Inner Ring and Outer Ring
The bearings are comprised of two rings, each of which contains a precision raceway that is induction hardened on the surface to a specified depth. Each ring is made from a medium carbon steel forging.slewing bearings have raceways constructed in a four-point contact configuration, with 45° contact angles as standard. Other raceway configurations are available, such as crossed roller and Four-point contact. These other options are often considered in cases where very high loads or special stiffness requirements are needed.
Rolling Elements
Precision rolling elements specifically hardened chrome alloy steel balls facilitate relative ring rotation between the inner and outer rings. Rollers as rolling elements are also often used.
Spacers, Spacer Balls & Separators
Spacers, typically made from a plastic material, are commonly used to separate balls to prevent them from rubbing directly against each other. Sometimes spacer balls are utilized instead of spacers. In this case these are balls that are slightly smaller than the load carrying balls, placed between each load carrying ball. Occasionally, application parameters warrant the use of a separator.
Mounting Holes
Mounting holes are generally spaced around the faces of the inner and outer ring along a uniform bolt circle and equal spacing. These holes can be thru holes, tapped holes, blind tapped holes, counter-bored holes, etc. Sometimes bolt circle or spacing requirements need to be customized to meet the demands of a specific application, in which case custom options are available. In the case of either the standard part numbers listed in this catalog, or other custom versions, the equipment designer, manufacturer, or user is responsible to determine that the mounting design is adequate.
Seals
Seals are provided on each side of the bearing, with their primary functions being grease retention and prevention of some contamination such as dust and debris from entering the bearing. The seals are typically made from an extruded Buna-N rubber strip, and in smaller sizes are a metallic non-contact shield.
Load Plug
Due to the nature of the race hardening process, there is a gap in the race hardness of each race. In that location for the non-geared ring, or the outer ring for ungeared bearings, a hole is drilled to permit the loading of balls into the final slewing ring assembly. This hole is plugged and secured with a taper pin. Note that for the ring where a load plug is not present, an ‘S’ is stamped on the face of that ring at the location of the unhardened gap in the race (also known as the soft spot). Removal of the load plug voids the warranty.
Taper Pin
Secures load plug to the inner or outer ring.
Gear
The slewing bearings can be manufactured with internal gears, external gears or without gearing. Special gearing, such as helical and worm gears, are also available upon request.Gears are typically a standard stub involute spur gear with backlash provisions and AGMA Q8 quality minimum.
Grease Fitting
At least one grease fitting is included in one of the rings. The quantity may increase with the diameter of the bearing. For bearings with gears, the grease fitting(s) are located on either the ID or OD of the ungeared ring. For ungeared slewing rings come equipped to accommodate grease fittings on either the inner or outer ring. Custom quantities, locations and configurations for grease fittings are available.