball bearing generally present in this position, the system with screw should preferably be used if provided. Otherwise a puller is used. It should grip over the inner ring of the cylindrical bearing or over the shaft sealing-washer. Depending on the design, access may be difficult and it might be necessary to pull over the housing cover and the outer rings. Angular contact thrust ball bearings normally have only a light t and the withdrawal force is minimal ( g 12 ).
Mounting
Mounting a spindle with bearings arrangement 70 CD/TBT at the work side and NN 30 K at the drive side Before mounting the bearings, a grease of appropriate quality and quantity should be applied. For best performance of the spindle, a grease with synthetic base oil should be used. See section Grease lubrication under Lubrication page 62 for details. The NN 30 K bearing at the drive side of the spindle should be adjusted to its nal position by means of the spacer at the large end of the taper. This bearing should therefore be lubricated only when it is nally to be mounted. For bearings that will be used at relatively high speeds, it is recommended that the rust-inhibiting compound is washed away and the bearings are dried before applying
the grease. The properties of the grease are then better utilised. Special care must be taken to ensure that the bearings are not contaminated during washing. Using a syringe to apply the grease is a convenient way to get the proper quantity, and makes it easy for feeding inside the bearing. Distribute the grease evenly around the rolling element set. Mounting the work side bearings 1 Check that the distance between the housing seating abutment and housing cover side face LH, is smaller than the total width of the bearing package LB, measured over the outer rings. If not there will be an axial play in the spindle. It may be recommended to have LH 10 15 m smaller for a diameter around 100 mm. Too large a difference may induce deformations when tightening the screws ( g 13 ).
Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing and angular contact thrust ball bearing at work side
Fig 12
Mounting the work side bearings

Fig 13
LB
LH
88
89

2 Particularly when large bearings are used, the spindle should preferably be kept in a vertical position during the mounting procedure ( g 14 ). 3 Position the shaft labyrinth (9); it may have to be warmed slightly, and the housing cover (10). Be sure not to forget the housing cover! 4 Warm the bearings on a hot plate or induction heater; 20 30 C above ambient is normally sufficient to allow the bearings to pass freely over the shaft. 5 Ensure that the bearings are facing in the correct direction. If using a matched set look for the markings on the outside diameter of the outer rings. 6 Align the rings so that the marking for the thickest part is at the same position for the inner rings as for the outer rings. This will ensure the best possible division of load between the bearings. 7 Smear the bearing seatings lightly with a thin oil. 8 Position the bearings on to the shaft, not forgetting the two spacers (11) and (12) between the second and third bearing. The shaft spacer may have to be warmed. Mounting the stepped sleeve ( g 15 ) 1 Heat the stepped sleeve to about 150 C above ambient for smaller sizes (bore diameter 60 mm) and about 110 C for larger sizes, preferably with an induction heater. 2 When heated up, the sleeve can be easily handled by using the connecting nipple as a handle. Put the sleeve quickly on to the shaft so that the shaft does not heat up before the sleeve comes into contact with the bearings. 3 The sleeve should be allowed to cool down to room temperature before proceeding. 4 For nal adjustment of the sleeve the oil injection method should be used. 5 Connect the nipples and the oil injector to the sleeve. 6 Provide for an arrangement that will apply an axial load over the sleeve-bearing system to withstand the force created by the oil injected to the sleeve, and to overcome the bearing ts and preload.
Mounting the stepped sleeve

Fig 15
Mounting the work side bearings with the spindle in vertical position
Fig 14
10 MPa
12 11
10 9
60100 MPa
Do not forget to grease the bearings before mounting.
90
91

