XLB Self-aligning Ball Bearing

Self-aligning ball bearings are suitable for applications where misalignment can arise from errors in mounting or shaft deflection. The steel balls, cage, and inner ring can rotate freely at a certain angle, as it is stated that the bearings have self-aligning features. Accordingly, misalignment of the bearing shaft due to the machining and installation of the shaft and housing will be automatically adjusted.

Physical Characteristics of Self-Aligning Ball Bearing:

The self-aligning ball bearing has two rows of balls , concave sphere raceway in the outer ring.
The center of curvature meet that of the bearing itself, so that the inner ring, balls and cage continue to rotate.
The bearing with a tapered bore can easily be fit to the shaft with an adapter assembly.
This bearing has internal and external types. Internal bearing have an outer-ring ball groove ground to a spherical surface. This surface makes these auto bearings insensitive to misalignment, but increases raceway contact stresses, which cuts load capacity. Externally self-aligning bearing have a spherical surface on the outside of the outer ring, which matches a concave spherical housing. External bearing have better load capacity than internal, but demand greater radial space.