What are self-aligning roller bearings?

Self-aligning roller bearings are types of ball bearings that feature two rows of balls. The outer ring has a sphered raceway, whereas the inner ring has two uninterrupted raceway groves. These types of roller bearings are designed in such a way that the angular misalignment of the shaft has virtually no effect on the bearings, which self-align themselves, as the name suggests. 

Features

Self-aligning roller bearings are equipped with certain significant features, including:

• Self-aligning capability to accommodate misalignments in both static and dynamic forms. 
• Lower friction generates low frictional heat and enables the bearings to remain cooler at high speeds, facilitating exceptional high-speed performance.
• Low heat generation maximises life and minimises the need for maintenance.

Applications

Self-aligning roller bearings are extensively used in applications that demand zero deflection of the shaft even at high speeds. As such, they are used in a multitude of equipment and machinery, including industrial fans, processing equipment, material handling equipment, and so on. Thus, self-aligning roller bearings can be found in diverse industries, such as:

• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Processing 
• Food and beverage
• Pulp and paper
• Automobile