Self-aligning ball bearings were invented by SKF. This SKF bearing has two rows of balls, and the outer ring has a common concave spherical raceway. The bearings are therefore self-aligning and are not affected by misalignment of the shaft relative to the bearing housing. It is particularly suitable for bearing applications where considerable shaft deflection or misalignment may occur. In addition, SKF self-aligning ball bearings have the lowest friction among all rolling bearings, so they can maintain a lower temperature even at high speeds.
Self-aligning ball bearings were invented by SKF. This SKF bearing has two rows of balls, and the outer ring has a common concave spherical raceway. The bearings are therefore self-aligning and are not affected by misalignment of the shaft relative to the bearing housing. It is particularly suitable for bearing applications where considerable shaft deflection or misalignment may occur. In addition, SKF self-aligning ball bearings have the lowest friction among all rolling bearings, so they can maintain a lower temperature even at high speeds.
SKF self-aligning ball bearings are also available with seals, with contact seals on both sides of the bearing – model suffix 2RS1. These sheet steel reinforced seals are made from oil and wear resistant acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR rubber). These seals can tolerate operating temperatures ranging from -40 to +100 degrees Celsius, and can tolerate temperatures up to +120 degrees Celsius for short periods of time. The sealing lip contacts a smooth chamfer on the inner ring with light pressure.