Ball bearings offer reduced noise and friction

Schaeffler's Generation C deep groove ball bearings offer 35 per cent less friction and 50 per cent less noise than their predecessor.

The bearings also benefit from more effective sealing and a riveted steel cage.

The design improvements mean that Schaeffler's Generation C FAG deep groove ball bearings can achieve higher running speeds and efficiencies, while simultaneously increasing the life of the bearing and reducing energy consumption.

In order to minimise friction, Schaeffler optimised the osculation (raceway curvature) between the balls and rings on the Generation C bearings.

This means there is less chance of misalignment between the inner and outer ring.

As well as offering 35 per cent less friction, the bearings generate less heat, making them suitable for higher running speeds.

The bearings are therefore suitable for applications in which low noise and smooth running are critical, for example, electric motors, power tools, ventilators and washing machines, where reduced friction and improved energy efficiency of the bearings lead to a reduction in operating costs and a more efficient machine with extended maintenance intervals.

Schaeffler has also modified the seal on the Generation C bearings.

The HRS seal has modified double lip geometry and is made from nitrile butadiene rubber.

They are adjusted to match the recess on the bearing inner ring.

Axial contact between the inner ring and the seal means more effective protection against contamination or loss of grease and less frictional torque.

This results in longer grease life, increasing the life and reliability of the bearing and provides improved bearing performance at higher speeds (rpm).

Venting grooves have also been added in order to improve the run-in behaviour of the bearings.

In addition to the HRS seal, the bearing shield has been modified.

The recesses on the bearing rings and the shield geometry are functionally adjusted to each other in such a way that the sealing efficiency is improved and grease life increased.

This design creates an axial and radial labyrinth with the shield.

The improved guidance of the rolling elements also contributes to higher performance of the bearing.

The riveted steel cage, which replaces the previous steel 'ribbon' cage, offers higher rigidity and is suitable for higher running speeds.

The riveted steel cage also reduces noise levels and means the bearing is less sensitive to shock loads.

The manufacturing tolerance of the bearings has also been increased (to P5 Abec 5 standards), ball roundness to G5 tolerances and improved surface finish.

The dimensions of the new bearings correspond to the previous bearing types, enabling easy replacement.

Generation C bearings can operate in temperatures from - 30C up to +120C.

They are available with outside diameters from 26mm up to 90mm.

Riveted steel cages are standard, although polyamide cages are optional.

P6 or P5 tolerances can be specified on ordering.

Sealing options include one or two gap seals; one or two lip seals; or low friction, non-contact labyrinth seals.

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