7 Use a distance sleeve with length sufficient to cover the distance from the stepped sleeve to the position where the shaft is threaded in this case the threads for the nut locating the drive side bearing. Use the nut to apply the necessary axial load or better still, use a hydraulic nut type SKF HMV E. A second oil pump must then be used. If the threads on the spindle do not match the threads of the hydraulic nut, a larger nut can be used and supported by the spindle nut. If there is no thread at all on the spindle, a support can be arranged, e.g. a washer that can be attached to the rear end of the spindle. 8 Tighten the nut or apply a pressure of about 30 MPa on the hydraulic nut. Inject oil to the stepped sleeve until it oats. There will probably be some leakage of oil. The required oil pressure is 60 100 MPa. While the sleeve is oating, tighten the nut or check that the required pressure for the hydraulic nut is still present. 9 The bearings must be protected from the pressure uid as this can adversely affect the lubrication properties of the grease. Wrap a clean lint-free cloth around the sleeve where it contacts the bearing to absorb any pressure uid that may leak out. 10 Release the pressure for the stepped sleeve, wait until the oil has drained and then release the axial load. At this stage it is advisable to check the straightness of the spindle supported only by the work side bearings. Put the spindle on V-blocks as far apart as possible, and supporting the bearing outer rings. Rotate the shaft and measure the run-out at different positions of the shaft where it has suitable surfaces ( g 16 ). If the values seem to be abnormal, a possible reason may be that the shaft has become misaligned due to spacers not having parallel side faces or shaft abutment/sleeve side face not being perpendicular to the bearing seating. Check by releasing the clamping load over the bearings. Mounting the drive side bearings Drive side bearings with tapered bore should be adjusted to a suitable clearance or preload. The adjustment is made by pushing the inner ring up on the seating. The raceways will then expand. The nal expansion determines the clearance or preload of the mounted bearing. The distance ring should have a width such that when the bearing is pushed up against the ring it will have the required clearance/preload ( g 17 ). A special gauge, an internal clearance gauge, of series GB 30 is available for accurate adjustment of the clearance/preload of bearings of series NN 30 K. This type of gauge is generally used by machine tool manufacturers and can usually be hired from SKF for occasional use ( g 18 page 94). 1 The bearing outer ring need to be tted in the housing. If the outer ring is to have a tight t, the housing should be heated to between 10 and 30 C above room temperature, e.g. in an oven or an oil
Mounting high-precision cylindrical roller bearings with GB 30 gauge

Fig 17
Drive-up distance
Checking the shaft run-out

Fig 16
92
93

bath. The heated housing with outer ring should then be allowed to cool down to ambient temperature. All components as well as the gauges must have the same stable temperature during the measuring procedure ( g 19 ). 2 The bore gauge need to be introduced into the outer ring raceway, and the indicator set to zero. The raceway diameter measured in this way is transferred to the GB 30 gauge ( g 20 ). 3 The bore gauge is applied to the centre of the gauging zone of the GB 30 gauge. The screw of the latter gauge is then adjusted until the indicator of the bore gauge shows zero minus a correction factor. The correction factor is given in the instructions supplied with each GB 30 gauge ( g 22 page 96). 4 The internal diameter of the envelope diameter gauge needs to be reduced by the value of the desired clearance, or increased by the value of the desired preload using the adjustment screw. The indicator on the envelope diameter gauge needs to be set to zero. The setting of the indicator should be left undisturbed from now on ( g 25 page 97). 5 The tapered bearing seating on the spindle needs to be lightly oiled with thin oil. The inner ring with roller and cage assembly needs be lightly driven up on the tapered seating. The envelope diameter gauge needs to be expanded using the adjustment screw and the gauge placed in position over the roller set. The adjustment screw needs then to be turned in the opposite direction until the gauge, by virtue of its inherent resilience, is in contact with the roller set. 6 The inner ring is driven further up on to its seating until the indicator on the gauge again shows zero. The gauge needs to be expanded using the adjustment screw and removed. The required drive-up force in N is 200 400 times the bearing bore diameter in mm. 7 The distance between the mounted inner ring and the shoulder on the spindle needs to be measured using gauge blocks. Make
Pushing the inner ring up on the shaft until it rmly abuts the spacer ring
Fig 21
Drive-up distance
Fig 18
Fig 19
Fig 20
94
95

