EPEVER POWERSpherical Plain Bearings Sales[email protected]

Technical Article

How to Read and Use a Spherical Plain Bearing Datasheet

Learn how to read spherical plain bearing datasheets, including part numbers, dimensions, load ratings, articulation and fitting references.

Spherical plain bearing datasheet dimension drawing

A spherical plain bearing datasheet is more useful when every symbol is tied back to the physical joint. Part number, d, D, B, C, Dk, corner radii, articulation and load ratings each answer a different design or procurement question.

Start with the part number

Use EP-GEG20ES 2RS as an example. GEG identifies the wider heavy-duty radial family, 20 is the nominal bore, ES identifies the serviceable construction used in the current catalogue, and 2RS indicates lip seals on both bearing faces. The complete suffix matters because an open GEG20ES and a sealed GEG20ES 2RS are not the same configuration.

Dimension symbols explained

Symbol Meaning Why the buyer cares
d Bore diameter Matches the pin or shaft
D Outside diameter Matches the housing bore
B Overall bearing / outer-ring width reference Controls bracket or housing space
C Inner-ring width reference Controls shoulders and pin interface
Dk Spherical geometry reference diameter Helps describe the sliding sphere
R1s / R2s Minimum corner radii Prevents shoulder interference
alpha Articulation angle Checks required joint movement

Load ratings: Cr and C0r

Cr is the dynamic load rating and C0r is the static load rating published for the model. Which one drives the design depends on the motion and load case. Slow or nearly stationary pivots often make static loading especially important, but the machine design must consider shock, duty cycle, lubrication and contact conditions rather than choosing from one number alone.

EP-GEG20ES 2RS example

Parameter Value
d 20 mm
D 42 mm
B 25 mm
C 16 mm
Dk 35.5 mm
alpha 17 deg
Cr 48 kN
C0r 240 kN
Weight 150 g

Cross-check the drawing

After reading the table, compare the dimensions with the drawing and the machine interface. A datasheet row can look correct while the shoulder radius, bracket spacing or available articulation still conflicts with the actual assembly.

Fitting-tolerance reference

Use the fitting-tolerance page to interpret H and g/h classes by diameter range. The tolerance class is only one part of the fit decision; the load direction and housing stiffness remain important.

Where to find EVER POWER model data

Each published product page contains a model-level specification table and related-series links. If you need a drawing, inspection document or CAD-format discussion for a project, include that request with the RFQ so the available documents can be confirmed for the exact model.

Read the table and drawing together

The table gives nominal values, while the drawing shows where each value belongs on the geometry. For example, B and C can be easy to confuse when looking only at a list of numbers. The drawing also shows chamfers, shoulders and the spherical relationship that cannot be understood from the bore and outside diameter alone.

Load ratings are not a selection formula by themselves

A higher Cr or C0r value may look attractive, but the bearing with the highest rating may be larger, wider or use a different maintenance system. Rating is one column in a design matrix that also includes articulation, fit, contamination, lubrication and available space.

Why weight is included

Bearing weight helps with logistics and can matter in mass-sensitive assemblies, but it is also a quick clue that two same-bore bearings are not the same construction. A GEG heavy-duty model is often substantially heavier than the compact GE equivalent because the envelope is larger.

Use the datasheet to build an RFQ

  • Copy the complete part number and suffix.
  • List d / D / B / C and any critical radii.
  • State Cr/C0r only as reference if the actual load case is also known.
  • Add articulation and maintenance/sealing requirement.
  • Attach the machine drawing when the shoulders or spacers are not obvious.
  • Request CAD or inspection documents only when they are needed for the project.

Need help reading a datasheet or old drawing?

Send the model code or a clear photo of the specification table and joint drawing.

Request Datasheet Support