NPB Introduces Selflubricating Bearings for Heavyduty Wear

In harsh industrial environments where equipment must withstand immense multidirectional forces while maintaining smooth rotational movement, bearing failure can lead to significant economic losses and operational downtime. NPB (National Precision Bearings) spherical plain bearings are engineered to address these critical challenges, offering unmatched reliability and durability under extreme conditions.

These specialized bearings are designed to facilitate comprehensive rotational movement, primarily classified into two categories:

• Radial spherical plain bearings: Optimized for handling radial loads, these bearings excel in applications with predominant vertical forces. Their design effectively distributes pressure to ensure stable operation under heavy loads.
• Angular contact spherical plain bearings: Engineered for thrust or axial loads, these bearings demonstrate superior performance in applications requiring resistance to horizontal forces, preventing equipment misalignment.

NPB's radial spherical plain bearings represent the pinnacle of bearing technology:

• Innovative concave/convex spherical design achieves optimal load capacity and friction torque balance
• Exceptional performance in oscillating or continuous rotation applications with heavy loads
• High-strength bearing steel construction with heat treatment to hardness exceeding 58 Hrc

NPB's sealed spherical plain bearings offer additional protection:

• Effective contamination barrier extending bearing service life
• Lubricant retention system maintaining optimal friction reduction
• Temperature adaptability from -10°F to +250°F (with special material options for extreme conditions)

For applications requiring exceptional load-bearing capability:

• 25% greater load capacity compared to standard bearings
• Increased contact area through dimensional optimization

These specialized bearings eliminate the need for additional spacers while simplifying installation in space-constrained applications.

NPB's self-lubricating bearings feature:

• Unique bonded liner system providing continuous lubrication
• Chrome-plated inner rings for reduced friction
• Sealed protection against contaminants
• Optimized for unidirectional load applications

Designed for unidirectional thrust loads, these bearings offer:

• Flexible face-to-face (DF) configurations for moment flexibility
• Rigid back-to-back (DB) arrangements for high moment stiffness

NPB's manufacturing process ensures:

• High-strength steel with 320,000 psi yield strength
• Precision heat treatment to 58 Hrc hardness
• Exacting assembly tolerances

All components (excluding self-lubricating bearings) feature:

• Phosphating for corrosion resistance
• Molybdenum disulfide coating (0.0002" nominal thickness)
• Compliance with ISO 12240-1 and ANSI/ABMA Std. 22.2

NPB bearings demonstrate exceptional load capacity:

• 47,500 psi maximum surface contact stress capability
• Dynamic load capacity at 1/3 of static capacity
• 1.5x catalog rating ultimate load capacity

NPB's lubrication strategy includes:

• Phosphating and molybdenum disulfide coating for initial protection
• Comprehensive pre-installation lubrication protocols
• Recommended periodic re-lubrication for extended service life

NPB recommends:

• ISO R7 press fits for housing retention
• ISO f6 sliding fits or ISO m5 press fits for shaft mounting
• Minimum 45 Hrc shaft hardness with 32μ-in surface finish

Critical installation guidelines include:

• Avoiding hammer strikes on bearing components
• Positioning the outer ring fracture line away from load points
• Applying force only to the ring being installed

NPB spherical plain bearings represent the convergence of advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, and rigorous quality control, delivering reliable performance in the most demanding industrial applications.