The spherical roller bearing (SRB), that helps engineers accommodate heavy radial and axial loads in applications prone to misalignment or shaft deflections, celebrates its 100th birthday this year thanks to SKF. Originally developed in 1919 by an SKF engineer, Arvid Palmgren, the SRB has since made its mark worldwide. The initial SKF design has now become part of the largest family of products in the industry.
SKF SRBs can be found in many applications, including some where you might not expect them. On the fabled Las Vegas Strip in the US, the High Roller ferris wheel contains two of the largest SRBs ever produced by SKF, each weighing in at 8,8 tons. Another example is the Bahrain World Trade Centre, where three tower wind turbines generate 1300 MWh per year. The main shafts of the turbines are equipped with SKF spherical roller bearings. Another alluring application is the rebirth of the Zeppelin after 60 years of absence following the Hindenburg disaster. SKF was brought in by the gearbox manufacturer for the Zeppelin NT, to help the new and improved airships to propel forward.
SKF’s extensive SRB range delivers a range of benefits for specific operating conditions delivering cost-effective, optimised rating life and minimal maintenance in the harshest of environments.
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