Principles of bearing selection and application

A bearing arrangement does not only consist of rolling bearings but includes the Principles of bearing components associated selection and application with the bearings such as the shaft and Bearing terminology housing. The lubricant is also a very important Bearing types component of the Selection of bearing type bearing arrangement Selection of bearing size because it has to Friction prevent wear and Speeds and vibration protect against corrosion so that the Bearing data - general bearing can deploy its Application of bearings full performance. Beside Lubrication these, the seal is also a Mounting and very important dismounting component, the Troubleshooting performance of which is Reliability and services of vital importance to the cleanliness of the lubricant. Cleanliness has a profound effect on bearing service life which is why lubricants and seals have become part of the SKF business. To design a rolling bearing arrangement it is necessary to select a suitable bearing type to determine a suitable bearing size, but this is not all. Several other aspects have to be considered, such as a suitable form and design of other components of the arrangement appropriate fits and bearing internal clearance or preload holding devices adequate seals the type and quantity of lubricant installation and removal methods, etc. Each individual decision affects the performance, reliability and economy of the bearing arrangement.

The amount of work entailed depends on whether experience is already available about similar arrangements. When experience is lacking, when extraordinary demands are made or, when the costs of the bearing arrangement and any subsequent outline have to be given special consideration, then much more work is needed including, for example, more accurate calculations and/or testing. In the following sections of this general technical introduction, the designer of a bearing arrangement can find the necessary basic information presented in the order in which it is generally required. Obviously it is impossible to include all the information needed to cover every conceivable bearing application. For this reason, in many places, reference is made to the comprehensive SKF application engineering service, which includes technical support about the selection of the right bearing as well as calculations of the complete bearing arrangement. The higher the technical demands placed on a bearing arrangement and the more limited the available experience of using bearings for particular applications, the more advisable it is to make use of this service. The information contained in the general technical section usually applies to rolling bearings generally, or at least to a group of bearings. Special information specific to one bearing type only can be found in the text preceding the

appropriate individual table section. It should be noted that the values provided in the product tables for load and speed ratings as well as for the fatigue load limit are heavily rounded.

SKF.com / Products / Interactive Engineering Catalogue / Rolling bearings /

Deep groove ball bearings

Deep groove ball bearings are used in a particularly wide variety of applications. Consequently, they are available in many executions and sizes. The standard SKF range comprises the following types: single row deep groove ball bearings SKF Energy Efficient deep groove ball bearings single row deep groove ball bearings with filling slots stainless steel single row deep groove ball bearings double row deep groove ball bearings single row hybrid deep groove ball bearings, see section "Engineering products - Hybrid bearings" single row deep groove ball bearings for high temperatures, see section "Engineering products - Bearings and bearing units for high temperatures" cam rollers, see section "Track runner bearings - Cam rollers" polymer ball bearings, see section "Engineering products - Polymer ball bearings"

Product data Deep groove ball bearings Single row deep groove ball bearings SKF Energy Efficient (E2) deep groove ball bearings Deep groove ball bearings with filling slots Stainless steel deep groove ball bearings Double row deep groove ball bearings

Y-bearings
SKF Y-bearings, which are usually referred to as insert bearings, are basically sealed deep groove ball bearings in the 62 and 63 series with a convex sphered outer surface (
Product data Y-bearings Y-bearing terminology Y-bearings with grub screw locking Y-bearings with an eccentric locking collar Y-bearings with a tapered bore Y-bearings with a standard inner ring

fig). These bearings are manufactured in a

number of different series and sizes and are available with standard inner ring or an inner ring that is extended on one or both sides. The various bearing series differ in the way the bearing is located onto the shaft. The most common methods use any one of the following: Grub screw locking (

