RBC has been a pioneer in spherical bearing technology since inventing the fractured outer race design over 40 years ago. Since that time, RBC has continued to introduce industry leading innovations such as high misalignment, angular contact, extended inner ring, tapered bore, case carburized, and enhanced lubrication groove spherical bearing designs. These advanced products are used in pivoting, high load bearing applications where angular misalignment is required. Most typically, RBC spherical plain bearings are employed in hydraulic cylinder rod ends, vehicle steering linkage suspensions, heavy equipment articulated joints, and other severe duty uses.

Angular contact bearings, RBC series B-SA, are intended for applications with thrust loads exceeding the capability of a radial bearing. Angular contact bearings can support both radial and thrust loads.

Single acting bearings are separable and support thrust loads in only one direction. To support heavy thrust loads in both directions, use either 2 single acting bearings mounted in an “O” or “X” configuration or consider a double acting bearing, see below. Angular contact bearings do not have the misalignment capabilities of radial bearings, in fact, the angle of misalignment is generally quite small.

Combining two single acting angular contact bearings into a singular unit yields a double acting bearing with a heavy section inner ring, the RBC series B-DSA3. This type of bearing is often used as a locating bearing because it can support much heavier thrust loads than a standard radial bearing. Like a single acting bearing its angle of misalignment is limited. The heavy section inner ring allows a tapered bore with the same advantages and disadvantages as described above. As in all angular contact bearings, the proper axial clearance after assembly is critical. To eliminate the need for external shims, RBC produces these bearing assemblies with an axial clearance preset at the factory. A shim pack inserted between the two outer rings determines the actual clearance. The thickness of this shim pack may differ from one bearing assembly to the next, therefore care must be taken not to mix components from different assemblies. The ties of each bearing should only be cut immediately before installation.

RBC’s DuraLube™ II maintenance free spherical plain bearings provide reliable, grease-free operation through the use of highly-engineered PTFE liner systems that reduce friction between the surfaces of the inner and outer rings. These proprietary liner systems are developed for rigorous industrial applications, and have proven successful time and time again. Coupled with the most advanced sealing system on the market, the RBC solution provides the maximum durability you need in the most demanding applications.

Heim® Bearings uses a wide variety of designs and materials to offer a comprehensive line of spherical bearings. Standard Heim® spherical bearing designs include high strength steel-on-steel precision spherical bearings with brass race inserts; high capacity self-lubricating spherical bearings with Teflon® liners; and military standard spherical bearings. Standard material choices range from plain carbon steel to stainless steel.