SKF self-aligning ball bearings are double-row ball bearings featuring an outer ring with a spherical raceway and an inner ring with two deep-groove raceways, endowing them with self-aligning capability. Primarily designed to accommodate radial loads, they can also handle minor axial loads whilst bearing radial loads, though they generally cannot withstand pure axial loads. Their maximum operating speed is lower than that of deep-groove ball bearings. These bearings are predominantly employed on double-supported shafts prone to bending under load, and in assemblies where dual bearing housings cannot guarantee strict coaxiality. However, the relative inclination between the inner and outer ring centre lines must not exceed 3 degrees.

Basic Types of SKF Self-Aligning Ball Bearings

Self-aligning ball bearings in the 12, 13, 22, and 23 series feature either cylindrical or tapered inner bores. Self-aligning ball bearings with a 1:12 tapered bore (designated by suffix K) can be mounted directly onto tapered shafts or fitted onto cylindrical shafts via a locking sleeve. FAG offers both unsealed self-aligning ball bearings and basic types fitted with end seals (designated by suffix 2RS).

SKF Self-Aligning Ball Bearings: Bearing Clearance

The basic type of self-aligning ball bearing with a cylindrical bore is manufactured with a standard clearance group. Bearings with greater radial clearance than the standard group (designated with suffix C3) are available upon request. The basic type of self-aligning ball bearing with a tapered bore has a radial clearance of C3, which is greater than the standard group.

SKF Sealed Self-Aligning Ball Bearings

Sealed self-aligning ball bearings (designated with suffix .2RS) feature contact seals at both ends. To ensure service life, they are factory-filled with grease. The minimum operating temperature for sealed bearings is -30°C.

SKF Self-Aligning Ball Bearing Alignment

Self-aligning ball bearings permit shaft deflection of 4° about the bearing centre. Sealed self-aligning ball bearings can compensate for a maximum of 1.5°.