measurements at different positions for checking accuracy and misalignment. The difference should not normally be larger than 3 to 4 m. The spacer ring needs then to be machined so that its width corresponds to this dimension ( g 23 ). 8 The inner ring with roller and cage assembly needs to be withdrawn from the spindle. The nished spacer ring needs to be pushed up on to the spindle until it abuts the shoulder. The inner ring needs to then again be driven up until it rmly abuts the spacer ring. There should be no clearance between shoulder, spacer ring and inner ring ( g 21 page 95). 9 The envelope diameter gauge needs to be applied to the roller set as described under point 5. The indicator must again show zero ( g 24 ). 10 The bearing needs to be secured on the spindle. It is now time to apply the grease to the bearing. Put one string around each roller set and distribute it lightly over the rollers. Do not push any grease in between cage and inner ring shoulder. The spindle needs to be slowly turned as the inner ring and cage assembly are inserted in the outer ring to prevent the raceways and rollers from being damaged. For preloaded bearing arrangements, the housing with outer ring need to be heated as under point 1. If the cylindrical roller bearing is to be mounted together with an angular contact thrust ball bearing, the cylindrical roller bearing outer ring needs to be withdrawn from the housing and pushed over the inner ring with cage and roller assembly before the spindle is inserted. The spindle with the complete bearings is then inserted in the heated bearing housing. The housing cover needs to be placed in position and the screws tightened. Mounting cylindrical roller bearings without GB-type gauges A GB-type gauge is normally used by manufacturers making many of the same kind of spindles. For occasional needs it may not be necessary to invest in this equipment, but to use other methods to adjust for the proper clearance/preload. Some methods used in practice are described later on. Measuring clearance of cylindrical roller bearings with outer ring ( g 25 ) Oil the bearing seating lightly with a thin oil and drive up the inner ring so that it gets a rm seat. There must still be a clearance between roller sets and outer ring. It can be assumed that the clearance is reduced by 8 m for each 0,1 mm axial drive up of the inner ring. As small bearings may have a rather small clearance, for instance 15 m,
Measuring clearance of cylindrical roller bearings with outer ring

Fig 25
Fig 22
B=L
ec 1 000
Fig 23
Fig 24
360 e 1 000 s
96
97

care must be taken not to push the inner ring too far up on the taper. The measuring principle is to use the outer ring of the bearing to measure the clearance at this initial position of the inner ring. The clearance is measured by moving the outer ring up and down. The total displacement is the clearance of the bearing at this particular position of the inner ring. During this operation it is important that the outer ring is moved perpendicular to the shaft. The outer ring should not be subjected to large forces as it can elastically deform and an erroneous value will be obtained. To ensure that the outer ring is kept in the proper position when measuring, its side face needs to be supported. This can be done by using a disc that is placed either in the space for the distance ring or is clamped between the drive-up device and the inner ring. In the former case the disc must be provided with a slot to allow access to the shaft for measuring the distance between the inner ring side-face and the abutment This distance is needed for determining the exact width of the distance ring. The distance is measured using gauge blocks as described earlier. When using the disc in this position it should not be too tightly clamped by the bearing inner ring as it must be rotated for measuring at different positions. When the distance has been accurately measured the bearing is removed and the spacer is adjusted to the width giving the required preload or clearance of the bearing. The width is calculated as follows: B = L e c/1 000 For all details covering this equation, please see the high-precision cylindrical roller bearing/preloading bearing chapter page 189. Other methods If the requirement is not as stringent as for very accurate preload adjustments, methods other than those described above may be used. Exact preload adjustment is not critical when the speeds are low but clearance needs to be avoided especially if the cylindrical roller bearing is mounted at the work side of the spindle. Using feeling with the outer ring The inner ring is driven up together with the outer ring. During drive-up the outer ring should be rotated back and forth and as preloading starts the ring will be harder to rotate. The degree of resistance to rotation that corresponds to the bearing having been driven up to a suitable preload can be learned by experience. When the proper position has been achieved the distance between the inner ring side-face and the abutment needs to be measured with gauge blocks. The width of the distance ring should be equal to this distance. With this method as with the method previously described, if the outer ring is to have an interference t in the housing, compensation should be made for this.
Example The clearance for bearing NN 3020 K was found to be 13 m when the inner ring was driven up. The distance between bearing side face and abutment was 16,355 mm. The required preload is 3 m. The inner diameter of the spindle is 51 mm and the outer diameter at the centre of the taper is 101,5 mm. The diameter ratio di/dm di/dm is then 0,5 making factor =16. The distance ring has to be adjusted to a width of B = 16,355 16 16/1 000 = 16,099 mm A tolerance of 0,005 mm is acceptable. Compensation for interference t If the outer ring is to have an interference t in the housing seating the raceway diameter will decrease. It can be assumed that the raceway diameter will decrease by 80 % of the diametric interference t.
Example The bearing outside diameter is 149,997 mm and the seating has a diameter of 149,992 mm. The raceway diameter will decrease by: 0,8 (149,997 149,992) = 0,004 mm This value must be subtracted from c in the equation B = L e c/1 000. If the interference t is not taken into account the bearing preload may be too high. Considering the interference t, the distance ring width would then be B = 16,355 16 (16 4)/1 000 = 16,163 mm If a threaded nut is used for driving up the inner ring assembly on the tapered seating, the angle through which the nut need to be turned for a given clearance reduction of the bearing can be calculated from the equation: = 360 e /(1 000 s)
98
99