Y-bearings with a hexagonal or square bore Special design bearings Seals Dimensions Tolerances Radial internal clearance Cages Grease fill Speeds Shaft tolerances

fig). Eccentric collar locking (

Rubber seat rings Axial load carrying ability Equivalent dynamic bearing load

fig). Adapter sleeve locking (

Equivalent static bearing load Mounting and dismounting Designations

fig). Interference fit (

fig). The standard SKF assortment includes Ybearings made of bearing steel and stainless steel with or without zinccoated components. In addition to the standard assortment the comprehensive SKF range of Y-bearings consists of: Y-bearings with a hexagonal or square bore (

fig). Special design Ybearings. Y-bearings mounted in appropriate housings to form Y-bearing units can accommodate moderate initial misalignment (Demo) but normally do not permit axial displacement. Simple and economic bearing arrangements can be made using these units. Because of their versatility, and cost effectiveness, Y-bearing units are typically found in the following applications: agricultural machinery, construction equipment, conveyor systems, textile machines and fans as well as in machines for food and beverage processing and packaging. Detailed information about Y-bearing units can be found in the catalogue "Bearing units".

Angular contact ball bearings have raceways in the inner and outer rings that are displaced with respect to each other in the direction of the bearing axis. This means that they are designed to accommodate combined loads, i.e. simultaneously acting radial and axial loads. The axial load carrying capacity of angular contact ball bearings increases with increasing contact angle. The

Product data Angular contact ball bearings Single row angular contact ball bearings Double row angular contact ball bearings Four-point contact ball bearings Other SKF angular contact ball bearings

contact angle is defined as the angle between the line joining the points of contact of the ball and the raceways in the radial plane, along which the load is transmitted from one raceway to another, and a line perpendicular to the bearing axis (

fig). SKF angular contact ball bearings are produced in a wide variety of designs and sizes. Those commonly used and included in this catalogue are single row angular contact ball bearings (

fig) double row angular contact ball bearings (

fig) four-point contact ball bearings (

fig)

Self-aligning ball bearings

The self-aligning ball bearing was invented by SKF. It has two rows of balls and a common concave sphered raceway in the outer ring. The bearing is consequently self-aligning and insensitive to angular misalignments of the shaft relative to the housing. It is particularly suitable for applications where considerable shaft deflections or misalignment are to be expected. Additionally, the self-aligning ball bearing has the lowest friction of all rolling bearings, which enables it to run cooler even at high speeds. SKF produces selfaligning ball bearings to several designs. These are open bearings of the basic design (
Product data Self-aligning ball bearings Basic design Sealed bearings Bearings with an extended inner ring Bearings on sleeves Self-aligning ball bearing kits Appropriate bearing housings Dimensions Tolerances Internal clearance Misalignment Cages Axial load carrying ability Minimum load Equivalent dynamic bearing load Equivalent static bearing load Supplementary designations Mounting bearings with a tapered bore

fig) sealed bearings (

fig) open bearings with an extended inner ring (

fig).

Cylindrical roller bearings

SKF produces cylindrical roller bearings in many designs, dimension series and sizes. The majority are single row bearings with a cage. Single and double row full complement bearings (without cage) complete the SKF standard assortment for general engineering. Bearings with a cage can accommodate heavy radial loads and operate at high speeds. Full complement bearings are suitable for very heavy radial loads at moderate speeds. The rollers of SKF cylindrical roller bearings are a key component. Their geometry, the socalled logarithmic profile, provides an optimum stress distribution in the contact zones in the bearing. Their surface finish maximizes lubricant film formation and optimizes rolling motion of the rollers. The benefits derived from this

Product data Cylindrical roller bearings Single row cylindrical roller bearings Double row cylindrical roller bearings Multi -row cylindrical roller bearings Single row full complement cylindrical roller bearings Double row full complement cylindrical roller bearings Multi-row full complement cylindrical roller bearings Split cylindrical roller bearings

compared with traditional designs include enhanced operational reliability and a greater insensitivity to misalignment. The SKF range of cylindrical roller bearings comprises the basic types single row cylindrical roller bearings, caged, mainly of the NU, NJ, NUP and N designs (

fig) double row cylindrical roller bearings, caged, mainly of the NNU and NN designs (

fig)

