Factors to Consider When Selecting FAG Spherical Roller Bearings

What Are FAG Spherical Roller Bearings?

FAG spherical roller bearings are self-aligning bearings that are designed to handle both radial and axial loads simultaneously. They are composed of two rows of rollers that run in a spherical raceway on the outer ring, allowing them to accommodate misalignment between the shaft and housing. This self-aligning design is especially beneficial in applications where shaft misalignment can occur due to various factors, such as temperature changes, operational vibrations, or mounting errors.

FAG spherical roller bearings are known for their robustness and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty industries like mining, steel manufacturing, and material handling.

Factors to Consider When Selecting FAG Spherical Roller Bearings

Selecting the right FAG spherical roller bearing for your application is critical for ensuring long-term performance and maximizing equipment lifespan. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Load Type and Load Rating

One of the most important considerations when selecting a bearing is the type and magnitude of the load that the bearing will carry. FAG spherical roller bearings are designed to handle both radial and axial loads in both directions. It’s important to determine the radial load (perpendicular to the shaft) and the axial load (parallel to the shaft) that the bearing will experience in your application.

• Radial load is usually associated with rotational motion and is the most common load type in many applications.

• Axial load occurs when there is a thrust or pressure pushing along the axis of the bearing.

Ensure that the dynamic load rating and static load rating of the bearing are sufficient to handle the expected load in your application. For example, the FAG 22212-E1 has a dynamic load rating of 77.5 kN and a static load rating of 60.5 kN, making it suitable for medium to heavy-duty applications.

2. Speed Requirements

The speed at which your machinery operates plays a key role in determining the type of bearing you need. FAG spherical roller bearings are designed to perform well at both high speeds and under heavy loads, but different models have different speed capabilities. Selecting a bearing with the correct speed rating ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of excessive wear.

If your application involves high-speed machinery, look for FAG bearings that are specifically designed for such conditions. For example, the FAG 22308-E1, with its optimized internal design, is ideal for applications with moderate speed and high load demands.

3. Misalignment and Shaft Alignment

Misalignment between the shaft and housing is a common challenge in many industrial applications. FAG spherical roller bearings are specifically designed to handle misalignment, thanks to their self-aligning feature. However, each bearing model has a certain tolerance for misalignment.

Before selecting a bearing, assess the degree of misalignment that can occur in your application. Bearings with a higher tolerance for misalignment can better compensate for shaft shifts and angular deviations, ultimately extending the life of both the bearing and the equipment. Models like FAG 22212-E1 are excellent choices for applications that may experience slight shaft misalignment.

4. Operating Environment and Lubrication

The operating environment of your machinery is another important factor to consider when selecting FAG spherical roller bearings. Bearings exposed to harsh conditions, such as high temperatures, moisture, dust, or chemicals, need additional protection. FAG bearings come in various designs, including sealed or shielded versions, to prevent contaminants from entering and to retain lubrication.

Lubrication is another crucial aspect. Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation and prevents overheating or excessive wear. When choosing FAG spherical roller bearings, ensure that the bearing is compatible with your lubrication system and the operating conditions it will face. If your application operates in a high-temperature environment, consider choosing high-temperature grease to protect the bearing and maintain optimal performance.

5. Bearing Size and Installation Space

Finally, the physical size of the bearing and the available space for installation are critical. Ensure that the bearing you choose fits within the designated space and is compatible with the shaft and housing. A bearing that is too small or too large for the application can lead to premature failure or inefficiency.

FAG spherical roller bearings come in a variety of sizes, so selecting the correct size is key. Be sure to check the bore diameter, outer diameter, and width to ensure proper fitment. For instance, the FAG 22308-E1 has a bore diameter of 40 mm, an outer diameter of 90 mm, and a width of 33 mm, making it ideal for medium-sized machinery with moderate load requirements.

Popular FAG Spherical Roller Bearing Models for Extended Equipment Life

Here are two popular FAG spherical roller bearing models that are designed to extend the life of your equipment:

FAG 22212-E1

The FAG 22212-E1 is a widely used spherical roller bearing suitable for medium-duty applications. It provides high load-carrying capacity, self-aligning properties, and durability in harsh conditions.

• Bore diameter: 60 mm

• Outer diameter: 110 mm

• Width: 28 mm

• Dynamic load rating: 77.5 kN

• Static load rating: 60.5 kN

This bearing is ideal for use in equipment such as conveyors, electric motors, and industrial fans, where moderate to heavy radial and axial loads are expected.

FAG 22308-E1

The FAG 22308-E1 is another excellent choice for applications with moderate speed and high load demands. It offers exceptional load capacity and self-aligning capabilities, making it ideal for machines subjected to both high radial and axial loads.

• Bore diameter: 40 mm

• Outer diameter: 90 mm

• Width: 33 mm

• Dynamic load rating: 75 kN

• Static load rating: 56 kN

This bearing is commonly used in industrial machinery such as crushers, pumps, and other heavy equipment in challenging environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting FAG Spherical Roller Bearings

1. Underestimating Load Requirements: Always ensure the bearing can handle both the radial and axial loads in your application. Underestimating the load can lead to premature bearing failure.

2. Ignoring Misalignment: Misalignment is common, and neglecting this factor can lead to excessive wear. Always choose a bearing with a sufficient tolerance for misalignment.

3. Choosing the Wrong Size: Selecting a bearing that doesn’t fit properly can cause alignment issues, affecting performance and lifespan. Double-check dimensions and fitment.

4. Neglecting Environmental Conditions: Bearings exposed to extreme conditions must be chosen with the appropriate sealing or protection features to ensure long service life.

Conclusion

As experienced professionals in the bearing industry for many years, we have always been committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and the most satisfactory services. Through collaborations with top brands such as SKF, TIMKEN, FAG, THK, and others, we have not only established a wide range of product lines but also accumulated rich industry experience and technical knowledge. For more information, please mail to crystal@wsbearing.com.