Inserting spindle shaft in the housing ( fig 26 ) The spindle with the work side bearings and the inner ring assembly of the drive side bearing can now be inserted in the housing. Heat the housing to 10 to 30 C above ambient temperature to easily get the bearings into position. The spindle needs to be turned slowly as the inner ring and roller and cage assembly are inserted in the outer ring, to prevent the raceways and rollers from becoming damaged. Alternatively the spindle with only the work side bearings can be inserted, and after securing the housing cover, the inner ring assembly of the drive side bearing is driven up on the seating. Mount the sealing components and the pulley and tighten the nut. Do not overtighten the screws for the housing covers at the work side and at the drive side as this may deform the housing seatings if the distance between the threads and the seatings is short.
Mounting other bearings arrangements

Spindle with tandem set of angular contact ball bearings at both sides ( fig 27 ) The drive side bearings for this spindle must be mounted after the shaft with the work side bearings has been inserted in the housing. This type of arrangement must have a clearance between drive side bearing outer rings and housing seating as the bearings should be axially displaceable. Therefore the bearings can be mounted without heating the housing. However it may be preferred to heat the bearings somewhat to get them on to the shaft more easily. The outer rings are then also expanded and to avoid forcing the bearings into the housing it should also be somewhat heated.
Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing and angular contact thrust ball bearing at work side ( g 28 ) A cylindrical roller bearing mounted together with an angular contact thrust ball bearing has to be inserted into the housing complete with the outer ring. The housing should then be heated to about 20 30 C over ambient for easy introduction of the outer ring. The outside diameter of the angular contact thrust ball bearing has such tolerances that it will have a radial clearance in the housing even when the housing is not heated. The radial clearance between this bearing and the housing is necessary to ensure that only the cylindrical bearing is supporting the radial load.
Inserting spindle shaft in the housing

Fig 26
Spindle with tandem set of angular contact ball bearings at both sides
Fig 27
Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing and angular contact thrust ball bearing at work side
Fig 28
100
101

