Housing design minimizes bearing load
The newly developed, patented design of FAG SNS plummer blocks distributes the bearing load, which is transmitted from the rolling elements to the housing seat via the outer ring, across two symmetrically arranged support surfaces. This changes the load distribution in the bearing, so that the bearing is subjected to less stress. This does not negatively affect other performance characteristics, such as breaking loads. The bearing’s service life is thus increased by up to 50 percent, as the distribution of individual rolling element loads has a significant influence on fatigue and the achievable bearing life.
The prerequisite for the optimized design was to analyze the bearing and the housing as a complete system. Only then was it possible to consider the influence of the housing design on the bearing load and implement the relevant optimizations.
Design improvements simplify handling and reduce life cycle costs
Numerous additional details of the new housing design significantly facilitate lubrication, mounting, and condition monitoring, thereby contributing to the reduction of life cycle costs (Total Cost of Ownership TCO), in addition to significantly extending service life. A lubrication hole with a lubrication groove has been integrated into the inside of the upper housing part, so that bearings of different series mounted in any position can receive an optimal lubricant supply. The lower housing part still features grease outlets that allow used and excess grease to be discharged during relubrication.
As a standard version, they are equipped with connections for FAG SmartCheck on both sides, to facilitate condition monitoring of the bearings. A centering mark on the upper housing part indicates the optimal connection position for monitoring if these two FAG SmartCheck connections are not accessible. In addition, Schaeffler also offers the FAG GreaseCheck grease sensor for online monitoring of lubricating grease. The new SNS plummer block can be easily prepared for mounting this grease sensor.
To facilitate mounting, the lower housing part features notches for quick alignment of the device. These identify the center of the shaft and the bearing in the housing. The lower housing part also features precise, machined support surfaces. These are raised, allowing the use of bars to achieve precise alignment. Once aligned, the housing can be quickly replaced if necessary.
Flexible and cost-effective use for a wide range of applications
The chamfered design, small surfaces, and an upper housing part that covers the lower part eliminate liquid and dirt accumulation points, ensure liquid drainage, and reduce necessary cleaning tasks. Furthermore, the user has a wide range of seals available that enable operation in extreme conditions, such as in raw material extraction and processing. The new SNS housing is manufactured, as standard, from high-quality spheroidal graphite cast iron, thus ensuring high operational reliability.
The new SNS plummer blocks are suitable for mounting bearings of different diameters and widths. The bearings are displaceable, thus acting as floating bearings. Suitable bearing series can be, for example, 222, 223, 230, 231, 232, and 240. The new FAG SNS plummer block series can be used as a replacement for a wide range of conventional housings.