{"id":12329,"date":"2024-01-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/?p=12329"},"modified":"2024-02-06T13:15:30","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T19:15:30","slug":"exploring-manufacturing-methods-for-spherical-plain-bearings-fractured-race-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/exploring-manufacturing-methods-for-spherical-plain-bearings-fractured-race-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Manufacturing Methods for Spherical Plain Bearings: Fractured Race Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this post, we worked with bearing experts, <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/RBCBEARINGS\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">RBC Bearings<\/a> to share their insights into manufacturing methods for spherical plain bearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spherical Plain Bearings (SPBs) are fundamental components in various industrial applications, providing essential support for oscillating and tilting movements. As engineers delve into the intricacies of bearing selection for diverse applications, the manufacturing method plays a pivotal role in determining the bearing&#8217;s performance characteristics. Among the array of manufacturing methods, the fractured race method has emerged as a groundbreaking approach, offering a plethora of features and benefits that make it a compelling choice for engineers seeking optimal solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/RBCBEARINGS\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-Bearing-SPB-Group-Image-1024x842.jpg\" alt=\"RBC Bearing Bearing Group Image\" class=\"wp-image-12330\" width=\"512\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-Bearing-SPB-Group-Image-1024x842.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-Bearing-SPB-Group-Image-300x247.jpg 300w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-Bearing-SPB-Group-Image-150x123.jpg 150w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-Bearing-SPB-Group-Image-768x632.jpg 768w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-Bearing-SPB-Group-Image.jpg 1430w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/RBCBEARINGS\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Figure 1 RBC Fractured Race SPB Group Image<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Understanding the Fractured Race Method<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fractured race method involves splitting the outer ring of the bearing in a single location, or into two halves, creating a more intricate and precisely engineered component. The process begins with a carefully selected material, typically high-quality bearing steel, which undergoes a meticulous <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heat_treating\">heat treatment<\/a> to ensure optimal hardness and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key feature of fractured race SPBs is the use of a fractured outer race design, either single or double fractured, dependent on size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Innovation through Clever Design<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fractured race design involves splitting the outer ring, allowing for easier assembly with the inner ring and resulting in low manufacturing costs. This method provides several notable advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1<\/strong> <strong>&#8211; Ease of Assembly and Large Size Production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fractured race design streamlines the assembly process, reducing production time and minimizing costs related to assembling SPB components. Due to this design, very large spherical plain bearings can be easily manufactured at low cost&#8211;whether for small or large volumes. Engineers can appreciate the ease with which fractured race bearings can be integrated into their systems and maintained throughout their operational life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 &#8211; Optimized Load Distribution for Superior Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The innovative design resulting from the fractured race method has a profound impact on load distribution within the bearing. Splitting the outer ring into two halves allows for a more even distribution of loads, reducing stress concentrations. This optimization enhances the bearing&#8217;s capacity to handle heavy loads and axial forces with remarkable efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3 &#8211; Increased Wear Resistance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fractured race design enables the use of materials having high hardness which provides optimal wear resistance. This results in improved dynamic performance, making fractured race SPBs suitable for heavy-duty applications where robustness is paramount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Choosing the Right Method: Considerations for Application<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite these advantages, fractured race SPBs also have some limitations. Additionally, the double fracture designs require a retention band to keep the halves together during shipping and handling. Due to rigorous industrial applications, such as handling high impact loads, selecting the right bearing is essential for reliable performance and lead times. <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3EeLtKy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">RBC\u2019s DuraLube\u2122 II<\/a> Maintenance-Free Spherical Plain Bearing design can be a suitable alternative to grease lubricated bearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/221303755109\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-DuraLube-II-Maintenance-Free-Spherical-Plain-Bearing.jpg\" alt=\"RBC Duralube II Maintenance-Free Spherical Plain Bearing\" class=\"wp-image-12331\" width=\"415\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-DuraLube-II-Maintenance-Free-Spherical-Plain-Bearing.jpg 829w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-DuraLube-II-Maintenance-Free-Spherical-Plain-Bearing-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-DuraLube-II-Maintenance-Free-Spherical-Plain-Bearing-150x114.jpg 150w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-DuraLube-II-Maintenance-Free-Spherical-Plain-Bearing-768x582.jpg 768w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/RBC-DuraLube-II-Maintenance-Free-Spherical-Plain-Bearing-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/221303755109\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Figure 2 RBC DuraLube\u2122 II Maintenance-Free Spherical Plain Bearing\">Figure 2 RBC DuraLube\u2122 II Maintenance-Free Spherical Plain Bearing<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Grease-free operation is accomplished using a durable PTFE liner system that reduces friction between the spherical surfaces of the inner ring and outer ring. This proprietary liner system has been developed for demanding industrial applications like mining and renewable energy. DuraLube\u2122 II technology is interchangeable with standard steel-on-steel spherical plain bearings and offers multiple sealing options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For heavy-duty applications where wear resistance and toughness are essential, fractured race SPBs may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, in applications where high-volume cost-effectiveness and high conformity are critical factors, other production methods may offer a more suitable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When deciding between fractured race and other manufacturing methods, such as loader slot, it&#8217;s essential to consider the specific requirements of the intended application. Each method comes with its own set of advantages and limitations, and the optimal choice depends on factors such as load capacity, precision requirements, and budget constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fractured race method has ushered in an era of maintainability, durability, and efficiency. Its ability to optimize load distribution, incorporate lubrication features, and simplify assembly underscores its significance in the evolution of bearing technology. As industries continue to demand reliable and high-performance solutions, the fractured race method stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To explore the MISUMI selection of RBC Bearings, visit our dedication page <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/maker\/RBCBEARINGS\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this post, we worked with bearing experts, RBC Bearings to share their insights into manufacturing methods for spherical plain bearings. Spherical Plain Bearings (SPBs) are fundamental components in various industrial applications, providing essential support for oscillating and tilting movements. As engineers delve into the intricacies of bearing selection for diverse applications, the manufacturing method plays a pivotal role in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":12332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[6,1136],"tags":[27,256,1414],"aioseo_notices":[],"gutentor_comment":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12329"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/75"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12329"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12329\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12334,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12329\/revisions\/12334"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}