Checking running accuracy When the spindle has been assembled the running accuracy needs to be checked. With the methods most generally used for checking machine tool spindles, radial and axial runouts are measured on suitable surfaces at the spindle nose. It has been found however, that the ovality and eccentricity of the spindle surfaces from which measurements are taken are usually so great that it is difficult to obtain a true indication of the eccentricity of the axis of rotation of the spindle. A better method of measuring running accuracy ( g 29 ) is to use an accurately ground sphere soldered to a plinth which is tted to the spindle nose. The gauging anvil of a micro-indicator or some similar instrument of corresponding accuracy is applied to the ball. The plinth holding the ball is secured to the spindle nose in such a way that by lightly tapping the ball it can be moved at right angles to the spindle axis. The minimum reading obtained when the spindle is rotated indicates the radial accuracy of the unloaded spindle. An indicator with a at gauging anvil applied to the ball along the spindle axis gives a reading corresponding to the axial runout of the spindle. If the raceway of the rotating inner ring is eccentric to the centre line of the shaft, then the shaft will have a runout that is twice the eccentricity ( g 31 ). However in a truly circular raceway there will be a xed rotational centre that is the centre of the raceway. In some applications the component that is to rotate can be centred to the true rotational centre and in such cases eccentricity errors may not be detrimental to the application. Grinding spindles are one example, where the grinding wheels can be dressed to concentricity with the axis of rotation. If the positions of the maximum eccentricity of the shaft and bearings are known, the bearing inner rings can be positioned in such a way that the eccentricities compensate each other. SKF angular contact ball bearings have marks indicating the largest eccentricity of both the inner and outer rings i.e. the thickest part of the rings, at position (3) in g 30 . Having the eccentricities on opposite sides of the shaft centre line ( g 32 page 104) the runout of the centre line at the position indicated by the gauge will be: = a/L (e1 + e2) + e1 When the eccentricities are on the same side of the shaft centre line ( g 32 page 104) the runout will be:
5 67
Fig 30
Dm
SKF
dm
-3
*
7 0 1 0 C D/ P 4 A D B
A
-2
= a/L (e1 e2) + e1 The shaft wobble will be larger in the former case but it may give smaller runouts at positions between the bearings. However, it is easier to compensate for the runout in the latter case. If the raceway is concentric with the bore but is oval or has other types of macro form deviations, then the rotational centre will change during one revolution. The runout will be approximately the same as the form deviation. The non-repetitive runout must be considered for spindles with very exacting
Markings on inner and outer rings for angular contact ball bearings: 1) designation; 2) serial number; 3) deviation from nominal diameter and position of the point of maximum eccentricity
Checking running accuracy of the spindle

Fig 29
Runout of shaft relative to inner raceway

Fig 31
Shaft
Runout of shaft relative to inner ring raceway
Eccentricity of inner ring
Inner ring raceway
102
103

demands for accuracy, such as some types of grinding spindles and disk drive spindles. The non-repetitive runout cannot be compensated for by wheel dressing or by the control system of the machine, as may be the case for repetitive runout, and therefore very stringent demands are made on this type of runout, particularly fo disk drive spindles. Fig 33 illustrates the principle of non-repetitive runout in comparison with repetitive runout. The difference in diameters of the rolling elements will inuence the non-repetitive runout. A certain repetitiveness may be noticed if one rolling element (or a few adjacent to each other) happens to have a larger diameter than the others. There will then be a runout with a repetitiveness equal to the cage rotational frequency. At certain times the maximum runout due to rolling elements, and the maximum runout due to raceway will coincide and then give the total maximum runout of the bearing. If the cage speed is 40 % of the inner ring speed, a certain rolling element will coincide with a certain spot on the inner ring each fth revolution. As the lubricant plays an important role in the non-repetitive runout, it is required to be very clean. Applications for which non-repetitive runout must be considered are usually grease lubricated, for instance workhead spindles for grinding machines and disk drive spindles. Channelling greases are often preferred, as once the grease has been overrolled and put aside, it stays more or less steady in its new position without disturbing the rolling elements at irregular intervals. A drawback with channelling grease can be that the oil bleeding is less efficient than with softer greases and this may inuence the bearing life.
Inspection
Cleaning of bearings SKF precision bearings are supplied in a preserved condition. Normally the preservative with which new bearings are coated before leaving the factory need not be removed from the bearings, just wiped off the outside surface and bore. If, however, the bearing is to be grease lubricated and used at very high or very low temperature, or when the grease (for example a polyurea grease) is not compatible with the preservative, it is necessary to wash and carefully dry the bearing. Care should also be taken not to introduce contaminants into the bearing.
Bearings contaminated because of improper handling (damaged packaging, etc.) should also be washed and dried before mounting. Washing of bearings being inspected during equipment servicing may also be necessary. When removal of preservative is necessary, it is possible to remove most of the preservative by blowing the bearing with clean dry air. Precautions must be taken when pressurised air is used to remove material from the bearings to prevent physical injury or chemical contamination of personnel in the area of such operations. When washing is necessary, the use of hydrocarbon solvents introduces several hazards (solvent ammability, health issues
Repetitive and non-repetitive runout

