SKF Bearing Selection

Principles of bearing selection and application
Angular contact ball bearings
112
Cylindrical roller bearings 180
Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings
214
Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings 234
Locking devices 260

Copyright SKF 2003
The contents of this publication are the
copyright of the publisher and may not be
reproduced (even extracts) unless
permission is granted. Every care has
been taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this publication
but no liability can be accepted for any
loss or damage, whether direct, indirect
or consequential arising out of the use
of the information contained herein.
www.skf.com
Publication 5002 E
2003 - 02
Gauges 286
Other products and services 298
Products index 301
The SKF Group

a worldwide corporation
SKF is an international industrial Group
operating in more than 130 countries and is
world leader in bearings.
The company was founded in 1907
following the invention of the self-aligning
ball bearing by Sven Wingquist and, after
only a few years, SKF began to expand
all over the world.
Today, SKF has some 40 000 employees
and around 80 manufacturing facilities
spread throughout the world. An international
sales network includes a large number
of sales companies and some 7 000
distributors. Worldwide availability of SKF
products is supported by a comprehensive
technical advisory service.
The key to success has been a consistent
emphasis on maintaining the highest quality
of its products and services. Continuous
investment in research and development
has also played a vital role, resulting
in many examples of epoch-making
innovations.
The business of the Group consists

of bearings, seals, special steels and a
comprehensive range of other high-tech
industrial components. The experience
gained in these various fields provides SKF
with the essential knowledge and expertise
required in order to provide the customers
with the most advanced engineering
products and efficient service.
The SKF Group is the first major

bearing manufacturer to have
been granted approval according
to ISO 14001, the international
standard for environmental
management systems.
The certificate is the most
comprehensive of its kind
and covers more than 60 SKF
production units in 17 countries.
The SKF Engineering & Research

Centre is situated just outside
Utrecht in The Netherlands.
In an area of 17 000 square
metres (185 000 sq.ft) some
150 scientists, engineers and
support staff are engaged in the
further improvement of bearing
performance. They are developing
technologies aimed at achieving
better materials, better designs,
better lubricants and better seals
together leading to an even
better understanding of the
operation of a bearing in its
application. This is also where
the SKF Life Theory was evolved,
enabling the design of bearings
that are even more compact and
offer even longer operational life.
SKF has developed the Channel

concept in factories all over the
world. This drastically reduces
the lead-time from raw material
to end product as well as work
in progress and finished goods
in stock. The concept enables
faster and smoother information
flow, eliminates bottlenecks and
bypasses unnecessary steps in
production. The Channel team
members have the knowledge
and commitment needed to share
the responsibility for fulfilling
objectives in areas such as quality,
delivery time, production flow etc.
SKF manufactures ball bearings,

roller bearings and plain bearings.
The smallest are just a few
millimetres (a fraction of an inch)
in diameter, the largest several
metres. SKF also manufactures
bearing and oil seals that prevent
dirt from entering and lubricant
from leaking out. SKFs subsidiaries
CR and RFT S.p.A. are among the
worlds largest producers of seals.
Foreword
Wherever there is rotation, there is a need
for some form of bearing. The function of
a rolling bearing is to reduce or eliminate
the friction between a fixed and a moving
surface and to carry a load. The life of a
rolling bearing must be compatible with the
life of the application in which it is mounted.
The SKF standard product range comprises
more than 22 000 variants, covering all the
principal bearing types.
Made by SKF stands for excellence.
It symbolises our consistent endeavour
to achieve total quality in everything we do.
For those who use our products, Made
by SKF implies three main benefits.
Reliability thanks to modern, efficient
products, based on our worldwide
application know-how, optimised materials,
forward-looking designs and the most
advanced production techniques.
Cost effectiveness resulting from the
favourable ratio between our product quality
plus service facilities, and the purchase
price of the product.
Market lead which you can achieve
by taking advantage of our products and
services. Increased operating time and
reduced downtime, as well as improved
output and product quality are the key to
a successful partnership.
Machine tool applications require superior

performance from the bearings used to
support spindles and precision ball screws.
They must exhibit this in terms of speed
capability, system temperature stability,
rigidity, accuracy and noise level; such
characteristics are rarely met by bearings
for general-purpose applications. Therefore,
SKF produces special high-precision
bearings designed to satisfy the most
demanding requirements in the machine
tool environment.
This catalogue presents the current range
of SKF high-precision bearings and related
products.
The data in this catalogue are based
on current production. However, design
refinement for continuous improvement
in either manufacturing or performance
may result in changes.
The basic load ratings have been
calculated in accordance with the latest
specifications. Earlier catalogues, in which
the data varies from that given here, are
rendered invalid. SKF reserves the right
to make changes necessitated by
technological developments.
In accordance with ISO (International
Standards Organisation) Standard 1000:
1992, SI units (Systme International
dUnits) are used in this catalogue.
the more important it is to make use of SKF

know-how in the manufacture and application
of high-precision rolling bearings.
Where to find information
The bearing tables and technical data on
the following pages provide information for
bearing selection and application design.
More details on bearing technology and
on other related products can be found
in specific publications, the SKF General
Catalogue or the SKF Interactive Engineering
Catalogue, available as a CD-ROM or online
under www.skf.com.
This site also contains further information
on the SKF Group, its products, services
and contacts.
Almost 100 years

of worldwide experience
For almost 100 years SKF has held a
leading position in all major industrial fields
where rolling bearings are used. SKF not
only supplies a wide range of bearings but
also has broad experience in application
engineering, and is at the forefront of
systems design. This background comes
from the partnerships developed over the
years with leading firms in the machine tool
industry. The more complex the problems,
5
Principles of bearing
selection and application
Contents
Selection of bearing types

A wide range of high-precision bearings
Bearings materials
Accuracy
Rigidity
Speed
Available space
Loads
8
8
9
10
12
12
13
14
Load carrying capacity and life

General
Rating lives
Rating life equation for hybrid bearings
Load carrying capacity of bearing sets
Equivalent bearing loads
17
17
17
18
19
19
Rigidity
System rigidity
Influence of a loose fit
21
21
22
Speed
Rotational speed
Speed ratings
Speed capability of bearing systems
23
23
25
26
Bearing data general

Dimension
Tolerances
Bearing internal clearance or preload
Material for high-precision bearings
27
27
28
30
31
Application of bearings
Bearing arrangements
Radial location of bearings
Application examples
Axial location of bearings
Bearing preload
Seals
34
34
35
36
51
52
57
Lubrication and maintenance

General
Grease lubrication
Oil lubrication
Maintenance
62
62
62
71
78
Dismounting and mounting

Dismounting
Mounting
Inspection
79
79
89
105
7
1 Principles of bearing selection and application
Selection of bearing type

A wide range of
high-precision bearings
It is not always possible to find an
appropriate solution to application design
and problems using standard bearings
for general machinery. This is particularly
true in machine tool applications where
requirements are tougher.
SKF has developed a very comprehensive
range of high-precision bearings for
machine tool spindles, and other
applications where high demands are
placed on accuracy and speed capability.
Each of these bearing types has specific
features that make it particularly suitable for
specific applications.
Internal design is state-of-the art, and
differs in many ways from that of a standard
bearing. The design has been optimised
for outstanding speed capability in
combination with the highest possible
stiffness. When designing a bearing
arrangement it is necessary to consider
a number of factors, i.e.:
Accuracy
Available space
Load
Required system rigidity
Accommodation of axial displacements
Speed
Heat generation.
Depending on the application, one or more

of these factors will have a dominant
influence. It is therefore, not possible to
set down general rules for the selection
of bearing type or bearing series. Where
demands for high-precision and productivity
are exceptionally high, SKF provides a
comprehensive range of hybrid (i.e. bearings
with steel rings and ceramic rolling elements)
high-precision angular contact ball bearings
and cylindrical roller bearings for machine
tool spindles.
To make bearing selection easier, the
properties of the different bearing types
are described in the following.
Bearing materials
All-steel bearings
The performance and reliability of rolling
bearings are determined to a large degree
by the materials from which the bearing
components are made.
Steels used for high-precision bearing
rings and rolling elements are capable of
being adequately hardened and have high
fatigue strength and wear resistance.
Moreover they have the structural and
dimensional stability to satisfy the spindle
operating temperatures.
SKF high-precision bearing rings and
rolling elements are generally made of
through-hardened carbon chromium steel
containing approximately 1 % carbon and
1,5 % chromium.
Hybrid bearings
Machine tools, especially machining
centres, can have higher machining
efficiencies and higher machining
accuracies when operated at higher
speeds. For this reason, there have been
ever-greater demands for higher speed
performance of their spindle bearings.
If the performance required is close to
all-steel bearing limits, or if higher rigidity
or longer life are needed, hybrid highprecision bearings can be used. Hybrid
high-precision bearings consist of outer
and inner rings made of bearing steel
and ceramic (silicon nitride Si3N4) rolling
elements, having density as light as 40 %
of bearing steel but yet having a high rigidity
( fig 1 ).
Comparison of performance and cost

