Bearings Offer Increased Lifespans

Bearings Offer Increased Lifespans Schaeffler's X-life FAG E1 spherical roller thrust bearings suffer less wear due to optimised lubricant film formation. Launched at this year's Hanover Fair, Schaeffler's new premium grade, X-life FAG E1 spherical roller thrust bearings now boast significant improvements, including increased load ratings (static +10%, dynamic +35%), limiting speeds (+50%) and fatigue limiting load (+70%). The bearing offers a 170% increase in bearing rating life. The operating life has more than doubled under the same loads and it is suitable for high-speed applications due to lower friction levels. It offers improved guidance and vibration characteristics due to very high running accuracy and suffers less wear due to optimised lubricant film formation.The lubricant is subjected to less strain due to lower bearing temperatures. For the customer, these benefits translate into higher machine availability, new design possibilities, more economical bearing supports due to downsizing; and lower operating costs due to reduced energy consumption. The most up to date kinematics technology and software was used to develop the new 294 and 293 series bearings, which are made from higher quality materials.The performance improvements were made possible by modifying and improving the bearing contact geometry and bearing kinematics.This included adding longer rollers with larger diameters, which results in higher load ratings. Surface improvements on the rolling elements also enable a lubrication film that is capable of supporting even higher loads. Improved osculation conditions and additional profiles further optimise the rolling contact.Modified osculation and precise rib geometry increase the load carrying capacity of the rib contact. A new sheet metal cage with improved roller guidance and lubrication support, reduces wear and extends the life of the bearing.Higher axial load carrying capacity and lower bearing temperature as well as improved resistance to wear have enabled a further increase in operational reliability and economic efficiency. Moreover, the new FAG E1 spherical roller thrust bearings in X-life quality offer an even better price/performance ratio.Users also benefit from higher machine availability and lower operating costs through reduced energy consumption. Design engineers can either achieve higher performance with unchanged bearing dimensions or they can realise more cost-effective downsized solutions.In addition to these two X-life quality series, 292 series spherical roller thrust bearings are also available in an E1 version, comprising longer rollers and larger roller diameters. Schaeffler's axial spherical roller bearings are ideal for applications in which very high axial loads are present and where shaft deflections or misalignments of bearing seats must be compensated for.The bearings operate reliably in the harshest of environments, including gearboxes, calendars, marine and rudder engines, lifting gear, construction machinery and steel rolling mills.