Self-Aligning Ball Bearing

Self-aligning ball bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing that can accommodate misalignment between the shaft and the housing without causing excessive friction or wear. This unique ability to self-align makes them particularly useful in applications where shaft deflection or misalignment is common, such as in industrial machinery, automotive steering systems, and conveyor systems.

These bearings consist of two rows of balls and a spherical outer raceway in the inner ring, allowing the bearing to adjust its position relative to the housing. This design enables the bearing to compensate for angular misalignment, axial displacement, and even some shaft flexing. As a result, self-aligning ball bearings offer improved performance and reliability in challenging operating conditions, contributing to smoother operation, reduced maintenance, and extended service life for the machinery in which they are employed.