for different bearing design (material)
Fig
Bearing material
Performances
Cost
Typical applications
Full steel
Machine tools.
Precision equipments.
High speed rolling mills.
High speed electric motors,
etc.
Hybrids
Machine tools.
Precision equipments.
Turbochargers.
High speed electric motors,
etc.
Accuracy
Running accuracy
The running accuracy of a bearing
arrangement is governed by the accuracy
of all the component parts of the
arrangement. Where bearings are
concerned, this is primarily determined
by the accuracy of form and position of the
raceways on the bearing rings. When
selecting the appropriate tolerance class
for a particular bearing, the maximum radial
runout of the inner ring (Kia) is usually the
determining factor for most applications.
To facilitate comparison, Diagram 1
gives relative values of the radial runout
for the different tolerance classes

comparing bearings with bore diameters.
The different standards ABMA and ISO
are also compared in Table 1 .
Most SKF precision bearings are
manufactured to tolerance class P4A, P4C,
and SP. P4A is the standard tolerance class
for angular contact ball bearings; SP the
standard for cylindrical roller bearings and
double direction angular contact thrust ball
bearings, and P4C the standard class for
single direction angular contact thrust ball
bearings of the BTM series. For bearing
arrangements where this standard precision
is inadequate, angular contact ball bearings
made to tolerance class PA9A, and
cylindrical roller bearings and double direction
angular contact thrust ball bearings made

to tolerance class UP specifications can be
supplied ( Table 2 ).
Normally, the maximum values of Kia
given in the table are much higher than
the actual values. This means for example,
that if bearings with class SP tolerances
are used, depending on the bearing size
and whether bearings are properly
mounted, a running accuracy of less
than 2 m can be achieved.
Dimensional accuracy
The dimensional accuracy of a bearing is
important with respect to the fit between
bearing ring and shaft or housing. As the
fit influences the clearance or preload of
mounted bearings, the tolerances for the
bearing and its seating lie within narrow
limits. Where cylindrical roller bearings with
a tapered bore are concerned, slightly larger
dimensional deviations are permissible
than for example, angular contact ball
bearings with similar running accuracy.
This is because the clearance or preload
of the bearing is determined by driving up
the inner ring on its tapered seating.
Comparison of different standards
SKF tolerance classes for high-precision bearings
Comparison of accuracy
of different tolerance classes
Diagram
Inner ring radial runout factor
100
100
80
Table
60
60
40
Table
ABMA
Tolerance
class
ISO
Tolerance
class
SKF
Standard
SKF
Tolerance
Class
Boundary
dimensions
ISO, ABMA
Running
accuracy
ISO, ABMA
ABEC 9
PA9A
SP
ISO 5, ABEC 5
ISO 4, ABEC 7
ABEC 7
P4
UP
ISO 4, ABEC 7
ISO 2, ABEC 9
ABEC 5
P5
P4A
ISO 4, ABEC 7
ISO 2, ABEC 91)
P4C
ISO 4, ABEC 7
ISO 4, ABEC 7
PA9A
ISO 2, ABEC 9
ISO 2, ABEC 9
30
20
20
10
0
Normal
P6
P5
P4, SP, P4C
P4A, PA9A
UP
Tolerance class
1)
10
Up to 120 mm bore diameter, for larger sizes, ABEC 7

or better
11
Rigidity
Speed
Available space
The rigidity of a spindle/bearing system

is of particular importance in machine
tool applications as the magnitude of
the deflection under load determines the
productivity and machining accuracy
of a machine tool. Bearing stiffness
influences the stiffness of a bearing
arrangement and thus the stiffness of
the complete spindle/bearing system.
However, bearings alone cannot be the
only reason for high or low rigidity: when
checking the behaviour of a complete
system, bending of the spindle itself,
position and number of support bearings
and tool overhang may also have a great
influence.
The stiffness of a bearing depends
on its type and size, the most important
criteria being:
type of rolling elements (rollers or balls)
number and size of the rolling elements,
and
contact angle.
There is a limit to the speed at which rolling

bearings can be operated. Generally, it is
the permitted operating temperature with
respect to the lubricant being used, or to
the material of the bearing components
that sets the limit. The speed at which this
limiting bearing temperature is reached
depends on the frictional heat generated
in the bearing (including any externally
applied heat) and the amount of heat that
can be transported away from the bearing.
Bearing type and size, internal design, load,
lubrication and cooling conditions, as well
as cage design, accuracy and internal
clearance/preload, all play a part in
determining speed capability.
High-precision bearing arrangements

generally call for bearings with a low crosssection because of the space available,
together with the high requirements in
respect of stiffness and running accuracy of
the arrangement. These bearings generally
have a large number of rolling elements
and consequently a high stiffness. They
also enable relatively large diameter
spindles to be used for a given housing
bore diameter, and therefore exhibit all the
advantages important for the stiffness and
running accuracy of a bearing arrangement,
e.g. a spindle bearing arrangement.
Almost all of the angular contact ball
bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and
angular contact thrust ball bearings used
Because of the much larger contact area

between rolling elements and raceways in
a roller bearing than in a ball bearing, roller
bearing stiffness is much higher than ball
bearing stiffness. The number of rolling
elements has a greater influence on
bearing stiffness, than the size of the
rolling elements. Because of this, highprecision bearings almost always have
the dimensions of the light Diameter
Series 0 or 9. Where high radial stiffness
is required, bearings having the smallest
possible contact angle should be used.
Conversely, where high axial stiffness
is called for, the contact angle should be
as large as possible.
for machine tool applications belong to

the ISO Diameter Series 9 and 0.
By selecting suitable combinations of
bearings it is thus possible to achieve an
optimum bearing arrangement for specific
requirements within the same radial space.
For bearing arrangements where less radial
space is available, angular contact ball
bearings and cylindrical roller bearings
belonging to ISO Diameter Series 9 can be
used. Angular contact ball bearings to the
ISO Diameter Series 2, despite being rarely
chosen for new designs, are still common
in existing applications.
To illustrate the space required, fig 2
shows cross-sections of the most common
machine tool spindle bearings belonging
to the different Diameter Series.
High-precision bearings cross section

for different Diameter Series
Fig
Bearings with steel rolling elements

9
Bearings with ceramic rolling elements
12
13
Loads
Table
In machine tools the main application for

high-precision bearings the load carrying
capacity of a bearing is usually of much
less importance when determining bearing
size, than in engineering applications in
general. Other criteria such as stiffness,
size of the requisite bore in the spindle,
machining speeds and accuracy are the
decisive factors.
When selecting the bearing type for a
given bearing arrangement, however, the
magnitude and direction of action of
the load play an important part.
As a general rule, roller bearings can
carry heavier loads than ball bearings
having the same boundary dimensions
( Table 3 ).
Diametric Series
ISO
SKF Series
designation
Bearing
Code
Contact
angle
Shaft diameters
from
up to
and incl.
Loading
Precision
SKF
tolerance
Class
Speed rating
n dm
deg
mm
mm
106 mm/min
719 ACX
719 ACD
719 ACE
719 CX
719 CD
719 CE
719 ACX/HC
A
A
A
A
A
A
Hybrid A
25
25
25
15
15
15
25
10
35
20
10
10
20
10
30
220
120
30
220
120
30
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
1,5
1,5
2,2
1,8
1,8
2,4
1,8
719 ACD/HC
719 ACE/HC
719 CX/HC
719 CD/HC
719 CE/HC
NNU 49 B/W33
NNU 49 BK/W33
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
C2
C2
25
25
15
15
15
0
0
35
20
10
35
20
100
100
140
120
30
140
120
240
240
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
radial only
radial only
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
SP
SP
1,8
2,5
2,1
2,1
2,8
0,8
0,8
70 ACX
70 ACD
70 ACE
70 CX
70 CD
70 CE
70 ACX/HC
A
A
A
A
A
A
Hybrid A
25
25
25
15
15
15
25
10
35
20
8
35
20
10
30
240
100
30
240
100
30
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
1,5
1,5
2,2
1,8
1,8
2,4
1,8
70 ACD/HC
70 ACE/HC
70 CX/HC
70 CD/HC
70 CE/HC
N 10 KTN(9)
N 10 KTNHA
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
C1
C1
25
25
15
15
15
0
0
35
20
8
35
20
40
40
100
100
30
100
100
120
120
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
radial only
radial only
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
SP
SP
1,8
2,5
2,1
2,1
2,8
1
1,8
N 10 KTN(9)/HC
N 10 KTNHA/HC
NN 30
NN 30 K
2344(00) B
BTM A
BTM B
Hybrid C1
Hybrid C1
C2
C2
AT2
AT2
AT2
0
0
0
0
60
30
40
40
40
25
25
35
60
60
120
120
130
280
200
130
130
radial only
radial only
radial only
radial only
thrust only
thrust only
thrust only
SP
SP
SP
SP
SP
P4C
P4C
1,15
2
0,8
0,8
0,7
1,05
0,9
72 ACX
72 ACD
72 CX
72 CD
72 ACX/HC
72 ACD/HC
72 CX/HC
72 CD/HC
BSA 2
A
A
A
A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
Hybrid A
AT1
25
25
15
15
25
25
15
15
60
10
30
10
30
10
30
10
30
12
25
120
25
120
25
60
25
60
35
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
combined
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4A
P4
1,5
1,5
1,8
1,8
1,8
1,8
2,1
2,1
0,5
BSA 3
AT1
60
25
40
combined
P4
0,5
BSD
AT1
60
20
50
combined
Special
0,5
Main features, speed rating and size range

for different bearing design
Radial load
Fig
Codes:
A
= Angular Contact Ball Bearing,

