What Are FAG Spherical Roller Bearings?
FAG spherical roller bearings, manufactured by Schaeffler Group, are designed to handle high radial loads and moderate axial loads in both directions. Their self-aligning capability allows them to compensate for misalignment between the shaft and housing, making them ideal for heavy-duty and high-shock applications like mining, construction, and steel manufacturing.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a FAG Bearing
1. Load and Speed Requirements
Different applications require different dynamic and static load ratings. For example:
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FAG 22220-E1-K-C3
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Bore Diameter: 100 mm
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Outer Diameter: 180 mm
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Application: Crushers, heavy-duty conveyors
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Features: High load capacity, tapered bore for easy mounting
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FAG 22330-E1A-M-C3
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Bore Diameter: 150 mm
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Application: Vibrating screens, mining equipment
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Features: Reinforced design for high shock loads
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Use the P (equivalent dynamic load) and n (operating speed) values of your application to find a bearing with the correct C (basic dynamic load rating) and nG (reference speed) ratings.
2. Mounting Type and Bore Design
FAG bearings come with either cylindrical or tapered bores. Tapered bore bearings (e.g., suffix “K”) can be mounted using adapter or withdrawal sleeves, making them ideal for applications where fast installation and removal are important.
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Cylindrical Bore Example:
FAG 23024-E1A-M-C3 – For rigid shaft mountings -
Tapered Bore Example:
FAG 23120-E1-K-TVPB-C3 – For flexible shaft alignment with adapter sleeves
3. Clearance (C3, C4, etc.)
Bearing internal clearance (e.g., C3 or C4) affects heat expansion and vibration behavior. For high-temperature or high-speed environments, a C3 clearance is often preferred.
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C3 – Slightly greater than normal clearance, used in most industrial applications
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C4 – Greater clearance for high-speed or high-temp environments
4. Sealing and Lubrication
For contaminated or wet environments, sealed or lubricated bearing variants help extend bearing life and reduce maintenance:
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FAG 22218-E1-XL-2RSR – Double lip seals, ideal for dusty or damp environments
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FAG 24026-E1-XL-K30-AH24026 – Large bore spherical bearing with optimized grease retention
5. Application-Specific Selection
| Application | Recommended FAG Models | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mining & Quarrying | 22330-E1A-M-C3 | High shock load, vibration-resistant |
| Cement Plants | 22220-E1-K-C3 | Tapered bore, easy to mount |
| Wind Turbines | 24122-E1-2VSR | Sealed version, corrosion resistant |
| Steel Mills | 23030-E1A-K-M-C3 | Handles thermal expansion, high loads |
| Paper Industry | 22218-E1-XL | Long life under continuous load |
Quick Tips for Buyers
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Always check OEM specifications before selecting a bearing.
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Use FAG online catalogs or consult with a supplier for dimensional drawings.
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Verify genuine FAG packaging to avoid counterfeits.
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Choose authorized distributors with technical support and global delivery.
Need Help with Sizing or Stock Availability?
We offer a full range of FAG spherical roller bearings, including custom sourcing, fast global shipping, and engineering support for industrial clients. Contact us today with your shaft size, load requirements, and application, and we’ll help you select the optimal bearing model.
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.