Mounted spherical plain bearings are bearing units produced by combining a spherical plain bearing with a housing. They are widely utilized in fields such as agricultural machinery, pipeline equipment, food processing machinery, textile machinery, and automated systems.
Due to their inherent self-aligning capability, these bearings can maintain a stable operational state even in the presence of minor misalignments during installation.
Depending on their structural configurations and specific application requirements, mounted spherical plain bearings are typically classified according to the following categories:
1. Classification by Housing Manufacturing Method
Based on the manufacturing processes used for the housing, mounted spherical plain bearings are primarily categorized into the following types:
(1) Bearings with Cast Housings
These units feature housings produced via a casting process, resulting in exceptionally high overall strength and robust load-bearing capacity. They are well-suited for heavy-duty applications and demanding industrial environments—such as pipeline machinery, agricultural equipment, mining machinery, and conveyor systems.
(2) Bearings with Stamped Housings
These units feature housings formed by stamping steel plates. They offer ease of installation, lighter weight, and lower production costs, making them ideal for use in light-duty equipment and small-scale machinery.
2. Classification Based on Internal Bearing Structure
Based on the different locking methods employed, spherical outer-ring bearings can be classified into the following types:
(1) Spherical Outer-Ring Bearings with Set Screws
These bearings secure the shaft via set screws located in the inner ring. This is currently one of the most widely used structural forms, characterized by simple installation and convenient removal; it is suitable for equipment operating at low to medium speeds. Common models include UC205, UC206, and UC207.
(2) Spherical Outer-Ring Bearings with Eccentric Locking Collars
These bearings utilize an eccentric locking collar mechanism. They are suitable for applications where the direction of rotation is fixed, and are well-suited for light to medium load conditions, offering superior vibration resistance.
3. Classification by Bearing Housing Material
Depending on the operating environment, the materials used for bearing housings vary.
(1) Bearings with Cast Iron Housings
The most widely used type; they offer excellent strength and durability, making them suitable for general industrial environments, such as agricultural machinery.
(2) Bearings with Cast Steel Housings
Compared to cast iron housings, these possess superior strength and impact resistance, making them suitable for heavy-duty equipment and high-impact operating conditions.
(3) Bearings with Stainless Steel Housings
These feature excellent corrosion resistance and are frequently used in food processing machinery, pharmaceutical equipment, and humid environments.
(4) Bearings with Plastic Housings
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, with excellent rust-proofing properties; suitable for light-load equipment, the chemical industry, cleaning equipment, and similar applications.
4. Classification by Housing Shape
To accommodate the diverse installation requirements of various equipment, mounted spherical plain bearings can also be classified based on their housing structure.
Common types include:
| Housing Type | Common Applications / Features |
| Pillow Block Units (UCP) | Conveying equipment, agricultural machinery |
| Square Flanged Units (UCF) | Flange-mounted equipment |
| Rhombic/Oval Flanged Units (UCFL) | Equipment with limited installation space |
| Round Flanged Units | Specialized mechanical structures |
| Take-up Units (UCT) | Guide rail moving equipment, belt tensioning |
| Cartridge Units (UCC) | Special cylindrical mounting conditions |
| Hanger Units | Conveyor systems |
| Suspended Units | Top-mounted equipment |
| 3-Bolt Flanged/Triangle Units | Non-standard machinery |
Conclusion
Thanks to their advantages—such as convenient installation, excellent self-alignment, and strong adaptability—mounted spherical plain bearings have become a standard component in modern mechanical equipment. Selecting the appropriate housing structure, material, and mounting configuration based on specific operating conditions helps to enhance both the operational stability and service life of the equipment.
As a professional bearing service provider, Wuxi USU Bearing is committed to continuously providing customers with mounted spherical plain bearing products, technical support, and industry-specific application solutions. For more information regarding bearing models and selection guidelines, we invite you to contact Wuxi USU Bearing for further consultation.