Fig 33
Maximum spindle excursion from true circle in one revolution
Calculating the shaft runout

Fig 32
Repetitive radial runout Non-repetitive radial runout True circle defined by nominal spindle radius
1 e1/2
2 e2/2
1 e1/2
2 e2/2
104
105

etc.) to the work place, and these must be addressed before washing operations commence. When hydrocarbon washing is not possible, the use of aqueous solutions to clean bearings should only be considered when absolutely no other alternatives are possible. The washing solution should be maintained below 60 C and the pH of the solution less than 12. The washing solution must be kept clean (see above) and preferably have a neutral pH that leaves either no residue or an oil-soluble residue on drying. If this is not available the washing uid must be washed off the bearing, and the bearings completely dried as soon as possible. The bearings can be dried in hot dry air at temperatures up to 120 C. It is also possible to use vacuum drying at lower temperatures. When this washing and drying procedure is completed the bearings must quickly be protected, usually by applying a coating of the lubricant to be used in the nal operation. Both the phenolic resin and the polyamide cages used by SKF are capable of withstanding the conditions detailed above. If these washing conditions cannot be met (pH and temperature, especially when polymeric cages are employed), SKF strongly advises individual product testing to ensure the bearings are not affected by the procedure. Inspection of bearings If bearings have been disassembled from a spindle not because of a bearing damage, they may be t for further use. Do not try to judge whether the bearings can be re-used until after they have been cleaned. Treat them as new. Never spin a dirty bearing. Instead, rotate it slowly while washing. Wash with a suitable solvent (white spirit, paraffin etc.). Dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or with compressed, clean and moisture-free air, making sure that no bearing part starts rotating. Examine the bearings closely to determine whether they are re-usable. Use a small mirror and a dental-type probe with a rounded point to inspect raceways, cage and rolling elements. Be alert for scratches, marks, streaks, cracks, discolorations, mirror-like surfaces, contact patterns and so on. Spin the bearing gently and listen to the sound. An undamaged bearing can be remounted, but if it is not going to be used immediately after being cleaned, it needs to be oiled or greased to prevent corrosion. If the bearings are separable, do not mix the components of different individual bearings. Inspection of associated components Before mounting new bearings, the spindle, housing and other components adjacent to the bearings need to be checked. This is particularly important if the spindle performance has not been satisfactory, even though the bearings have been found to be in good condition. Inspection of shafts The dimensions of cylindrical bearing seatings can be easily checked with a snap gauge dial indicator as shown in the picture ( g 34 ). Special measuring equipment is needed to check the form and position tolerances. A precision measuring instrument like Talyrond is the most suitable equipment for checking the roundness of spindle bearing seatings, but is not available in most workshops. The principle of checking radial and axial run-out of a shaft is shown in the g 35 . The bearing seatings and other external surfaces are checked with the spindle mounted in V-blocks. Deviations are indicated by means of a dial gauge. The spindle is located axially at one end by using a ball tted into a centre hole and supported against a bracket. When checking shaft shoulders, the spindle is pressed hard against the ball and the bracket while it is rotated, and measuring is done with an indicator as shown in the illustration ( g 35 ). Tapered bearing seatings can be checked by using ring gauges of series GRA 30. The gauging or reference face is at the large end of the taper bore and is used
Fig 34
Checking the shaft radial and axial runout

