Increasing demand for spherical plain bearings and rod ends

Schaeffler offers a comprehensive range of maintenance-free plain bearings. Innovative plain bearing materials are used, such as ELGOGLIDE, ELGOTEX, and the metal-polymer composite E40. These PTFE-based plain bearing materials enable ultra-low coefficients of friction for spherical plain bearings and rod ends, while ensuring low wear and very long lifecycles. Maintenance-free plain bearings considerably reduce lubricant and maintenance costs as they do not require any oil or grease while also being very environmentally friendly.

With more than 60 years of plain bearing expertise, Schaeffler is a market leader in the design and manufacture of these bearings. Spherical plain bearings from Schaeffler improve the performance of machines and equipment, vehicles and devices. Durable and capable of supporting heavy loads, they ensure reliable operation, even under harsh environmental conditions. The product range is also geared towards maintenance-free operation.

A variety of available bearing surfaces means that customers can select the right bearing for their application and operating conditions.

Spherical plain bearings with ELGOGLIDE

The ELGOGLIDE brand uses high-performance, maintenance-free sliding materials based on Teflon fabric. Suitable for dynamic loads at contact pressures ranging from 1 to 300MPa, these bearings are particularly suitable for applications that require minimal friction.

Radial spherical plain bearings comprise inner and outer rings with maintenance-free sliding layers made from ELGOGLIDE, PTFE composite or PTFE-bronze film. This means they are suitable for alternating dynamic loads. Large spherical plain bearings (diameters from 320mm up to 1000mm) belong to the X-life premium quality, high-performance class.

Angular contact spherical plain bearings comprise inner and outer rings with ELGOGLIDE. In addition to radial loads, they can also support high axial loads.

Axial spherical plain bearings comprise shaft locating and housing locating washers with ELGOGLIDE. Large spherical plain bearings (diameters from 220mm) belong to the X-life premium quality, high-performance class.

Spherical plain bearings with PTFE sliding surfaces

Schaeffler offers various PTFE-based sliding materials for specific applications, particularly for small diameters. These include a PTFE composite material for compact radial spherical plain bearings for small envelopes with bore diameters as small as 6mm, for contact pressures up to 100MPa. A PTFE foil is also provided for compact spherical plain bearings with inch dimensions.

Rod ends

Schaeffler offers a wide range of rod end designs in both maintenance-free and maintenance required versions. Maintenance-free rod ends comprise a housing with integral shank and a maintenance-free spherical plain bearing. They can support radial forces in a tensile or compressive direction and are suitable for slow movements with small or moderate swivel angles, for unilateral loads and under certain conditions for alternating loads.

For more information about Schaeffler's spherical plain bearings and rod ends, go to www.schaeffler.co.uk.