Spherical / Self-aligning Flange Mounted Bearings
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Spherical or self-aligning flange mounted bearings are designed to accommodate misalignment between the shaft and the housing. These bearings typically consist of a cylindrical body with a flange at one end, which helps in mounting and aligning the bearing. They are characterized by their ability to self-align, which is particularly beneficial in situations where precise alignment is challenging or where the shaft may experience bending or deformation during use.
Working Principle
Spherical or self-aligning flange mounted bearings work by allowing the inner ring to move relative to the outer ring, accommodating angular misalignment. This is achieved through the design of the bearing, which often includes two rows of balls and a hemispherical raceway in the outer ring. The inner ring has a groove that allows for this movement. This design reduces frictional resistance and energy consumption, while also minimizing heat generation. The ability to absorb misalignment-induced stresses enhances the longevity and reliability of these bearings, making them useful in various demanding environments.
Applications
Spherical or self-aligning flange mounted bearings are used in a variety of applications where misalignment is a concern. Specific examples include:
- Wind energy systems, where the bearings accommodate the misalignment caused by varying wind directions.
- Mining and mineral processing equipment, where heavy loads and misalignment are common.
- Cement plants, where machinery is subject to high levels of vibration and misalignment.
- Material handling systems, where the bearings help in managing the misalignment due to load shifts.
Advantages over other Flange Mounted Bearings
Spherical or self-aligning flange mounted bearings offer several advantages over other types of flange mounted bearings:
- They have a high-load carrying capacity and a longer service life, especially in contaminated environments.
- Their self-aligning feature allows them to accommodate angular misalignment, reducing the need for precise alignment during installation.
- They operate with lower frictional resistance, which results in reduced energy consumption and heat generation.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, spherical or self-aligning flange mounted bearings have some limitations:
- They typically have a lower axial load capacity compared to other bearing types.
- The complexity of their design can lead to higher initial costs compared to simpler bearing designs.
Considerations
When selecting spherical or self-aligning flange mounted bearings, several factors should be considered:
- Initial Costs: These bearings may have higher initial costs due to their complex design and materials.
- Operating Expense: The reduced friction and energy consumption can lead to lower operating expenses over time.
- Durability: Their ability to accommodate misalignment and absorb stresses enhances their durability, making them suitable for demanding applications.
- Accuracy: While they are excellent at handling misalignment, they may not be suitable for applications requiring high precision.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: The self-aligning feature can reduce maintenance needs, but when replacement is necessary, the costs may be higher due to the complexity of the bearing design.
from Stock Drive Products & Sterling Instrument - SDP/SI
A bearing is a device that reduces friction between moving components by preventing metal-to-metal contact while assisting components (shafts, axles, and wheels) to freely rotate around a fixed axis, cutting down on heat generation and the amount of energy that is consumed. By replacing sliding... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Shaft Size: 0.1880
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Flange Length / Diameter: 1.8
from Spyraflo, Inc.
Flange-Mounts are widely used in applications requiring field service or applications which are not suitable for clinching. Features. ±5 ° Static self-alignment option. Electrically conductive. Easy installation and multiple bearing choices. Special flange design service. High and Low... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Flange Type: Non-piloted
from Lucas Industrial
Normal duty eccentric collar type [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Ball
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
Our four-bolt side flange mounted bearings contain a self-aligning reservoir bearing with either an oil cup or grease fitting. Manufactured in 16-gage galvanized steel, this versatile mount is stronger than its two-bolt version and can be used where heavier loads and normal shaft speeds are... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from G.L. Huyett
We offer a complete inventory of sleeves, flanges, thrust washers, cored stock and plates. [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Flange Type: Non-piloted
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch; Metric
from OILES America Corporation
Oiles #80 is a proprietary blend of polyacetal resins and uniformly dispersed bearing lubricants. There are several derivatives of this material, each specifically formulated to satisfy a wide variety of application requirements. Oiles #80 is available in both flanged straight bore bushing and... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Flange Type: Non-piloted
from Emerson Bearing Co.