Fig 35
106
107

to determine the position of the tapered seating relative to a reference surface on the shaft. This reference surface may be either in front of, or behind the gauging face of the ring gauge. In addition to checking the position of the bearing seating and diameter, the ring gauge is used to check that the shaft shoulder is at right angles to the axis of the tapered seating by measuring the reference length R ( g 36 ) at several diametrically opposed points. The form of the taper is checked by using marking blue. Applying just a very thin layer should give a marking coverage of at least 80 %. As an alternative to the ring gauge, a taper gauge can be used. The taper gauge covers a range of sizes and may be an economical solution when dealing with spindles of different sizes. Inspection of housings The dimensions and form of the housing seatings can be checked with a bore indicator. To check the form, an attachment is tted to the indicator to convert it into a three-point gauge. It is difficult to check the position of a shoulder relative to the housing seating in the absence of a reliable reference face. Quill housings of small spindles can usually be set up and rotated, thus making it possible to measure the axial run-out of the shoulder. This type of measurement does not necessarily prove that the shoulder is at right angles to the housing seating unless the housing seating axis coincides with the axis of rotation. Frequently there is no check made to ensure that both bearing seatings in a spindle housing have coinciding centre lines; the seatings are machined by the method giving the best results and that is all. If the centre lines do not coincide well the operating temperature may be too high, especially at high speeds. Checking the alignment may therefore be advisable. Measurements can be made by setting up the housing on a surface plate ( g 38 ) so that the widest seating is parallel with the plate. The diameters of both seatings I and II are measured and the centre heights X1 and X2 and the difference X = X1 X2 are calculated. To check that bearing seating II is not misaligned relative to bearing seating I, dimension h is measured at two points; a and b between bearing seating II and the surface plate. The difference between the two read-off values should be less than or at the most equal to half any taper error of the bearing seating over the measuring distance m. m should be only a few millimetres less than the total width of the bearing seating. The housing is then rotated 90 on its axis and corresponding measurements are taken in the y direction. The eccentricity can then be calculated from the equation shown in g 38 . Inspection of spacers Spacers need to be checked for parallelity and atness. For short spacers this can be done by measuring the width of the spacer at different positions while placed on a at surface. Turning it upside down may indicate the atness. Check if the two spacers between the bearings have the same width. This should normally be the case in order to achieve the right preload of the bearing set ( g 37 ).
Inspection of housings
Fig 38
II
e=
x + y
2
Measuring the reference length R

Fig 36
Inspection of spacers
Fig 37
b R x1
x2
108
109

SKF Bearing Selection

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SKF Bearing Selection

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Principles of bearing selection and application

Angular contact ball bearings

Cylindrical roller bearings 180

Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings

Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings 234

Locking devices 260

Other products and services 298

Products index 301

The SKF Group a worldwide corporation

Principles of bearing selection and application

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Selection of bearing type

Comparison of performance and cost for different bearing design (material)

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Comparison of accuracy of different tolerance classes

Inner ring radial runout factor 100

Comparison of different standards

SKF tolerance classes for high-precision bearings

40 30 20 10 0 Normal P6 P5 P4, SP, P4C P4A, PA9A UP Tolerance class

SP UP P4A P4C PA9A

Up to 120 mm bore diameter, for larger sizes, ABEC 7 or better

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

High-precision bearings cross section for different Diameter Series

Bearings with steel rolling elements 9 0 2 9 0 0 0 0

Bearings with ceramic rolling elements 9 0 2 0 0 0

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Table Speed rating n dm

72 ACX 72 ACD 72 CX 72 CD 72 ACX/HC 72 ACD/HC 72 CX/HC 72 CD/HC BSA 2 BSA 3 BSD

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Load carrying capacity and life

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Rating life equation for hybrid bearings

Load carrying capacity of bearing sets

Equivalent bearing loads

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Influence of a loose fit

Table Bearing arrangement Rear side Rigidity index Radial

Relative stiffness of spindles equipped with different bearing arrangements

100 100 100 98 76 74 67 67 67 67 63 63 55 54 49 49 47 40 39 38 37 36 36 34 34

Speed guidelines for different bearing designs Oil spot lubrication

Catalogue speed Field experience Special designs

Speed factor, n dm ( 106)

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Speed guidelines for different bearing designs Grease lubrication

Speed factor, n dm ( 106)

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Speed capability of bearing systems

Bearing data general

Temperature rise from existing applications Grease lubrication

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

B1s, C1s Bs, Cs Cs

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Bearing internal clearance or preload

Materials for high-precision bearings

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Properties of silicon nitride and bearing steel

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Radial location of bearings

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Bearing arrangement work side: NN 30 K + 2344(00); drive side NN 30 K

Bearing arrangement work side: N 10 KTN + BTM-A/HC; rear side N 10 KTN