JFK axial spherical plain bearings
JFK spherical plain bearings
- Axial and combined loads
- Two maintenance versions
- Compliant with DIN 648
JFK axial spherical plain bearings are particularly suitable for applications involving axial loads; however, up to a certain load level, they can also withstand combined radial and axial loads. The design features sliding contact surfaces with races positioned at an angle to the rod end axis. Under load, the race tends to expand, increasing its diameter. To prevent this, a properly sized closed housing should be used to provide the necessary support and allow the axial rod end to deliver its full performance.
JFK Group offers axial spherical plain bearings in two versions: requiring maintenance (steel-on-steel pairing, GX..S series) and maintenance-free (hard chrome/PTFE pairing, GX..T series). The maintenance-free version can be combined with a radial plain bearing to withstand combined radial and axial loads. All dimensions comply with DIN 648 E and DIN 648 K.
They are used in equipment for the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries, as well as in gardening, packaging, bottling, automation, fitness, the marine sector, pneumatic cylinders and palletisers.
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Versions
How to choose the right axial spherical plain bearing
The choice depends on the available maintenance conditions and the type of load. The maintenance-required version is suitable for high axial loads with periodic lubrication, while the maintenance-free version is designed for low friction and maintenance-free operation.
Axial spherical plain bearings requiring maintenance
Steel-on-steel · High axial loads · Closed housing requiredPairing: steel-on-steel. Compliant with DIN 648 E and UNI ISO 12240. Particularly suitable for high axial loads. Require a properly sized closed housing to counteract race expansion under load. Periodic grease lubrication required. Series: GX..S.
Maintenance-free axial spherical plain bearings
Hard chrome/PTFE · Maintenance-free · Low frictionPairing: hard chrome/PTFE. Compliant with DIN 648 K and UNI ISO 12240. Hardened outer ring with a PTFE sliding surface; hardened inner ring with a hard-chrome-plated sliding surface. Suitable for unidirectional axial loads or combined loads in maintenance-free applications requiring low friction. Can be combined with a radial spherical plain bearing for combined loads. Series: GX..T.
Performances
Design and performance features
Sliding contact surfaces with races positioned at an angle, available in two pairing options for high axial loads or maintenance-free operation.
Load
Designed primarily for axial loads, whilst also being capable of withstanding combined radial and axial loads up to a certain level.
Closed and properly sized
Race expansion under load requires a closed and properly sized housing to counteract the increase in diameter and allow the rod end to deliver its full performance.
From periodic to zero
The version requiring maintenance needs to be lubricated with grease at regular intervals. The GX..T version with PTFE is maintenance-free for its entire service life.
DIN 648 E and DIN 648 K · UNI ISO 12240
Dimensions comply with DIN standards and are interchangeable with other metric products.
Mounting
Axial spherical plain bearing installation
Installation requires a properly sized closed housing to counteract race expansion under axial load. Check the correct fit between the shaft race and housing race before commissioning.
Mounting methods
- Installing the races in the closed housingPosition the races in the closed housing, ensuring proper mating of the spherical surfaces without applying force through the sliding surfaces.
- Initial lubrication (version requiring maintenance)Perform the initial greasing before commissioning for the maintenance-required GX..S version, then repeat at the specified intervals.
Technical data
- Axial installation clearance
- Depending on the size; see the dimensional table
- Operating temperature
- –30°C / +120°C (PTFE version up to +150°C)
Applications
Applications
Components and application support for every industrial environment.
Industrial automation
Pneumatic cylinders and systems with predominantly axial loads. The maintenance-free version is suitable for continuous-duty cycles without periodic maintenance.
Food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals
Environments with hygiene or chemical resistance requirements. Maintenance-free versions eliminate the risk of lubricant contamination.
Marine and fitness sector
Applications with alternating axial loads and low-friction requirements. The GX..T version ensures reliable maintenance-free operation.
Packaging and bottling
Machines with repeated axial movements and continuous-duty cycles. DIN 648 compliance ensures interchangeability and ease of replacement.Agriculture
Reliable components for heavy loads, dirt, moisture and reduced maintenance in agricultural machinery.
Construction Equipment
Components designed to withstand impacts, dust, shock loads and harsh environments in construction machinery.
Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders
Bushings, spherical plain bearings and seals for precise guidance of rods and joints, even under load.
Renewable Energy
Bearings and motion systems for wind power, solar installations and long-lasting energy technologies.Technical documents
Contacts
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