 multi-row cylindrical roller bearings, caged (

fig,

fig) single row full complement cylindrical roller bearings, mainly of the NCF and NJG designs (

fig) double row full complement cylindrical roller bearings, mainly of the NNF design (

fig) multi-row full complement cylindrical roller bearings, with four or eight rows of rollers (

fig). In addition to the standard assortment the comprehensive SKF range of cylindrical roller bearings consists of single row highprecision all-steel or hybrid cylindrical roller bearings (

fig) double row highprecision all-steel or hybrid cylindrical roller bearings (

fig) cylindrical roller bearings and bearing units for railway axleboxes (

fig) single row cylindrical roller bearings for traction motors for railway applications backing bearings for cold rolling mills of the cluster type (

fig) indexing roller units for continuous furnaces (

fig). Other cylindrical roller bearings for special applications include a special electrical insulated coating, called INSOCOAT . Details of these bearings can be found in this catalogue in the section "Engineering products".

Combined cylindrical roller/tapered roller bearings

Combined cylindrical roller/tapered roller bearings, also referred to
Product data Combined cylindrical roller/taper roller bearings Design Dimensions Tolerances

as "Kombi" bearings ( fig 1), have been developed by SKF. They comprise two single row cylindrical roller bearings and one double row tapered roller bearing, and support radial loads and axial loads separately. The outer cylindrical roller bearings have high load carrying capacity and are only subjected to radial loads. The cylindrical rollers are guided between two integral flanges on the inner ring, whilst the low flange on the inboard side of the outer ring serves to hold the bearing together until it is mounted. The tapered roller bearing with steep contact angle positioned between the two cylindrical roller bearings has two rows of rollers in a face-to-face arrangement and takes the axial load. These "Kombi" bearings are employed as work roll bearings on four-high stands of both hot and cold rolling mills and of cold sheet rolling mills (

Internal clearance Cages Speeds Load carrying capacity and life

fig 2). Increased demands with respect to the quality and accuracy of the rolled product as well as further developments in the production process for sheet steel involving the introduction of contra-bending and axial displacement of the rolls have meant that work roll bearing loads have been considerably increased. This means that the four-row tapered roller bearings normally used as work roll bearings can often not meet the requisite life demands because of the much heavier radial and axial loads applied.

Tapered roller bearings

Tapered roller bearings are produced by SKF in many designs and sizes to match their many uses. These can be grouped as follows
Tapered roller bearings Single row tapered roller bearings Paired single row tapered roller bearings

Product data

single row tapered roller bearings ( paired single row tapered roller bearings (

fig)

Double row tapered roller bearings Four-row tapered roller bearings

fig)

double row tapered roller bearings ( and four-row tapered roller bearings (

fig),

fig). These are described in four separate sections under the appropriate headings. SKF also manufactures sealed, greased and pre-adjusted units based on tapered roller bearings, such as hub bearing units for passenger cars (

fig) hub bearing units for trucks (

fig), and tapered bearing units (

fig) for railbound vehicles. Design features Tapered roller bearings have tapered inner and outer ring raceways between which tapered rollers are arranged. The projection lines of all the tapered surfaces meet at a common point on the bearing axis. Their design makes tapered roller bearings particularly suitable for the accommodation of combined (radial and axial) loads. The axial load carrying capacity of the bearings is largely

determined by the contact angle ( fig); the larger , the higher the axial load carrying capacity (

fig). An indication of the angle size is given by the calculation factor e; the larger the value of e, the larger the contact angle and the greater the suitability of the bearing for carrying axial loads. Tapered roller bearings are generally separable, i.e. the cone, consisting of the inner ring with roller and cage assembly, can be mounted separately from the cup (outer ring). SKF tapered roller bearings have the logarithmic contact profile that provides optimum stress distribution over the roller/raceway contacts. The special design of the sliding surfaces of the guide flange and large roller ends considerably promote lubricant film formation in the roller end/flange contacts. The resulting benefits include increased operational reliability and reduced sensitivity to misalignment.