Single direction;
AT2
= Angular Contact Thrust Ball
Bearing, Double direction;
C1
= Cylindrical Roller Bearing,
Single row;
C2
= Cylindrical Roller Bearing,
Double row;
Hybrid = Bearing with steel rings
and silicon nitride (ceramic)
rolling elements
14
15

Radial loads
Purely radial loads can be supported by
cylindrical roller bearings having one ring
without flanges (N, NN and NNU types
figs 3 page 14 and 4 ). All other radial
bearings can carry some axial load in
addition to radial loads; see Combined
load page16.
Axial loads
Double direction angular contact thrust ball
bearings series 2344(00) and BTM are
designed to take loads that are purely axial
( fig 5 ). For large bearing arrangements,
or those subjected to particularly heavy
axial loads, special single direction thrust
ball bearings or cylindrical roller thrust
bearings are recommended. Please consult
the SKF application engineering service for
more details.
Radial load
Thrust load
Fig
16
Combined loads
Combined loads consist of a radial load and
a simultaneously acting axial load. This type
of load can be accommodated by bearings
having raceways in the inner and outer
rings, situated at an angle to the bearing
axis. Where high-precision bearings are
concerned, the angular contact ball
bearings (series 70, 719 and 72) and the
bearings (series BSD and BSA) fall into this
category.
The ability to carry axial loads is
determined by the angle of contact; the larger
the angle, the greater the axial load, which
can be accommodated ( figs 6 and 7 ).
Combined loads
Fig
Combined loads
Fig
Fig
Load carrying capacity

and life
General
Rating lives
All general information on life, basic load

rating, and life equations described in the
SKF General Catalogue or the SKF
Interactive Engineering Catalogue also
applies to high-precision bearings.
In general-machinery applications, the
size of bearing to be used is initially selected
on the basis of its load carrying capacity in
relation to the loads to be carried, and the
requirements regarding life and reliability.
For machine tool spindles, bearing size
is nearly always determined by criteria such
as stiffness of the system, fixed dimensions
for the tool holder, or the spindle bore. The
bearings selected according to such criteria
give arrangements that are often required
to have a very long life.
For high-precision bearings, determining
the load to which a bearing will be subjected
is particularly complex as it involves many
influencing factors. SKF has therefore
developed special computer programs for
the calculation of indeterminate spindle
bearing systems. Contact SKF for assistance
in determining the bearing loads and in
designing an optimum bearing arrangement.
Basic rating life equation

For calculation of simple bearing systems,
the classic ISO equation for basic rating life
can be used:
L10 = (C/P)p
where
L10 = basic rating life, millions of revolutions
C = basic dynamic load rating, N
P = equivalent dynamic bearing load, N
p = exponent of the life equation (3 for ball
bearings, 10/3 for roller bearings)
Adjusted rating life equation
As there are many other factors influencing
bearing life besides load, ISO introduced
an adjusted life equation
Lna = a1 a2 a3 (C/P)p
or simply Lna = a1 a2 a3 L10
where
Lna = adjusted rating life, millions of
revolutions (the index n represents
the difference between the requisite
reliability and 100 %)
a1 = life adjustment factor for reliability
a2 = life adjustment factor for material
a3 = life adjustment factor for operating
conditions
17

SKF Life Theory rating life equation.
Practical experience and modern research
have shown that, under special conditions,
SKF bearings attain a much longer life than
predicted by standardised life calculation
methods, particularly when loads are light.
These special conditions apply when the
rolling surfaces (raceways and rolling
elements) are effectively separated by
a lubricant film, and where the risk of
the surfaces becoming damaged by
contaminants are largely non-existent.
In fact, under ideal conditions it is possible
to speak of infinite life.
The SKF Life Theory introduces the
concept of a fatigue load limit Pu analogous
to that used when calculating other
machinery components. This fatigue load
limit represents the load below which
fatigue will not occur in the bearing under
ideal conditions. Due to the complexity,
a detailed description of the theory is
beyond the scope of this publication.
For further details, please consult SKF
application engineering services.
Values of the Pu limit for precision
bearings are given in the bearing tables.
The adjusted life equation according to
the SKF Life Theory is:
Lnaa = a1 aSKF L10
where:
Lnaa = adjusted rating life to SKF Life
Theory, millions of revolutions
L10 = basic rating life, millions of revolutions
a1 = life adjustment factor for reliability
aSKF = life adjustment factor based on SKF
Life Theory
Rating life equation

for hybrid bearings
Load carrying capacity

of bearing sets
When using hybrid bearings, the effect of

the different rolling element material should
also be taken into account.
Under the same external load, the stress
in the contact area between a hybrid bearing
ball and each raceway will be higher than
in an all-steel bearing. This is due to the
greater hardness and stiffness of the
ceramic material compared with steel.
As ISO does not provide guidelines
for calculating basic load ratings for hybrid
bearings, SKF quotes the same load rating
values for hybrid bearings as for all-steel
bearings.
By introducing a factor aHC into the life
equations, the higher contact stress is taken
into consideration.
The basic load ratings listed in the product

tables for angular contact ball bearings and
bearings apply to single bearings. The basic
dynamic load rating for sets of bearings
arranged back-to-back, face-to-face or in
tandem, is obtained by multiplying the C
value for a single bearing by
L10 (hybrid) = aHC (C/P)p

Lna (hybrid) = a1 a23 aHC (C/P)p
Lnaa (hybrid) = a1 aSKF aHC (C/P)p
Recent results from practical experience
and extensive laboratory testing indicate
that the factor aHC can be considered equal
to 1 both for hybrid ball and roller bearings.
In general, experience shows that the
service life of hybrid bearings is significantly
longer than that of all-steel bearings under
the conditions normally encountered in
machine tool operations. Hybrid bearings
are much less susceptible to wear, and
lubrication conditions are generally superior
to those in an all-steel bearing.
1,62 for sets comprising two bearings

2,16 for sets comprising three bearings
2,64 for sets comprising four bearings.
For the basic static load rating, values for
bearing sets can be obtained by multiplying
the single bearing value by the number of
bearings in the set, viz. by 2, 3, or 4.
For single direction angular contact thrust
ball bearings, refer to the product section,
Table 10 page 247.
Equivalent bearing loads

Equivalent dynamic bearing load
Angular contact ball bearings are generally
subjected to combined loads, i.e. radial and
axial loads acting simultaneously. Preload
forces are included in the axial load. In all
such cases, it is necessary to calculate the
equivalent dynamic bearing load that has
the same influence on bearing life as
the actual load to which the bearing is
subjected. The equivalent dynamic bearing
load can be obtained from the general
equation:
P = XFr + YFa
where
P = equivalent dynamic bearing load, N
Fr = actual radial bearing load, N
Fa = actual axial bearing load, N
X = radial load factor for the bearing
Y = axial load factor for the bearing
All information necessary for calculating the
equivalent dynamic bearing load for single
bearings and sets of two bearings is given
in the relevant product sections. The
information does not apply to sets of three,
or more bearings, as it cannot be assumed
that the load is evenly distributed over the
bearings, and reaction forces caused by
spindle deflection cannot be ignored.
Special SKF computer programs are used to
calculate the equivalent dynamic loads of
such bearing arrangements and other
parameters, e.g. spindle deflection. Further
information will be supplied on request.
For details on the aSKF life adjustment factor,

please consult the SKF General Catalogue
or the SKF Interactive Engineering
Catalogue.
18
19

Equivalent static bearing load
Static loads comprising radial and axial
components must be converted into an
equivalent static bearing load. This is
defined as that load (radial for radial
bearings and axial for thrust bearings)
which, if applied, would cause the same
permanent deformation in the bearing
as the actual load. It is obtained from the
general equation
P0 = X0Fr + Y0Fa
where
P0 = equivalent static bearing load, N
Fr = actual radial bearing load, N
Fa = actual axial bearing load, N
X0 = radial load factor for the bearing
Y0 = axial load factor for the bearing
All information and data necessary for the

calculation of the equivalent static bearing
load for single bearings and sets of two
bearings is given in the relevant product
sections. The information does not apply to
sets of three, or more bearings, as it cannot
be assumed that the load is evenly
distributed over the bearings, and reaction
forces caused by spindle deflection cannot
be ignored. Further information will be
supplied on request.
Rigidity
System rigidity
Bearing rigidity influences the rigidity of a
bearing arrangement and thus the rigidity of
the complete spindle/bearing system. It is of
particular importance in machine tool
applications, as the magnitude of the
deflection under load determines the
machining accuracy of a machine tool.
The rigidity of a bearing depends on its
type and size, the most important criteria
being:
type of rolling elements (rollers or balls)
number and size of rolling elements, and
contact angle.
To enhance the rigidity of the bearing
arrangement, or to increase running
accuracy, bearings can be preloaded.
These are two important reasons why
machine tool spindles are almost always
fitted with preloaded bearings or bearing
sets.
Apart from the bearings, other
components might influence the rigidity of
a system i.e. bending of the spindle itself,
position and number of support bearings,
and tool overhang. Thus, it is necessary to
consider how different bearing
arrangements behave and how they
contribute to the systems overall rigidity.
The rigidity indexes given in Table 1
page 22 are guideline values and must not
be taken as tools for precise calculations of
system rigidity.
20
General guidelines for designing a rigid

spindle are:
select the largest possible shaft diameter
compatible with other restrictions
minimise the distance between the front
support position and the spindle nose
bearing spacing (between rear and front
supports) should be fairly short. As a
guideline, a ratio I/d = 3 3,5 provides
the best compromise, where I = distance
between the rearmost bearing row and
the first front side bearing row, and
d = bore diameter of the front bearing.
Please consult the SKF application
engineering service for advanced system
analysis.
Table 1 shows the radial and axial
stiffness of a 100 mm shaft diameter spindle
where different bearing arrangements are
compared.
21
Influence of a loose fit

