Spherical Plain Thrust Bearings

Spherical plain thrust bearings, also known as thrust spherical plain bearings, are specialized bearings designed to handle axial loads in a thrust direction. They consist of a spherical inner ring and a convex spherical outer ring with sliding surfaces. These bearings are primarily used in applications where there is a need for axial movement and high load-carrying capacity, such as in heavy-duty machinery, construction equipment, and automotive applications. Spherical plain thrust bearings offer excellent performance, durability, and resistance to misalignment, making them suitable for demanding thrust load applications.

Technial Specification

Table 1

Part No.	Dimensions mm													Load ratings KN		weight kg
	d	D	H	dk	d1	d2	d3	B	C	S	R1s	R2s	a	dyn.	stat.
	d	D	H	dk	d1	d2	d3	B	C	S	min	min	a	C	C0
GE10AW	10	30	9.5	32	16.5	27.5	21	7.9	6	7	0.6	0.2	10	36	72	0.04
GE12AW	12	35	13	37	19.5	32	24	9.3	9	8	0.6	0.2	9	49	98	0.07
GE15AW	15	42	15	45	24	38.9	29	10.7	11	10	0.6	0.2	7	78	156	0.12
GE17AW	17	47	16	50	28	43.4	34	11.5	11.5	11	0.6	0.2	6	88	176	0.16
GE20AW	20	55	20	60	33.5	50	40	14.3	13	12.5	1	0.3	6	112	224	0.25
GE25AW	25	62	22.5	66	34.5	57.5	45	16	17	14	1	0.3	7	193	390	0.38
GE30AW	30	75	26	80	44	69	56	18	19.5	17.5	1	0.3	6	255	510	0.65
GE35AW	35	90	28	98	52	84	66	22	20	22	1	0.3	6	390	780	1
GE40AW	40	105	32	114	59	98	78	27	22	24.5	1	0.3	6	560	1120	1.6
GE45AW	45	120	36.5	130	68	112	89	31	25	27.5	1	0.3	6	735	1460	2.4
GE50AW	50	130	42.5	140	69	122.5	98	33.5	32	30	1	0.3	5	980	1960	3.3
GE60AW	60	150	45	160	86	140	108	37	33	35	1	0.3	7	1100	2200	4.5
GE70AW	70	160	50	170	95	149.5	121	40	36	35	1	0.3	6	1200	2400	5.5
GE80AW	80	180	50	194	108	168	130	42	36	42.5	1	0.3	6	1560	3100	7
GE100AW	100	210	59	220	133	195.5	155	50	42	45	1	0.3	7	1800	3600	10.5
GE120AW	120	230	64	245	154	214	170	52	45	52.5	1	0.3	8	1860	3750	13
GE140AW	140	260	72	272	176	244	198	61	50	52.5	1.5	0.6	6	2450	4900	18
GE160AW	160	290	77	310	199	272	213	65	52	65	1.5	0.6	7	2850	5700	23
GE180AW	180	320	86	335	224	300	240	70	60	67.5	1.5	0.6	8	3200	6400	31
GE200AW	200	340	87	358	246	321	265	74	60	70	1.5	0.6	8	3550	7100	34
GE220AW	220	370	97	388	265	350	289	82	67	75	1.5	0.6	7	4400	8800	44.5
GE240AW	240	400	103	420	294	382	314	87	73	77.5	1.5	0.6	6	5200	10400	55
GE260AW	260	430	115	449	317	409	336	95	80	82.5	1.5	0.6	7	5400	10800	69
GE280AW	280	460	110	480	337	445	366	100	85	80	3	1	4	8500	17000	82
GE300AW	300	480	110	490	356	460	388	100	90	80	3	1	3.5	8650	17300	87
GE320AW	320	520	116	540	380	500	405	105	91	95	4	1.1	4	10600	21200	109
GE340AW	340	540	116	550	380	510	432	105	91	95	4	1.1	4	11800	23600	114
GE360AW	360	560	125	575	400	535	452	115	95	95	4	1.1	4	12700	25500	129

Advantages

Self-Alignment: Spherical plain bearings are designed to accommodate misalignment between the shaft and the housing. The spherical shape of the inner and outer rings allows for angular misalignment, ensuring smooth and reliable operation even in applications with shaft deflection or misalignment. This self-aligning capability helps to reduce stress and prolong the bearing’s service life.
High Load-Carrying Capacity: Spherical plain bearings are engineered to handle high radial and axial loads. The design of the spherical sliding surfaces distributes the load evenly across the bearing, allowing it to bear heavy loads without premature wear or failure. This high load-carrying capacity makes them suitable for applications involving heavy machinery, construction equipment, and automotive components.
Low Friction and Wear: Spherical plain bearings are designed to provide low friction and minimal wear during operation. The sliding surfaces are typically treated with a special coating or made from materials with self-lubricating properties, reducing friction and enhancing the bearing’s efficiency. This results in smoother operation, reduced energy consumption, and extended bearing life.
Broad Temperature Range: Spherical plain bearings can operate effectively across a wide temperature range. They are designed to withstand both high and low temperatures, making them suitable for applications in extreme environments. This temperature resistance ensures the bearings’ reliability and performance in various industrial and automotive applications.
Corrosion Resistance: Many spherical plain bearings are available with corrosion-resistant coatings or made from materials that offer excellent resistance to corrosion. This feature is particularly advantageous in applications exposed to moisture, chemicals, or corrosive environments. The corrosion resistance extends the bearing’s lifespan and maintains its performance under adverse conditions.
Easy Installation and Maintenance: Spherical plain bearings are relatively easy to install and maintain. They can be mounted in various orientations and are often designed with a maintenance-free or low-maintenance concept. This reduces the need for frequent lubrication or maintenance, saving time and effort in the long run.