Posted to News on 16th Sep 2007, 11:58
Spherical roller thrust bearings have higher load ratings
Schaeffler's new premium-grade, X-life FAG E1 spherical roller thrust bearings boast significant improvements, including increased load ratings (static +10 per cent, dynamic +35 per cent), limiting speeds (+50 per cent) and fatigue limiting load (+70 per cent). A remarkable achievement is the bearings' 170 per cent increase in bearing rating life. Schaeffler believes these improvements make the X-life FAG E1 spherical roller thrust bearings one of the best of its type on the market today.
The technical benefits of the bearing are numerous: operating life has more than doubled under the same loads; similar operating life is possible under significantly higher loads; the bearings are suitable for high-speed applications due to lower friction levels; very high running accuracy results in improved guidance and vibration characteristics; optimised lubricant film formation leads to less wear; and the lubricant is subjected to less strain due to lower bearing temperatures.
For the customer, these benefits translate into higher machine availability, new design possibilities, more economical bearing supports due to downsizing; and lower operating costs due to reduced energy consumption.
Schaeffler used its most up-to-date kinematics technology and software to develop the new 294 and 293 series bearings, which are made from superior quality materials. The performance improvements were made possible by modifying and improving the bearing contact geometry and bearing kinematics. This included adding longer rollers with larger diameters, which results in higher load ratings.
Reduced wear and extended life
Surface improvements on the rolling elements also enable a lubrication film that is capable of supporting even higher loads. Improved osculation conditions and additional profiles further optimise the rolling contact. Modified osculation and precise rib geometry increase the load carrying capacity of the rib contact. A new sheet metal cage with improved roller guidance and lubrication support deliver reduced wear and extend the life of the bearing.
Higher axial load carrying capacity and lower bearing temperature, as well as improved resistance to wear, enable a further increase in operational reliability and economic efficiency. Moreover, the new FAG E1 spherical roller thrust bearings in X-life quality offer an even better price/performance ratio. Totally new opportunities have been opened up for design engineers: they can either achieve higher performance with unchanged bearing dimensions or they can realise more cost-effective,downsized designs.
In addition to these two X-life quality series, 292 series spherical roller thrust bearings are also available in an E1 version, with longer rollers and larger roller diameters.
Schaeffler's axial spherical roller bearings are suitable for applications in which very high axial loads are present and where shaft deflections or misalignments of bearing seats must be compensated for. The bearings operate reliably in harsh environments, including gearboxes, calenders, marine and rudder engines, lifting gear, construction machinery and steel rolling mills.