In general, a machine component is
supported in a locating and a non-locating
bearing.
Non-locating bearings can be displaced
axially and so prevent the bearings from
being subjected to extra stresses, e.g. as
a result of changes in shaft length caused
by thermal expansion.
If non-separable bearings, e.g. angular

contact ball bearings, are used as nonlocating bearings, one of the bearing rings
must have a loose fit. Usually the nonrotating outer ring is given a loose fit in the
housing, although this has a negative
influence on the total stiffness of the
bearing arrangement.
Speed
Rotational speed
high-speed operation. Generally speaking,

ball bearings are preferred for high speed.
The following graphs gives guidelines
on the attainable speeds from different
bearing designs and executions with
grease and oil lubrication ( Diagrams 1
and 2 page 24).
The permissible operating temperature

governs largely the speed at which rolling
bearings can operate. Bearing types with
low friction and thus low heat generation in
the bearing itself are the most suitable for
Table
Bearing arrangement
Rear side
Tool side
Rigidity index
Radial
Axial
NN 30 KTN
NN 30 KTN
NN 30 KTN
N 10 KTN
N 10 KTN
N 10 KTNHA
2344(00) + NN 30 KTN
BTM B + NN 30 KTN
BTM A + NN 30 KTN
BTM A + NN 30 KTN
70 CD/QBCB
719 CE QBCB
100
100
100
98
76
74
100
67
44
44
45
34
NN 30 KTN
719 CD/DBA
NN 30 KTN
70 CD/DBA
70 CD/DBA
N 10 KTNHA
719 ACD/TBTB
719 ACD/TBTB
70 CD/TBTB
70 CD/TBTB
70 ACD/TBTB
70 CE QBCB
67
67
67
67
63
63
75
75
36
36
74
30
70 CE/HCDT
70 CD/DBA
719 CE/HCDBA
70 CE/DT
N 10 KTNHA
719 CE/DBA
70 CE/HCDT
70 ACD/DBB
719 ACE/HCTBTA
70 CD/DT
70 CE/DBB
719 ACE/TBTA
55
54
49
49
47
40
33
48
48
30
16
42
70 CD/HCDBA
N 10 KTNHA/HC5
70 CE/DBA
N 10 KTNHA
719 CE/DBA
70 CE/DBA
N 10 KTNHA
70 ACE/HCDBA
70 ACE/HCDBA
70 ACE/TBTA
719 ACE/DBA
719 ACE/DBA
70 ACE/DBA
70 ACE/DBA
39
38
37
36
36
34
34
28
28
41
26
26
25
25
Relative stiffness
of spindles equipped
with different bearing
arrangements
Bearing design
22
Speed guidelines
for different bearing
designs
Oil spot lubrication
70-719 CE/HC
70-719 CE
70-719 ACE/HC
N 10 KTNHA/HC5
70-719 ACE
70-72-719 CD/HC and CX/HC
70-72-719 CD and CX
N 10 KTNHA
70-72-719 ACD/HC and ACX/HC
NN 30 KTNHA/HC5
70-72-719 ACD and ACX
BTM A/HC
NN 30 KTNHA
N 10 K
N 10 K/HC5
NN 30 K/HC5
NN 30 K
BTM A
BTM B/HC
BTM B
2344(00)
0
The table above specifies the relative stiffness, calculated on a real spindle design
having 100 mm shaft diameter at the tool side and 90 mm shaft diameter at the rear
side. It must be taken into account that the shaft length (i.e. the distance from the
first and last bearing centres) has an important influence on actual rigidity, while axial
stiffness may be influenced by the actual preload in operation
Diagram
0,5
Catalogue speed
Field experience
Special designs
1,5
2,5
3,5
Speed factor, n dm ( 106)
23

Wg is the result of several factors such
as the temperature of the environment, the
heat generated by motors, electrical losses,
friction in the bearings, friction of the
lubricant, etc.
The heat generated by the bearings
themselves has many causes, i.e. the
bearings internal design, the material of
the rings and rolling elements, the type of
lubrication, the loads acting on the bearings
(including preloading) etc.
When Wn is insufficient to stabilise the
system temperature to the desired value,
it is necessary to modify the design of the
system to reduce Wg. If this is not possible,
a cooling system must be introduced to
re-establish the thermal equilibrium. This
can be done by air-cooling the entire
system, by using chilled air in the oil spot
lubrication system, or by using the oil jet
method, making the oil the vehicle for heat,
transfer from the system to another area.
However, the primary parameter that sets

the actual limit for the operating speed in
bearing systems is the maximum permissible
temperature for safeguarding the lubricant
life and the complete systems thermal
stability.
The operating temperature of the system
depends on a number of factors, and
bearings are only one consideration.
To obtain thermal stability it is always
necessary that
Wg = Wd = Wn + Wc
where Wg is the generated heat in the
system and Wd is the heat dissipated by the
system, which comes partly from natural
dissipation, Wn, and partly is obtained by
forced cooling, Wc. In many cases where
no cooling acts on the system, Wc = 0.
Diagram
Bearing design
70-719 CE/HC
70-719 CE
70-719 ACE/HC
N 10 KTNHA/HC5
70-719 ACE
70-72-719 CD/HC and CX/HC
70-72-719 CD and CX
N 10 KTNHA
70-72-719 ACD/HC and ACX/HC
NN 30 KTNHA/HC5
70-72-719 ACD and ACX
BTM A/HC
NN 30 KTNHA
N 10 K
N 10 K/HC5
NN 30 K/HC5
NN 30 K
BTM A
BTM B/HC
BTM B
2344(00)
0
Catalogue speed
Field experience
24
0,5
1,5
Speed guidelines
for different bearing
designs
Grease lubrication
Speed ratings
The speed ratings quoted in the product
tables are guideline values and are valid,
provided that the bearings are lightly
loaded, that they are lightly preloaded and
that the transport of heat away from the
bearing position is good.
The values under oil spot lubrication are
maximum values and should be reduced for
other methods of oil lubrication, other than
those involving minimum oil quantities are
applied, or where additional cooling is not
provided. A 0,3 0,4 reduction factor should

be considered with oil bath, while a 0,95
factor should be considered for oil mist
lubrication. Conversely, oil jet might allow
higher speeds than those given for oil spot,
but it depends very much on oil type,
oil supply rate, oil inlet temperature, oil
drainage efficiency, etc. Please consult
the SKF application engineering service
for details.
The values under grease lubrication are
maximum values that can be attained using
a good quality grease of soft consistency.
Table
arrangement1)
Bearing
Rear side
Work side
Speed index
Oil
Grease
NN 30 KTN
NN 30 KTN
NN 30 KTN
N 10 KTNHA
N 10 KTNHA
N 10 KTNHA
NN 30 KTN
719 CD/DBA
NN 30 KTN
70 CD/DBA
70 CD/DBA
N 10 KTNHA
70 CE/HCDT
70 CD/DBA
719 CE/HCDBA
70 CE/DT
N 10 KTNHA
719 CE/DBA
70 CD/HCDBA
N 10 KTNHA/HC5
70 CE/DBA
N 10 KTNHA
719 CE/DBA
70 CE/DBA
N 10 KTNHA
2344 + NN 30 KTN
BTM B + NN 30 KTN
BTM A + NN 30 KTN
BTM A + NN 30 KTN
70 CD QBCB
719 CE QBCB
719 ACD/TBTB
719 ACD/TBTB
70 CD/TBTB
70 CD/TBTB
70 ACD/TBTB
70 CE QBCB
70 CE/HCDT
70 ACD/DBB
719 ACE/HCTBTA
70 CD/DT
70 CE/DBB
719 ACE/TBTA
70 ACE/HCDBA
70 ACE/HCDBA
70 ACE/TBTA
719 ACE/DBA
719 ACE/DBA
70 ACE/DBA
70 ACE/DBA
84
100
100
100
102
107
100
118
100
124
110
88
312
140
225
262
176
190
240
240
173
213
220
200
200
Relative speed
capability of bearing
systems for machine
tool spindles
equipped with different
bearing arrangements
70
84
89
89
60
64
70
70
73
73
66
56
204
84
144
180
120
121
150
150
112
140
140
130
130
1)
Reference size: work size bearings 80 mm bore diameter; rear side bearings 70 mm
bore diameter
25
Speed capability
of bearing systems
When designing a spindle, a bearing
system will be used. The system may be
composed of various bearing arrangements,
normally a set of bearings at the work side,
and another set at the drive side (rear end).
The spindle speed must be evaluated on
the most critical bearing set, normally the

one at the tool side, which is bigger in bore
diameter, forcing it towards high values of
the speed factor n dm. Table 1 page 25
provides a comparison of possible choices
in this respect.
A comparison of temperature rise versus
speed for grease-lubricated spindles
based on actual field results is shown
in Diagram 3 .
Temperature rise from existing applications

