2012-06-26 | 000-003-542 DE-EN
SCHAEFFLER AG, SCHWEINFURT

Very high reliability even in rough environmental conditions with new X-life product standard

With over 230 series for a diameter range from 10 to 120 millimeters, Schaeffler offers a comprehensive modular system of INA radial insert ball bearings and housing units, which is available in X-life quality since June 2012. This means an increase in operating life and reliability with simplified mounting operations and less maintenance outlay. Furthermore, these new X-life bearings combine an increase in efficiency with significantly lower noise generation, since in usage they are running noticeably quieter than conventional bearings.

Improved corrosion protection and longer rating life
INA radial insert ball bearings and housing units set the new standard with X-life. The efficacy of the corrosion protection has tripled in radial insert ball bearings and sheet steel housings in some cases in thanks to the use of Corrotect® N instead of Corrotect® A. At the same time, the rating life has been increased by up to 15 percent. Thanks to improved surface quality of the raceways, less noise is generated as well. The standard operating temperature range has been extended to 180°C for some series. Our proven eccentric locking collars make a convincing case since they are now made from improved materials and offer increased clamping force on the shaft.

Reliable seals increase the durability of bearings and thus the operating life of machinery. They keep the high-quality bearing grease inside the bearing and prevent contamination and moisture from entering it. Schaeffler's engineers have developed a unique seal system from three components - an outer cap, seal lip and inner cap. This so-called "sandwich concept" covers nearly all operating and environmental conditions. Special features that significantly improve the sealing action include the concentric seal contact surface, mechanical protection due to outer caps that extend towards the center of the bearing, zinc-plated inner and outer caps, and sealing lips for standard applications or operation at high or low temperatures. In addition, rolled in sheet steel seals ensure fixed seal seating and easy relubrication.

All our X-life radial insert ball bearings and housing units can be located on the shaft using five different methods. The standard methods are those using an eccentric locking collar or grub screws. Location by means of a fit on the shaft is used less frequently. Two special INA location methods are worth mentioning in particular. The first is a drive slot in the inner ring that compensates for shaft expansion and the second is an integral adapter sleeve that enables high speeds due to a concentric locating method. These bearings are interchangeable with radial insert ball bearings with the same load rating and dimensions.

Radial insert ball bearings and housing units are used in almost all sectors of industry. In agricultural machinery, they are used mainly in harvesting machines, but they are also used in industrial fans, in material handling, in textile and machine tools, as well as in production machinery for the food industry and packing technology. These products are easy to mount and compensate non-aligned shafts at a defined swivel moment, which are decisive arguments for design engineers to use them. Due to the especially rough conditions involved, robust, reliable and low-maintenance bearing solutions offer a decisive competitive advantage.