Spherical roller bearings

Spherical roller bearings are inherently self-aligning and very robust. The two rows of rollers make the bearings able to carry heavy loads. Invented by SKF and refined over the years, the present SKF range of spherical roller bearings includes a wide range of sizes of several ISO Dimension Series and also includes special designs, for example, for vibrating screens and similar applications. More recently a range of sealed spherical roller bearings has been added to the assortment. Split spherical roller bearings are usually based on the standard bearings but can be customized as required.

Product data Spherical roller bearings Spherical roller bearings SKF Energy Efficient (E2) spherical roller

bearings Split spherical roller bearings

Thrust ball bearings

Single direction thrust ball bearings SKF single direction thrust ball bearings consist of a shaft washer, a housing washer and a ball and cage thrust assembly. The bearings are separable so that mounting is simple as the washers and the ball and cage assembly can be mounted separately. Smaller sizes are available with either a flat seat surface on the

Product data Thrust ball bearings Dimensions Tolerances Misalignment Cages

housing washer (

fig 1) or a sphered

Minimum load Equivalent dynamic bearing load Equivalent static bearing load Supplementa ry designations

seat surface ( fig 2). Bearings with a sphered housing washer can be used together with a

fig 3) sphered seat washer ( to compensate for misalignment between the support surface in the housing and the shaft. Sphered seat washers are available from SKF but must be ordered separately. Single direction thrust ball bearings, as their name suggests, can accommodate axial loads in one direction and thus locate a shaft axially in one direction. They must not be subjected to any radial load. In addition SKF also offers polymer thrust ball bearings, shown in the section "Engineering products - Polymer ball bearings". Double direction thrust ball bearings SKF double direction thrust ball bearings consist of one shaft washer, two housing washers and two ball and cage thrust assemblies. The bearings are separable so that mounting is simple. The various parts can be mounted separately. The housing washers and ball and cage thrust assemblies are identical to those of the single direction bearings. Smaller bearings are available with either a flat seat surface on the

housing washers (

fig 4) or

with a sphered seat surface ( fig 5). Bearings with sphered housing washers can be used together

with sphered seat washers ( fig 6) to compensate for misalignment between the housing and shaft. The sphered seat washers are available from SKF, but must be ordered separately. Double direction thrust ball bearings can accommodate axial loads acting in both directions and can thus serve to axially locate a shaft in both directions. They must not be subjected to radial load.

Angular contact thrust ball bearings

The SKF angular contact thrust ball bearings shown here were originally designed to support the rotary tables of drilling rigs but are also suitable for other applications where high load carrying capacity, high axial stiffness and low friction torque are important. In contrast to conventional thrust ball bearings, angular contact thrust ball bearings can accommodate radial loads in addition to axial loads and are able to operate at high speeds.
Product data Angular contact thrust ball bearings Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings Double direction angular contact

thrust ball bearings Other angular contact thrust ball bearings Dimensions Tolerances Misalignment Cages Minimum load Equivalent dynamic bearing load Equivalent static bearing load

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are suitable for arrangements that have to support heavy axial loads. Furthermore, they are relatively insensitive to shock loads, are very stiff and require little axial space. As standard they are available as single direction bearings and can only accommodate axial loads acting in one direction. Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are simple in form and design and

Product data Cylindrical roller thrust bearings Dimensions Tolerances Misalignment Cages

are produced in single row (

fig 1)

Minimum load Equivalent dynamic bearing load Equivalent static bearing load Supplementa ry designations Design of associated components Raceways on the shaft and in the housing

and double row ( fig 2) designs. The bearings in the 811 and 812 series are mainly used where thrust ball bearings have insufficient load carrying capacity. The cylindrical surface of the rollers is slightly relieved towards the ends. The resulting contact profile virtually eliminates damaging edge stresses. The bearings are of separable design; the individual components can be mounted separately. Components For applications where the faces of adjacent machine components can serve as raceways and slim bearing arrangements are required or other combinations of cylindrical roller and cage thrust assembles and washers are required, e.g. with two shaft or housing washers, it is possible to order the components cylindrical roller and cage thrust assemblies K (

fig 3)

shaft washers WS (

fig 4)

housing washers GS ( separately, see product table.