Grease lubrication
Diagram
Temperature rise above ambient, C

35
Bearing data general

Dimension
High-precision bearings, similarly to rolling
bearings in general, are manufactured with
very few exceptions, according to
Dimension Plans for the boundary
dimensions issued by the International
Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
More precisely, boundary dimensions
follow the ISO Dimension Plan for radial
bearings ISO15: 1998, where a progressive
series of standardised outside diameters
(Diameter Series 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2 etc., in
order of increasing outside diameter), are
set for every standard bore diameter. Within
each Diameter Series different Width Series
are also established (Width Series 8, 0, 1,
2, 3 etc., in order of increasing width).
The Width Series for radial bearings

correspond to the Height Series for thrust
bearings (Height Series 7, 9, 1 and 2 in
order of increasing height). By combining
a Diameter Series with a Width or Height
Series, Dimension Series, designated by
two figures, are arrived at. The first figure
identifies the Width Series and the second
the Diameter Series.
The bearings in this catalogue comply
with the ISO Dimension Plans, with the
exception of double direction angular
contact thrust ball bearings and single
direction angular contact thrust ball
bearings belonging to metric series, whose
boundary dimensions are not standardised,
but recognised by the market and used by
the manufacturers as such.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0,25
0,3
0,41
0,49
0,57
0,66
0,74
0,82
0,99
1,15
1,2
1,35
1,45
1,57
1,62
26
70 CD/DBA
70 CE/HCDBA
719 CD/QBCA
BTM 100 A/DB
70 CD/TBTA
70 CE/HC Spring
NN 30
2344..
27
Tolerances
Tolerance classes for bearings are
internationally standardised. Depending on
the bearing type, SKF High-precision
bearings are manufactured to the following
tolerances ( Table 1 ).
Actual tolerance values are equal to or
better than those specified by the following
international standards:
ISO 199:1997
Rolling bearings-Thrust bearingsTolerances
ISO 492:2002
Rolling bearings-Radial bearingsTolerances
ANSI/ABMA Std. 20-1996
Radial bearings of ball, cylindrical roller
and spherical roller types, Metric design
DIN 620-2:1999
Rolling bearings-Tolerances for radial
bearings
DIN 620-3:1982
Rolling bearings-Tolerances for thrust
bearings
ds
Tolerance symbols
Following are explanations for the symbols
used in the tolerance tables:
Vdp
Symbol Definition
d
Nominal bore diameter
dmp
Mean bore diameter, arithmetical
mean of the largest and smallest
single bore diameters in one
plane
ds
Single diameter of bore
dmp
Deviation of the mean bore
diameter from the nominal
d2mp
diameter at large end of tapered
bore (for cylindrical roller
bearings), arithmetical mean of
the largest and smallest single
bore diameters at distance a
d3mp
diameter at small end of tapered
bore (for cylindrical roller
bearings), arithmetical mean of
the largest and smallest single
bore diameters at distance a
Vdmp
D
Dmp
Ds
Dmp
Ds
VDp
VDmp
Bs, Cs
Cs
B1s, C1s
High-precision bearing tolerance classes

Table
Radial angular contact ball bearings
P4A and PA9A
Radial cylindrical roller bearings
SP and UP
Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings (ball screw support bearings)
P4
Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings series 2344(00)
SP and UP
Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings series BTM A and BTM B
P4C
28
Bs, Cs
Cs
Deviation of a single bore

Bore diameter variation;
difference between the largest
and smallest single bore
diameters in one plane
Mean bore diameter variation;
and smallest mean bore
diameters of one ring
Nominal outside diameter
Mean outside diameter,
arithmetical mean of the largest
and smallest single outside
Single diameter of outside
cylindrical surface
Deviation of the mean outside
Deviation of single outside
Outside diameter variation;
and smallest single outside
Mean outside diameter variation;
and smallest mean outside
diameters of one ring
Single width of inner ring and
outer ring, respectively
Single height (width) of housing
washer (For bearing series
2344(00))
Single width of inner ring and outer
ring, respectively, of bearings
made for paired mounting
Deviation of single inner ring
width or single outer ring width
from the nominal
Deviation of single housing
washer height (width) from the
nominal
B1s,
C1s
VBs, VCs
Kia, Kea
Sd
SD
Sia, Sea
Si, Se
Ts
Ts
Deviation of single inner ring

width or single outer ring width
from the nominal of a bearing
specially manufactured for paired
mounting
Ring width variation; difference
between the largest and smallest
single width of inner ring and
outer ring, respectively,
Radial runout of assembled
bearing inner ring and assembled
bearing outer ring, respectively
Side face runout with reference
to bore (of inner ring)
Outside inclination variation;
variation in inclination of outside
cylindrical surface to outer sideface
Side face runout with reference
to raceway of assembled bearing
inner ring and assembled bearing
outer ring respectively
Thickness variation, measured
from middle of raceway to back
(seating face) of shaft washer
and housing washer, respectively
Single height of thrust bearing
Deviation of single height of
thrust bearing from the nominal
Limits of chamfer dimensions

To prevent the improper dimensioning of
associated components for rolling bearings
and to facilitate the calculation of retaining
ring location arrangements, minimum
values for the chamfer dimensions in the
radial direction (r1, r3) and the axial direction
(r2, r4) are given in the product tables
These values conform to ISO 582:1995
for metric bearings with series designations.
Maximum values associated with these
minimum chamfer dimensions are found
in the standards
29
Bearing internal clearance

or preload
All bearings, are designed in a way to get,
in unfitted conditions, a certain amount of
internal clearance that can be radial or
axial, depending on the direction one of the
rings can be moved, with respect to the
other. This clearance value, fixed at the
design stage, nevertheless, is reduced after
mounting; because of the fitting conditions
(interference) the bearing is subjected to
and/or because of the thermal expansion or
compression of the rings. Thus, operational
clearance is the key parameter for a correct
bearing operation.
To ensure maximum running accuracy
and rigidity of the system, bearings used
in machine tool spindles should have a
minimum radial internal clearance or
a preload after mounting. This is most
valid for angular contact ball bearing sets,
which are prepared at a certain step of the
manufacturing process, in a way, that after
fitting them on the shaft, the required
preload is obtained.
30
Similarly, double direction angular contact

thrust ball bearings are set up, in a way,
to get a fixed static preload after mounting
on the shaft.
Conversely, cylindrical roller bearings are
supplied with radial clearance according
to different possible classes. Depending
on the speed operations, and on the
thermal expansion or compression of the
rings expected, the operational clearance
can be set up at the required value, by
driving the inner ring of the bearing on its
tapered seat. For relatively low speed a
certain amount of radial preload can be
applied.
The clearance values for cylindrical roller
bearings and the preload values for
matched single row angular contact ball
bearings, and single and double row
angular contact thrust ball bearings will be
found in the relevant tables in the product
sections.
Materials for high-precision

bearings
The performance and reliability required
from high-precision bearings implies the
use of adequate materials for rings, rolling
elements and cages.
Steel for bearing rings
and rolling elements
The standard SKF steel for high-precision
bearings is, according to the usual
classification, a high carbon content one
(more than 0,5 %). Additional alloying
elements such as Chromium, Manganese
and Molybdenum are included in the steel
composition to obtain the necessary
properties in the finished components.
By means of the heat treatment and the
resulting changes in the microstructure of
the steels, the mechanical properties of the
components can be addressed to specific
requirements.
Rings and rolling elements of SKF highprecision bearings are made of typical
martensitic through-hardened steel that
provide sufficient resistance to sub-surface
rolling contact fatigue, sufficient static
capacity and structural strength combined
with adequate dimensional stability.
SKF high-precision bearings can generally
be used up to 120C. When operating
temperatures exceed this value a special
heat treatment (stabilisation) has to be
adopted, so that it is possible to get the

required dimensional stability, avoiding
changes in dimension that could result
in premature bearing failure.
In order to significantly improve the
resistance to corrosion, the use of nitrogen
as an alloying element has been introduced
in a newly developed bearing steel.
Nitrogen leads to precipitation of chromium
nitrides rather than chromium carbides,
enabling a much higher content of
chromium to be dissolved in the steel
matrix, resulting in a better resistance to
oxidation, and in a longer service life of the
bearings.
It is advisable to contact SKF regarding
the selection and application of nitrogen
steel bearings.
Ceramic materials for rolling elements
Within the various ceramic materials, the
hot isostatic pressed silicon nitride identified
with the chemical formula Si3N4 is commonly
used for rolling elements, in both balls and
rollers.
Silicon nitride is hard and its main
properties are high modulus of elasticity,
low density and thermal expansion.
The modulus of elasticity of silicon nitride
is some 50 % higher than for steel. This
means that a ceramic rolling element under
load does not distort to the same extent,
and in turn, the contact between rolling
elements and rings is smaller. So there
is less friction.
31

