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Office address
National Engineering Industries Ltd.
Khatipura Road Jaipur – 302006 Rajasthan, India
Phone Number

Toll Free: 1800 3000 6222
Telephone: +91 141 222 3221
Fax: +91 141 222 1926, 222 2259
CIN: U29130WB1946PLC013643

Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings

What are Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings?

Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings are designed to handle high thrust loads while accommodating misalignment and shaft deflection. They consist of asymmetrical rollers, guided by a raceway and designed to tilt and rotate smoothly. They are made up of the following components:

  • Rollers: This comes in an asymmetrical shape, allowing for higher load capacity and reduced friction.
  • Raceways: The curved raceways of these bearings support the rollers, distributing loads evenly.
  • Cage: The cage is meant to guide the rollers in order to maintain spacing and reduce wear.

These bearings primarily support axial loads but can also handle radial loads. Their design allows them to perform efficiently even with shaft misalignment. Typically made from high-quality steel, offering durability and resistance to wear. Additionally, advanced coatings and treatments are sometimes used for added protection against corrosion and extreme conditions.

Features of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings

  • High Load Capacity: Designed to support very high axial loads and moderate radial loads, it comes with asymmetrical rollers which facilitate increasing load capacity compared to other bearing types.
  • Misalignment Tolerance: Designed to accommodate misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing, its spherical raceway profile allows for angular movement of the rollers.
  • Durability and Shelf Life: Constructed from high-quality materials for prolonged operational life, it comes with heat treatments and coatings that enhance resistance to wear and corrosion.
  • Efficient Performance: Low friction design reduces heat generation and energy loss, while the cage design ensures smooth movement of rollers, enhancing performance.
  • Flexible Lubrication: Can be used with various lubricants, including oils and greases, to reduce friction and wear.

Advantages of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings

  • Enhanced Load Handling: Capable of managing both axial and radial loads efficiently, it is ideal for applications where high load capacity is critical.
  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications across different industries, these bearings perform well under varying operational conditions, such as high temperatures and misalignment.
  • Reduced Maintenance: Long shelf life reduces the frequency of maintenance.Easy to maintain with proper lubrication, ensuring continuous performance.
  • Improved Reliability: Robust design and high-quality materials ensure reliable operation. Consistent performance reduces downtime and enhances overall system reliability.
  • Cost-Effective: High durability and longer shelf life helps lower the total cost of ownership. Reduced maintenance and downtime contribute to overall cost savings.

Applications of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings

Heavy Machinery

  • Construction Equipment including excavators, bulldozers, and cranes rely on these bearings for efficient load handling and durability.
  • Mining Equipment: Crushers, conveyors, and mills benefit from the high load capacity and reliability.

Marine Industry

  • Ship Propulsion Systems: Bearings support propeller shafts, handling high axial loads and misalignment.
  • Offshore Platforms: Used in various equipment where durability and load capacity are crucial.

Energy Sector

  • Wind Turbines: Bearings support the main shaft, ensuring smooth operation despite high loads and misalignment.
  • Hydroelectric Plants: Turbine shafts and other critical components benefit from the robustness of these bearings.

Industrial Applications

  • Pulp and Paper Industry: Bearings support heavy rolls and machinery, handling high loads and ensuring smooth operation.
  • Steel Mills: Crucial in rolling mills and other equipment, where high load capacity and durability are essential.

Automotive Industry

  • Transmission Systems: Used in various parts of the transmission system, handling high loads and ensuring smooth power transmission.
  • Axle Bearings: Provide support for heavy loads and reduce friction in the drivetrain.

Aerospace Industry

  • Landing Gear: Bearings handle the high loads during landing and takeoff, ensuring reliability and safety.
  • Engine Components: Critical in supporting various engine parts, providing durability and performance under extreme conditions.

Food and Beverage Industry

  • Processing Equipment: Bearings are used in machinery that processes and packages food, requiring high load capacity and durability.
  • Bottling Machines: Ensure smooth operation and longevity in high-speed, high-load applications.

Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Production Equipment: Bearings support machinery that requires high precision and reliability, ensuring consistent performance.
  • Packaging Machines: High load capacity and durability are essential in the packaging process, where efficiency is key.

Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings are indispensable in a variety of industries due to their high load capacity, tolerance for misalignment, and overall durability. They offer numerous advantages, such as enhanced load handling, versatility, and reduced maintenance. By understanding their features and benefits, industries can better utilise these bearings to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.

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