19 Spherical Bearing Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for spherical bearings as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 19 spherical bearing manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked spherical bearing companies as of November, 2024: 1.Hi-Tech Seals, 2.Wolfgang Streich GmbH & Co. KG, 3.National Precision Bearing Group of Mechatronics, Inc..
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Spherical Bearings
1985-2014: Worked for Alstom Corporation, ABB Corporation, and Gadelius Corporation, designing Jungstrom air preheaters and mechanical design of diamond soot blowers. (ABB Corporation: https://new.abb.com/jp)
2014-2021: Worked as an engineering and project manager at Alvos Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoichi-hiroki-92192394/
What Is a Spherical Plain Bearing?
A spherical plain bearing is a type of bearing that supports both radial and axial loads in both directions.
This bearing consists of a spherical outer ring and a ball-shaped inner ring with a drilled hole. It offers an alignment function that allows for misalignment between the center of rotation of the shaft and the housing.
It is utilized in parts that require oscillating and alignment movements. "Rod end" and "rod end bearing" are terms sometimes used interchangeably with spherical plain bearings.
Uses of Spherical Plain Bearings
Figure 1: Applications of Spherical Plain Bearings
Spherical plain bearings are primarily used for linking parts or transmitting linear motion. They find applications in the joint motion components of construction machinery, industrial machinery, automobiles, and aircraft, supporting oscillating or alignment motions.
These bearings can withstand large radial and thrust loads in both directions. They offer high resistance to impact loads and are commonly used in cylinder clevises, hinges of construction and civil engineering machinery, and truck suspensions.
A common application for spherical plain bearings is in rod ends (or rod end bearings).
Principle of Spherical Plain Bearings
The spherical plain bearing has an outer diameter of the inner ring (sliding contact surface) that is convex and an inner diameter of the outer ring (sliding contact surface) that is concave. A small clearance between their sliding contact surfaces ensures an appropriate sliding surface while providing alignment and load-bearing capabilities.
These bearings are suitable for supporting high static and dynamic loads at relatively low rotational speeds, with the alignment function facilitating easy centering and accommodation of misalignment.
Types of Spherical Plain Bearings
1. Classification by Structure
Figure 2: Types of Spherical Plain Bearings by Structure
Lubricated Type
In the lubricated type, both the outer and inner rings are greased through lubrication holes to maintain optimal lubrication. The rings are made of high-carbon chromium-bearing steel for high wear resistance.
Lubrication-Free Type
The lubrication-free type does not require lubrication. The sliding surface of the outer ring is made from a material with high self-lubricating properties and excellent wear resistance. The inner ring consists of steel balls with surface treatments such as hard chrome plating, offering maintenance-free operation and exceptional wear resistance.
Figure 3: Spherical Plain Bearing Geometry with and without Seals
With and Without Seals
Bearings with seals have seals at both ends between the inner and outer rings to prevent grease leakage and the intrusion of foreign matter. Bearings without seals are available for applications where seals are not necessary.
2. Radial and Thrust Loads
Spherical plain bearings are categorized into two types: those that support both radial and thrust loads, and those that support only thrust loads.
Figure 4: Other Spherical Plain Bearings
3. Solid Lubricant Embedded Type
This type features an inner ring made of a special copper alloy with a solid lubricant embedded in the sliding surface, and an outer ring with a lubricating coating on the sliding surface.
4. Bearing Unit
Spherical plain bearing units are pillow-type units incorporating spherical plain bearings.
Other Information on Spherical Plain Bearings
Spherical plain bearings are defined as "plain bearings with a spherical contact surface designed primarily for oscillating, tilting, and low-speed rotational motions."
The motions supported are defined as:
Oscillating Motion
A rotational or tilting motion in which the direction of motion is repeatedly reversed.
Tilting Motion
A motion in which the angle of inclination between the inner and outer rings of the bearing, or between the shaft raceway and housing raceway, changes relative to each other.