The density of silicon nitride rolling
elements is 60 % lower than that of steel of
the same size. This leads to considerably
reduced centrifugal loads and consequently
reduced stresses. Furthermore, for angular
contact ball bearings, the lower density has
a beneficial effect on contact angle variation
at high speeds, leading to reduced ball
sliding and consequently to reduced friction.
The thermal expansion of silicon nitride
is less than 30 % that of steel and this, in
cases, where the difference in temperature
between inner ring (usually warmer than
outer ring) and outer ring is not negligible,
reduces the clearance reduction and/or
preload increase, hence reducing the risk
of drastic failure.
A comparison of the physical properties
of silicon nitride Si3N4 and bearing steel is
shown in Table 2 .
Bearings assembled with steel rings and

ceramic rolling elements are commonly
called hybrids. Compared to standard all-steel
bearings they can run at higher speeds with
a certain temperature increase, or at the
same speeds with a lower temperature
increase. They have also a greater rigidity,
both under dynamic and static conditions.
They are less sensitive to temperature
differences between the rings, and the
preload increase is smaller than for normal
bearings. The low coefficient of friction of
silicon nitride enhances their wear
resistance and enables them to run cooler
under poor lubrication conditions. Moreover,
silicon nitride is hard, tough and strong and
these properties combined with a better
surface finish give better resistance to
damage from particles and impurities that
may enter the bearing.
Properties of silicon nitride and bearing steel

Table
Property
Unit
Silicon nitride
Si3N4
Bearing steel, hardened
Density,
g/cm3
3,2
7,9
Coefficient of thermal expansion

20 1 000 C
20 300 C
106/K
Modulus of elasticity, E
GPa
310
210
Poissons ratio
0,26
0,3
1 600
700
800
800
2 400
0
25
3,2
11,5
Hardness HV10
kg/mm2
Tensile strength
20 C
1 000 C
MPa
Fracture toughness, KIC
MPa.m1/2
Thermal conductivity
W/mK
30 40
40 50
Specific electrical resistivity
1012
0,4 106
32
Material for cages

The main purpose of the cage is to keep
the rolling elements at an appropriate
distance from each other and to prevent
immediate contact between two neighbouring
rolling elements, in order to keep friction
and consequently heat generation at a
minimum. Materials and the shape of cages
for high-precision bearings have been
developed parallel to the development of
the bearings and to the requirements they
have to satisfy.
High-precision bearing cages are
mechanically stressed by frictional strain and
inertia forces. They might also be subjected
to chemical action of certain lubricants.
Thus, the design and choice of material are
of paramount importance for the performance
of the cage, as well as for the operational
reliability of the bearing as a whole.
For each of the bearings shown in the
product tables one particular cage design
is established as the standard cage for that
bearing. The standard cage is always well
proven in service and is the design considered
most suitable for the majority of applications.
In the introductory text to each table section
information is provided regarding the
standard cages bearings are fitted with and
also the possible alternatives. Machined
outer ring land-riding fabric-reinforced
phenolic resin cages are used for most
of the angular contact ball bearings. This
material is lightweight resulting in minimal
centrifugal forces and having the capability
of retaining part of the lubricant,
ensuring optimum lubrication. Fabricreinforced phenolic resin cages should not

be used at temperatures exceeding 120C.
Moulded glass fibre reinforced polyamide
cages are normally fitted in cylindrical roller
bearings and single and double row angular
contact thrust ball bearings. This material is
characterised by a favourable combination
of strength and elasticity. The good sliding
properties of the polyamide on lubricated
steel surfaces and the smoothness of the
cage surface in contact with the rolling
elements results in little friction from the cage,
with minimum heat generation and wear in
the bearing. They can be used for operating
temperatures not exceeding 120C.
When higher speeds or better
performances need to be reached, as in
the case of angular contact ball bearings or
single row cylindrical roller bearings, glass
fibre reinforced PEEK (poly-ether-etherketone) cages are chosen. The injection
moulding process used to produce these
cages allows functionally suitable designs
to be realised. Moreover, PEEK offers a
better stability and rigidity than polyamide.
For lower speeds and higher loads, as in
the case of large size double row cylindrical
roller bearings or double direction angular
contact thrust ball bearings, machined
brass cages generally centred on the rolling
elements are selected.
For special applications, where high
temperatures or poor lubrication are
involved, silver-plated steel or brass cages
can represent the optimal solution.
33
Application of bearings
Bearing arrangements
General
The classic application field for highprecision bearings is machine tools
spindles, which may have different
requirements depending on the working
operations they are designed for. Generally,
lathe spindles are used to cut metals at
rather low speeds and in combination with
relatively large cutting loads. Such types of
spindles usually have the driving torque
transmitted through a pulley or toothed
gears. This means that loads at the rear
side of the shaft are also rather heavy. For
such applications, the requirements in
terms of speed are not so tough; the more
important parameters are rigidity and load
carrying capacity. It is quite common
to have, at the front side of the spindle, a
double row cylindrical roller bearing in
combination with a double row angular
contact thrust ball bearing, while having a
double row cylindrical roller bearing at the
rear end of the shaft. This type of
arrangement ensures a long calculated life
34
and an excellent rigidity, so that a good

quality of the workpiece is obtained. Also,
from a kinematic point of view, the bearings
run in a stable way, as there are two types
of bearing (radial and axial) that carry
independently, the loads applied on the
shaft (in fact, to avoid that angular contact
thrust ball bearings carry radial loads, the
outer ring outside diameter has a special
tolerance so that it is never in contact with
the housing). When designing these types
of spindles (this applies in general when
rather heavy loads are involved) a good rule
of thumb concerning the position of the
bearings along the shaft, is to have the
distance between the centre of the front and
rear support in the range of 3 3,5 times
the bearing inner diameter.
When higher speeds are requested
(i.e. high-speed machining centre or
internal grinding) different bearing solutions
need to be found. Obviously, in such cases
something has to be paid in terms of rigidity,
as well as carrying capacity. High-speed
applications usually have direct-driven
spindles driven by direct coupling and/or
electrical motors (i.e. the so called

motorised spindles). There are no loads due
to transmission of power and consequently
single row angular contact ball bearings
paired in sets or single (for extremely high
speed) and single row cylindrical roller
bearings are frequently adopted, if
enhanced performances are required,
equipped with silicon nitride rolling
elements. The front side bearing set is
axially located, whilst mounting a cylindrical
roller bearing at the rear side permits axial
displacement, due to spindle elongation.
When very high speeds are involved (n dm
factor over 2 million) it is quite common to
see angular contact ball bearings on both
sides, preloaded by springs. This is done to
control the heat generation. If sets of
angular contact ball bearings arranged in a
constant position are chosen, preload would
increase with the speed, and at high speed
produce an amount of heat which is not
sustainable.
Conversely, spring preload remains
constant with the speed, thus ensuring a
more correct kinematic behaviour and
a limited amount of heat generation.
An even better solution is represented
by the possibility to preload the bearings
(angular contact) by a hydraulic system.
In such a case, the amount of preload can
be adjusted according to the speed of the
spindle, thus reaching the best possible
combination among rigidity, heat generation
and theoretical life of the bearings.
Radial location of bearings

General
In order to work properly, bearings must
have their rings or washers fully supported
around their complete circumference and
across the whole width of the raceway. The
support must be firm and even, and can be
provided by a cylindrical or tapered seating
or, for thrust bearing washers, by a flat
(plane) support surface. This means that
the seatings must be made with adequate
accuracy and that their surface should be
uninterrupted by grooves, holes or other
features. This is particularly important with
high-precision bearings since they have
relatively thin-walled rings, which adapt
themselves to the form of the shaft or
housing bore. In addition, the bearing rings
must be reliably secured to prevent them
from turning on or in their seatings under load.
A satisfactory radial location and an
adequate support can generally be
obtained when the rings are mounted
with an appropriate degree of interference.
Inadequately or incorrectly secured bearing
rings generally cause damage to the bearings
and associated components. However,
when easy mounting and dismounting are
desirable, or when axial displacement is
required with a non-locating bearing, an
interference fit cannot be used. In certain
cases where a loose fit is employed it is
necessary to take special precautions to
limit the inevitable wear, for example,
surface hardening of the seating and
abutments.
35
Application examples
Spindle arrangements for heavy machining,