M2000 units, with spherical roller bearings, offer high load capacity while allowing for angular misalignment. Available in expansion and non-expansion styles with triple lip or labyrinth seals. Directly interchangable with SYR and ZA units. [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Roller
- Design Units: Inch
from Quality Bearings & Components
Bronze BearingFLANGE-MOUNTED BEARINGS - INCH. SAE-840 Oil-Impregnated Bronze Bearing. Sintered Aluminum Housing. Self-Aligning Type Features: Flange-mounted. Self-aligning to ±5 °. Lightweight Operating Temperature: -20 °F to +200 °F Shafts should be hardened to Rc 95 with 16... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
Our miniature center flange mounted bearings are designed for lighter duty applications or where smaller types of equipment impose space limitations. This design is somewhat stronger than side flange mountings, but requires a hole in the mounting panel so the assembly may protrude slightly to the... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Emerson Bearing Co.
M2000 units, with spherical roller bearings, offer high load capacity while allowing for angular misalignment. Available in expansion and non-expansion styles with triple lip or labyrinth seals. Directly interchangable with SYR and ZA units. [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 4-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Roller
- Flange Type: Piloted
from Quality Bearings & Components
Delrin FLANGE-MOUNTED PRESSBEARINGS - INCH. Delrin Bearing. Carbon Steel Flange & Retainer, Black Oxide Finish Features: Flange-mounted. Self-aligning to ±5 °. Self-Lubricating Operating Temperature: -40 °F to +300 °F SHAFT RECOMMEDATIONS:Finish: 16 μin. or finer.Material:... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
Cushion flange mounted bearings are designed for side mountings on panels, plates and housing, or anywhere that may require sound and vibration suppression. Used to provide load support for that axis, cushion flange mountings hold a variety of self-aligning bearing sizes. The cushion itself is made... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Quality Bearings & Components
Sintered Bronze FLANGE-MOUNTED PRESSBEARINGS - INCH. Oil-Impregnated Sintered Bronze Bearing. Carbon Steel Retainer, Black Oxide Finish Features: Flange-mounted. Self-aligning to ±5 °. Self-Lubricating. *To be discontinued when present stock is depleted. [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
Center flange mounted bearings are more affordable than side flange mount units and stronger because the load is centered over the flange. Engineered with three bolts and for use with our reservoir bearings, our center flange mountings offer precision bores, oil cups or grease fittings, and can be... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 3-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Quality Bearings & Components
Needle Roller Bearing FLANGE-MOUNTED PRESSBEARINGS - INCH. Drawn Cup Needle Roller Bearing. Carbon Steel Housing, Black Oxide Finish. Self-Aligning Type Features: Flange-mounted. Self-aligning to ±5 ° Operating Temperature: -22 °F to +248 °F. NOTE: Hardened steel shaft required. [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Needle Roller
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
Mid flange mounted bearings are used for many applications. Our GA series is the same as the GB series except that the mounting does not include a back plate. This is provided by the customer, punching and forming this mounting surface to the proper dimensions to act as a back plate. This saves the... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 3-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Quality Bearings & Components
Steel Bearing. PILLOW FLANGE-MOUNTED BALL BEARINGS - INCH. High Chromium Alloy Steel Bearing. Carbon Steel, Black Oxide Finish Flange & Retainer. Features: Self-aligning to ±5 °. Pillow flange-mounted. Double shields. ABEC 3. Specifications: Max. Speed: 40000 rpm. Max. Radial Load:... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Offset Hole Pattern; Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Ball
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
At Triangle, our two-bolt side flange mounted bearings contain a self-aligning bearing of either nylon, sintered bronze or sintered iron. Manufactured in 14-gage galvanized steel, this mount has more alignment variation possibilities than our FL (1/2 ”-7/8 ”) series mounted bearing. Due... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
Our two-bolt side flange mounted bearings contain an oil impregnated bearing of either sintered bronze or sintered iron. Manufactured in 13-gauge galvanized steel and with either round or square mounting holes, this mount is larger than the FL or FJ (1/2 ”-7/8 ”) series mounts. Due to... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
At Triangle, our two-bolt side flange mounted bearings contain a self-aligning bearing of either nylon, sintered bronze or sintered iron and is manufactured in 16-gauge galvanized steel. [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch
from Triangle Manufacturing Company
At Triangle, our miniature side flange mounted bearings contain a self-aligning bearing of either nylon, sintered bronze or sintered iron. Manufactured in 16-gage galvanized steel, this two-bolt mount has been one of our most popular styles due to its wide use in mechanical equipment where... [See More]
- Bearing / Housing Features: Spherical or Self-aligning bearing.
- Mtg Configuration: 2-Bolt
- Bearing Type: Plain
- Design Units: Inch