List of 19 Spherical Bearing Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Sweden
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AST Bearings
Spherical Plain Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
AST Bearings LLC was founded in 1963, in New Jersey as a manufacturer of ball bearings. The company stocks an extensive inventory of miniature bearings and precision ball bearings that help in reducing rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. There are also linear, cylindrical, and spherical bearings where aligning of movements between shaft and housing is required. There are also other products such as bushings, rod ends, rollers, sub-assemblies, and much more. The applications of these items extend to aerospace, medical, robotics, food processing, green energy, and many other industries
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Manufacturer Overview
The Timken Company (Timken) was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. Timken designs, manufactures, and manages engineered bearings and industrial motion products worldwide. Timken operates in two segments, Mobile Industries and Process Industries. The Mobile Industries segment’s portfolio includes bearings, seals, and lubrication devices and systems. The Process Industries segment provides industrial bearings and assemblies; industrial motion components, such as gears and gearboxes; and linear motion products, couplings, seals, lubricants, chains, belts, and related products and services to OEMs and end users in various industries.
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Roller Bearing Company Inc.
Spherical Plain Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
Roller Bearings Incorporated was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut. RBC manufactures and markets precision bearings and related components globally, mainly to the aerospace, agricultural, automotive, industrial, and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. The company’s products are primarily divided into two market segments: aerospace and industrial. Both segments include basic components such as airframe control ball bearings, needle track rollers, ball bearing rod ends, and thin-section ball bearings. The Aerospace Segment also includes special machine components while the Industrial Segment also includes heavy-duty needles roller bearings and self-lubricating bearings subsegments.
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J.W. Winco, Inc.
Spherical Plain Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
J.W. Winco was originally founded as Ganter in 1894 in Germany. Winco specializes in parts manufacturing. Parts offerings the operating parts segment including handles, adjusting, and positioning parts; clamping parts segment featuring tensioning, clamping, switching, and levers; and finally the machine parts segment with indexing, locking, mounting, connecting elements, guides, spindles, rollers, magnets, casters, and wheels. Winco’s complete catalog contains over 75,000 standard parts. Winco is also ISO 9001 certified. Winco offers free CAD downloads and technical documentation for many arts.
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Accurate Bushing Co., Inc.
Spherical Plain Bearings
Company Overview
Accurate Bushing Co., Inc. established in 1938 and based in Garwood, New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision needle roller bearings. The company's product lineup includes cam follower needle roller bearings in both inch and metric sizes, stainless steel cam followers for special corrosive applications, and Smith-Trax with tapered roller bearings for thrust load applications, among others. used in industries such as Aerospace, Military, and Industrial Manufacturing, these products are pivotal for engine, airframe applications, and thrust load operations. Its services include custom product manufacturing, precision machine component creation, and specialized assembly.
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Fastenal Company
Spherical Plain Bearings
Company Overview
Fastenal Company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Winona, Minnesota. Fastenal is a distributor of industrial and construction supplies globally. Fastenal serves numerous industries including electrical, plumbing, farmers, truckers, railroads, mining, and energy exploration, production, and refinement industries. Fastenal’s products include threaded fasteners, bolts, nuts, screws, studs, and related washers, which are used in manufactured products and construction projects, as well as in the maintenance and repair of machines. Fastenal also offers miscellaneous supplies and hardware, including pins, machinery keys, concrete anchors, metal framing systems, wire ropes, strut products, rivets, and related accessories.
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CCTY Bearing Company
SPHERICAL PLAIN BEARINGS
Manufacturer Overview
CCTY Bearing Company, founded in 1996, and headquartered in Zhenjiang, China, is a manufacturer of bearings and assemblies. Its comprehensive range includes ball joints, spherical plain bearings, rod ends, mast guide bearings, as well as metallic & self-lubricating bushings, providing smooth movement, stability, and reduced friction in mechanical systems for efficient functioning and performance of equipment across different sectors such as agriculture, automotive, construction, mining, and transportation. Notably, their quality management systems hold ISO 9001 and TS certification.
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THK U.K.
Spherical Plain Bearing
Manufacturer Overview
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
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Manufacturer Overview
SKF UK is the British division of SKF, originally founded in 1907 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. SKF designs, develops, and manufacturers bearings, seals, lubrication systems, and services worldwide, with industrial and automotive segments, providing solutions for industries including aerospace, agriculture, transportation, food and beverage, general machinery, material handling, mining, energy, paper, and wind energy. SKF UK offers rolling bearings, mounted bearings, automotive seals, lubrication management, vehicle aftermarket services, waste electric products, and electronic equipment products as well as services including maintenance, remanufacturing, customization, and training.
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National Precision Bearing Group of Mechatronics, Inc.