CNC lathes and conventional milling
machines ( figs 1 , 2 and 3 ).
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 ACD/P4ATBT; drive side NN 30 K
Bearing arrangement work side: NN 30 K + 2344(00); drive side NN 30 K
Fig
Bearing arrangement work side: N 10 KTN + BTM-A/HC; rear side N 10 KTN

Fig
36
Fig
37

Spindle arrangements for great rigidity and
high speed machining centres, high speed
turning centres and high speed milling
( figs 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 ).
1
Bearing arrangement work side:
70 CE/HCP4ADB; rear side N 10 KTN
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CE/HCP4AQBC; rear side 70 CE/HCP4A

Fig
Fig
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CD/P4ADB; rear side N 10 KTN
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CD/P4AQBC; rear side 70 CD/P4A

Fig
38
Fig
39

Spindle arrangements for maximum speed,
internal grinding machines ( figs 8
and 9 ).
Bearing arrangement for live centres

( fig 10 ).
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CE/HCP4A; rear side 70 CE/HCP4A
Bearing arrangement work side: NN 30 K ; rear side 72 ACD/P4AQBT

Fig
Fig
Fig 10
Bearing arrangement work side: 70 CD/HCP4ADT; rear side 70 CD/HCP4ADT
40
41

Table
Recommended fits
Appropriate shaft and housing tolerances
for high-precision bearings are shown in
Tables 1 and 2 . However, in the specific
case of spindle applications with normal
load and speed conditions, the interference/
clearance fit between bearings, shaft and
housing shown in Tables 3 and 4 page
44 are recommended.
The table of housing tolerance
recommendations also gives information
as to whether the outer ring can be axially
displaced in the housing bore.
For extreme conditions, such as very
high speed or exceptional loading, please
consult SKF application engineering
services.
Bearing type
Operating conditions
Angular contact
ball bearings
Non-locating bearings, displacement of outer

ring desired
Locating bearings, displacement of outer ring
not required
Rotating outer ring load
H51)
H41)
JS5
M5
JS4
M4
Normal and light loads

Heavy loads, rotating outer ring loads
K5
M5
K4
M4
H5
K5
K4
Cylindrical roller
bearings
Angular contact
thrust ball bearings
Single direction
Double direction2)
1)
2)
Tolerance
Bearings of tolerance class
P4A, SP, P4C
PA9A, UP
The upper half of the recommended tolerance range should be used, especially when important drive loads (belts,
gears) are acting at the spindle drive side
The 2344(00) and BTM series bearings are mounted with radial clearance in the same housing bore seating as the
appropriate cylindrical roller bearing. Fits tighter than those recommended should never be used even if they are
required for cylindrical roller bearings
Fits for steel shafts (solid and hollow)

Table
Bearing type

with rotating outer ring load
with rotating inner ring load
Cylindrical roller bearings
with cylindrical bore
Angular contact thrust

ball bearings
Single direction
Double direction
42
Shaft diameter
Fits for cast iron and steel housings
Tolerance
Bearings of tolerance class
P4A, SP, P4C
PA9A, UP
over
incl.
mm
mm
240
240
h4
js4
h3
js3
40
140
200
40
140
200
240
js4
k4
m5
n5
130
200
h4
h4
h3
Preferred fits on the shafts

Table
Bearing type
Bearing bore
over
incl.
Interference
mm
mm
50
80
120
150
50
80
120
150
200
02
13
14
25
26
43

Table
Bearing type
Outside diameter
over
incl.
Recommended clearance
for bearings axially
located
free (non-located)
mm
mm
Angular contact
ball bearings
50
120
150
50
120
150
250
02
03
04
05
Bearing type
Outside diameter
over
incl.
mm
mm
58
6 10
8 12
10 15
Specific recommendations for single

direction angular contact thrust ball bearing
seatings are given in the relevant bearing
section.
Tolerances for shaft and housing

Appropriate shaft and housing tolerances
for high-precision bearings will be found
in the Table 5 page 46 : ISO shaft limits
and Table 6 page 47 : ISO housing limits.
The positioning of tolerance zones given
in the tables, in relation to the nominal bore
and outside diameter of the bearings is
shown in Diagram 1 .
Recommended interference
ISO shaft and housing limits, position

of the tolerance zones
Cylindrical roller
bearings
460
02
Diagram
Preferred fits in the housings
h4
44
h3
js3
js4
js5
js6
k4
k5
m5
n5
H5
H4
JS4 JS5
K4
K5
M4
M5
45

Table
Shaft
diameter
Nominal
over incl.
Tolerances
h4
Deviations
high
low
mm
6
10
18
30
50
80
120
180
250
10
18
30
50
80
120
180
250
315
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
5
6
7
8
10
12
14
16
Shaft
diameter
Nominal
over incl.
Tolerances
js6
Deviations
high
low
mm
6
10
18
30
50
80
120
180
250
10
18
30
50
80
120
180
250
315
ISO shaft limits
46
+4,5
+5,5
+6,5
+8
+9,5
+11
+12,5
+14,5
+16
4,5
5,5
6,5
8
9,5
11
12,5
14,5
16
h3
high
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
js3
low
2,5
3
4
4
5
6
8
10
12
k4
high
+5
+6
+8
+9
+10
+13
+15
+18
+20
high
+1,25
+1,5
+2
+2
+2,5
+3
+4
+5
+6
js4
low
1,25
1,5
2
2
2,5
3
4
5
6
k5
low
+1
+1
+2
+2
+2
+3
+3
+4
+4
high
+7
+9
+11
+13
+15
+18
+21
+24
+27
high
+2
+2,5
+3
+3,5
+4
+5
+6
+7
+8
js5
low
2
2,5
3
3,5
4
5
6
7
8
m5
low
+1
+1
+2
+2
+2
+3
+3
+4
+4
high
+12
+15
+17
+20
+24
+28
+33
+37
+43
high
+3
+4
+4,5
+5,5
+6,5
+7,5
+9
+10
+11,5
low
+6
+7
+8
+9
+11
+13
+15
+17
+20
high
+16
+20
+24
+28
+33
+38
+45
+51
+57
Housing bore
diameter
Nominal
over
incl.
Tolerances
H5
Deviations
high
low
mm
m
+9
+11
+13
+15
+18
+20
+23
+25
+27
3
4
4,5
5,5
6,5
7,5
9
10
11,5
18
30
50
80
120
180
250
315
400
low
Housing bore
diameter
Nominal
over
incl.
Tolerances
K4
Deviations
high
low
mm
n5
low
Table
+10
+12
+15
+17
+20
+23
+27
+31
+34
18
30
50
80
120
180
250
315
400
30
50
80
120
180
250
315
400
500
30
50
80
120
180
250
315
400
500
0
+1
+1
+1
+1
0
0
+1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
6
7
9
11
14
16
17
20
1
H4
JS4
JS5
high
low
high
low
high
low
+6
+7
+8
+10
+12
+14
+16
+18
+20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
+3
+3,5
+4
+5
+6
+7
+8
+9
+10
3
3,5
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
+4,5
+5,5
+6,5
+7,5
+9
+10
+11,5
+12,5
+13,5
4,5
5,5
6,5
7,5
9
10
11,5
12,5
13,5
K5
M4
M5
high
low
high
low
high
low
+1
+2
+3
+2
+3
+2
+3
+3
+2
8
9
10
13
15
18
20
22
25
6
6
8
9
11
13
16
16
18
12
13
16
19
23
27
32
34
38
5
5
6
8
9
11
13
14
16
14
16
19
23
27
31
36
39
43
ISO housing limits
47

Accuracy of associated components
Maximum running accuracy, high speeds
and low operating temperatures can only
be achieved, even with precision bearings,
if the mating parts and other associated
components are made with equal precision.
Deviations from geometric form must
therefore be kept as small as possible
where the mating parts are concerned.
The rings of the bearings shown in this
catalogue are relatively thin-walled, so they
will adapt themselves to the form of the
shaft or housing bore. Any errors of form or
other inaccuracies of the shaft and housing
bore seating will thus be transmitted to the
raceways of the bearing rings. Angular
Fig 11
misalignment of one bearing ring in relation

to the other can cause high operating
temperatures; the axial support surfaces
for the faces of the bearing rings must
therefore, be precisely machined. This is
particularly important where high-speed
operation is intended. Consequently, an
important prerequisite to achieving highly
accurate bearing arrangements is that the
recommendations, concerning accuracy of
form and position, as well as surface finish,
are adhered to when machining the mating
parts ( figs 11 and 12 ).
Limits for tolerance grades and roughness
classes can be found in Tables 7 and 8
page 50.
AB
t3
Accuracy of form
for housings 1)
DB
DA
t 4 /300
1)
t1
t 4 /300
The housing form tolerances, symbols and reference surfaces are in accordance with
ISO 1101
Fig 12
Accuracy of form
for shafts 1)
t
A
t1
t2
dB
dA
t3
t 4 /300
1)
48
AB
t 4 /300
The shaft tolerances, symbols and reference surfaces are in accordance with
ISO 1101
49