fig 5)

Raceway washers of the LS series (see section "Needle roller thrust bearings - Bearing washers") may be used for bearings in the 811 series both as shaft and as housing washers where accurate centring of the washers is not needed or where low speeds are involved. Double direction bearings Double direction bearings can easily be assembled by combining appropriate shaft washers in the WS 811 series or housing washers in the GS 811 series with two cylindrical roller and cage thrust assemblies in the K 811 series and a suitable intermediate washer

with internal centring (

fig 6) or external

centring (

fig 7).

These intermediate washers should have the same quality and hardness as the bearing washers. Recommendations for intermediate washer dimensions will be supplied on request. Guideline values for the dimensional, form and running accuracy are provided in the section "Design of associated components".

Tapered roller thrust bearings

Tapered roller thrust bearings enable axially very compact bearing arrangements to be produced which can carry very heavy axial loads, are insensitive to shock loads and are stiff. SKF produces single direction tapered roller thrust bearings (
Product data Tapered roller thrust bearings Single direction tapered roller thrust bearings Double

fig 1) and double direction tapered

direction tapered roller thrust bearings Screw-down bearings

roller thrust bearings (

fig 2). The

Tolerances Cages Minimum load Equivalent dynamic bearing load Equivalent static bearing load Comparative load ratings

screw-down bearings ( fig 3) constitute a special design of single direction tapered roller thrust bearing and have a full complement of rollers. They are used for rolling mill screw-down arrangements. SKF tapered roller thrust bearings are produced with the logarithmic contact profile between raceways and rollers to guarantee optimum stress distribution in the bearing, thus enhancing bearing life. SKF tapered roller thrust bearings with cage are of separable design so that the two washers and the roller and cage thrust assembly can be mounted separately and easily. The full complement screwdown bearings are held together by special retaining components and, to simplify handling, the washers have threaded holes for eye bolts.

Spherical roller thrust bearings

In spherical roller thrust bearings the load is transmitted from one raceway to the other at an angle to the bearing axis (

Product data Spherical roller thrust bearings SKF Explorer class bearings Dimensions Tolerances Misalignment

fig 1). The bearings are therefore suitable to accommodate radial loads in addition to simultaneously acting axial loads. Another important characteristic of spherical roller thrust bearings is their self-aligning capability. This makes the bearings insensitive to shaft deflection and misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing. SKF spherical roller thrust bearings incorporate a large number of asymmetrical rollers and have specially designed raceways with an optimum conformity. They can therefore support very heavy axial loads and permit relatively high speed operation. SKF spherical roller thrust bearings are produced in two designs depending on the size and series. Bearings up to and including size 68 identified by the designation suffix E have a pressed steel

Influence of operating temperature on bearing material Minimum load Equivalent dynamic bearing load Equivalent static bearing load Supplementa ry

window-type cage which, with the rollers, forms a non-separable

designations Design of associated components Lubrication Mounting

assembly with the shaft washer ( fig 2). All other bearings have a machined brass or steel cage which is guided by a sleeve held in the shaft washer bore (

fig 3). The shaft washer and cage with rollers form a non-separable unit.

Track runner bearings

SKF track runner bearings are rolling bearings with a very thickwalled outer ring that can accommodate heavy loads as well as shock loads. The designs of track runner bearings are based on ball bearings, needle roller bearings as well as cylindrical roller bearings. SKF supplies track runner bearings in many different designs and for a wide variety of diverse operating conditions and applications. They are ready-to-mount pre-greased units and are intended for all types of cam drives, tracks, conveyor systems etc. The rails used for SKF linear guides can serve as tracks for the bearings. The SKF assortment of track runner bearings comprises: cam rollers support rollers cam followers

Product data Track runner bearings Cam rollers Support rollers Cam followers