SPHERICAL PLAIN BEARINGS
Manufacturer Overview
National Precision Bearing Group of Mechatronics, Inc. established in 1979 and based in Preston, Washington, USA, is an AS9100/ISO9001-certified manufacturer and supplier of bearings and motion-related products. The company's product range includes ball bearings, miniature bearings, bushings, airframe control bearings, and spherical plain bearings. These products play a crucial role in facilitating motion and reducing friction, providing services to industries such as aerospace, industrial, medical and dental, precision, and defense. The company offers services such as cleaning and lube facilities, bearing analysis, quality/ISO assessment, packaging, and stocking programs.
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Hi-Tech Seals
SPHERICAL PLAIN BEARINGS
Manufacturer Overview
Hi-Tech Seals Inc. is a manufacturer of sealing and gasket components established in 1990 and headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The company’s products include a wide selection of o-rings, seal kits, and gaskets. It offers products fabricated from BoKure urethane, KasPex PEEK, and RyFlor compounds. The company primarily serves clients in the oil and gas, water treatment, and aerospace sectors. It also offers custom molding services, in-house rapid prototyping, and optical measurement inspections.
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Schaeffler Group USA
GE5-PB, Spherical Plain Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
Schaeffler, established in 1946, is headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA, and is a manufacturer and supplier of precision components and systems for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of bearings, linear guidance systems, engine components, and precision machinery. These components are crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation in various machinery and equipment. Schaeffler's products find applications in diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. the company aims to provide advanced solutions that enhance performance and efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
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NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Spherical Plain Bearings
Manufacturer Overview
NTN Bearings began in 1918 in Kuwana, Mie, Japan, and is now headquartered in Osaka. The company is a manufacturer of bearings, velocity joints, and precision equipment, as well as a maintenance and service provider. The company serves the aerospace, automotive, construction, wind energy, and infrastructure industries. The company operates via BCA Bearings, Bower Heavy Duty Bearings, and NTN SNR brand of velocity joints, linear modules, distribution rollers, and suspension parts. Other components the company manufactures include linear motion, flanged discs, and condition monitoring equipment.
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NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.
Spherical Bushings
Company Overview
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
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Motion Industries, Inc.
RBC Spherical Plain Bearing - Sealed
Company Overview
MiMotion was founded in 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama and today operates under Genuine Parts Company. The company operates as a distributor and supplier of custom parts for both maintenance repair and operating replacement part market and the OEM market. The company’s product line includes many types of products including abrasives, chemicals & lubricants, hand & power tools, hose & fittings, and process pumps & equipment. The company also provides maintenance repair and operating replacement parts as well as OEM parts ensuring compatibility with existing customer operations.
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Spherical Bearing Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hi-Tech Seals |
16.7%
|
| 2 | Wolfgang Streich GmbH & Co. KG |
16.7%
|
| 3 | National Precision Bearing Group of Mechatronics, Inc. |
16.7%
|
| 4 | Accurate Bushing Co., Inc. |
16.7%
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| 5 | Fastenal Company |
16.7%
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| 6 | J.W. Winco, Inc. |
16.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the spherical bearing page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- THK U.K.: 13,502
- NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.: 2,673
- Wolfgang Streich GmbH & Co. KG: 36
Newly Established Company
- Wolfgang Streich GmbH & Co. KG: 1982 (42 years ago)
- FLURO-Gelenklager GmbH: 1976 (48 years ago)
- THK U.K.: 1971 (53 years ago)
Company with a History
- SKF: 1907 (117 years ago)
- NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA: 1918 (106 years ago)
- Roller Bearing Company Inc.: 1919 (105 years ago)
Spherical Bearing Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- AST Bearings
- TIMKEN
- Roller Bearing Company Inc.
- J.W. Winco, Inc.
- Accurate Bushing Co., Inc.
- Fastenal Company
Global Distribution of Spherical Bearing Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
6 | 42.9% |
Japan
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2 | 14.3% |
China
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1 | 7.1% |
Sweden
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1 | 7.1% |
Germany
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1 | 7.1% |
Italy
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1 | 7.1% |
| Georgia | 1 | 7.1% |
France
|
1 | 7.1% |
List of Spherical Bearing Products
20 products are listed.
Ozak Seiko Co., Ltd.
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SGO Co., Ltd.
Oilless bearing spheric bearing SOSB
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