Table
Tolerance
parameter
Circularity
Cylindricity
Angularity
Runout
Coaxiality
t
t1
t2
t3
t4
Shaft
Tolerance class
P4A, SP, P4C
PA9A, UP
IT2/2
IT2/2
IT3/2
IT1
IT4
IT1/2
IT1/2
IT2/2
IT0
IT3
N4
N5
N6
N3
N4
N5
Housings
Tolerance class
P4A, SP, P4C
PA9A, UP
IT2/2
IT2/2
IT1/2
IT1/2
IT1
IT4
IT0
IT3
N5
N6
N7
N4
N5
N6
Tolerance grades
appropriate to spindle
bearings
General
An interference fit alone, is inadequate for
the axial location of a bearing ring. As a
rule, therefore, some suitable means of
axially securing the ring is needed. Both
rings of locating bearings should be axially
secured at both sides. For non-locating
bearings, on the other hand, where they are
of a non-separable design, it is sufficient
if the ring having the tighter fit usually the
inner ring is axially secured; the other ring
must be free to move axially with respect to
its seating.
In machine tool applications, usually, the
work side bearings ensure the shaft
location to support the axial load
transmission from the shaft to the housing.
Generally, then, work side bearings are
axially located, while rear side supports are
axially free.
Roughness1)
d, D
over
incl.
80
250
1)
80
250
Limits for tolerance

grades, surface
roughness class
values 1)
For surface roughness Ra see Table 8 ; roughness classes N to ISO 1302
Table
Diameter
Tolerance grades
Nominal
over
incl.
IT0
mm
IT1
Surface
roughness
class
IT2
IT3
IT4
IT5
6
10
18
30
50
80
10
18
30
50
80
120
0,6
0,8
1
1
1,2
1,5
1
1,2
1,5
1,5
2
2,5
1,5
2
2,5
2,5
3
4
2,5
3
4
4
5
6
4
5
6
7
8
10
6
8
9
11
13
15
120
180
250
315
400
180
250
315
400
500
2
3
4
5
6
3,5
4,5
6
7
8
5
7
8
9
10
8
10
12
13
15
12
14
16
18
20
18
20
23
25
27
1)
50
Axial location of bearings
Roughness
Ra
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
0,1
0,2
0,4
0,8
1,6
Stepped sleeves
Stepped sleeves may be used to axially lock
bearings or other precision components on
a shaft.
Compared to threaded locking nuts,
stepped sleeves ensure a superior accuracy,
provided they are manufactured to a high
degree of accuracy. Conversely, stepped
sleeves are expensive to manufacture, have
to be designed properly, and require proper
mounting procedure.
Stepped sleeves are generally used
in very high-speed spindles, where the
accuracy granted by conventional locking
devices may not be sufficient.
Stepped sleeves are not standardised
and can be designed in many different ways
to suit the spindle design.
Methods of location
Bearing rings having an interference fit are
generally mounted so that the ring abuts a
shoulder on the shaft or in the housing at
one side. At the opposite side, inner rings
are normally secured using a lock nut
(of series KMT or KMTA). Outer rings are
usually retained by a housing end cover.
Instead of integral shaft or housing
shoulders, it is frequently more convenient
to use spacer sleeves or collars between
the bearing rings or between a bearing ring
and an adjacent component, e.g. a gear.
Other methods of axial location which
are suitable, above all, for high precision
bearing arrangements involve the use of
press fits, e.g. in the form of stepped sleeve
arrangements.
Bearings with tapered bore mounted
directly on tapered journals are generally
retained by a lock nut on the shaft.
Surface roughness in Ra to DIN 7184; roughness classes N to ISO 1302
51
Bearing preload
Depending on the application, it is
necessary to have a positive, or a negative
operational clearance in a bearing
arrangement. In the majority of highprecision bearing applications a negative
operational clearance i.e. a preload is
desirable in order to enhance the stiffness
of the bearing arrangement, or to increase
the running accuracy. The application of a
preload is also recommended where
bearings are to operate without load, or
under very light load and at high speeds. In
such cases the preload serves to guarantee
a minimum load on the bearing and thus
prevents bearing damage resulting from
sliding movements.
Types of preload
Depending on the type of bearing the
preload may be either radial or axial.
Cylindrical roller bearings can only be
radially preloaded and thrust ball bearings
can only be axially preloaded. Single row
angular contact ball bearings that are
normally subjected to axial preload, are

generally mounted together, with a second
bearing of the same type in a back-to-back
or face-to-face arrangement.
The distance between the pressure
centres of two angular contact ball bearings
is longer when the bearings are arranged
back-to-back and shorter when they are
arranged face-to-face. This means that the
bearings arranged back-to-back can
accommodate large tilting moments even if
the distance between bearing centres is
relatively short.
Reasons for bearing preload
The main reasons of bearing preload are:
enhance stiffness
reduce running noise
enhance the accuracy of shaft guidance
compensate for wear and settling
(bedding down) processes in operation
give a long service life.
It is easy to understand that preloading
bearings have a very positive effect for
machine tool spindles.
Adjustment procedures ( fig 13 )

Single row angular contact ball bearings
are generally adjusted against each other
by axial displacement of the inner or outer
rings until a certain preload (or a certain
clearance) is obtained in the bearing
arrangement, (a). Single row angular
contact ball bearings that are mounted in
sets, (b) and (c), are matched in production
so that when they are mounted immediately
adjacent to each other, predetermined
values of preload are obtained. Cylindrical
roller bearings with tapered bore are
preloaded by driving the inner ring up on
to its tapered seating, (d) and (e); see also
mounting instructions from page 79.
With regard to double direction angular

contact thrust ball bearings, the spacer
sleeve arranged between the shaft washers
is dimensioned so that a suitable preload
will be obtained once the bearing has been
mounted, (f). For high speed bearing
arrangements incorporating angular contact
ball bearings it is customary to axially
preload the bearings by means of springs,
(g). This way it is possible to maintain a
constant preload in the bearing arrangement
throughout the whole range of operating
conditions.
Specific information concerning preload
values is given in the relevant bearing
section.
Bearing preload - adjustment procedures

Fig 13
(a)
52
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
53

Preloading by springs
The simplest method of applying preload is
by springs or spring package ( fig 14 ).
The spring acts on the outer ring of the
bearings that are able to be axially displaced.
The preload force remains practically
constant even when there is axial
displacement of the bearing as a result
of thermal expansion.
Spring loading is a common method of
applying preload to the angular contact ball
bearings of high speed grinding spindles.
The method is not suitable, however, for
bearing applications where high stiffness
is required, where the direction of load
changes, or where undefined shock loads
can occur.
Specific recommendations for preloading
by springs are given in the angular contact
ball bearing section.
External axial loads on preloaded

bearing sets
Angular contact ball bearing sets, and
double direction angular contact thrust ball
bearings are matched during manufacture
to have a predetermined preload once in
operation. External axial load may release
bearings not supporting the external load
from preload ( Diagram 2 ).
When two bearing rows are preloaded
against each other, the same force is
exchanged between the two rows. Force will
induce a certain displacement in each row,
. When an external axial load is applied
to bearing 1, Ka, deflection of bearing 1
will follow the relevant curve on the abovementioned diagram. At the same time
bearing 2 will be subjected to progressively
less axial preload which will move from the
original static preload value F0 down to the
residual force F2. When Ka reaches the
value Fb, bearing 2 has no preload left.
The force Fb is then the axial external load
which releases bearing 2 from preload,
the so-called Breakaway load.
conditions, and if the spindle, while working

is not subjected to strong acceleration,
no consequences to operation will result.
However, to avoid working beyond the
breakaway load it is possible to increase
the preload of the bearing sets, or if this
is not possible, bearing sets with mixed
contact angles may be used. For advice
on this, please consult the SKF application
engineering service.
Breakaway load varies depending on

preload. For angular contact ball bearing
sets of two bearings matched back-to-back
or face-to-face, for series 2344(00) and
BTM the relation between breakaway load
and preload is shown in Table 9 page 56.
It sometimes happens that the external
axial load is greater than the breakaway
load Fb. This usually occurs when the
spindle is cutting with heavy axial forces
and rotating at relatively low speed. In such
External axial loads on preloaded bearing sets

Diagram
Bearing
1
2
Load
Deflection
on bearing 2
Fig 14
For an application
where extremely
high speed is required
and moderate stiffness
is acceptable,
preloading should
be done through
calibrated springs
acting against
a bearing ring
Deflection
on bearing 1
Fb
Breakaway load
K a = external
axial load
A
F1
C
F2
F0 = static preload
Deflection
Displacement of bearing 1 = 1
54
Displacement of bearing 2 = 2
55
Seals
Preload for customised needs

As it is mentioned above, high-precision
angular contact ball bearing preload is
predetermined during manufacture. In
certain special cases it might happen that
a different preload is required to achieve
the best performances. In these cases it is
recommended to use spacers between the
bearings with different length.
All details covering spacers and spacer
reworking are shown in the angular contact
ball bearing section.
Bearing positions must be efficiently sealed

both outwards and inwards, so that
contaminants and damp cannot penetrate,
and the lubricant cannot escape, if reliable
performance is to be obtained. This is
particularly true of bearing arrangements
incorporating high-precision bearings where
the demands in respect of running accuracy,
bearing life and reliability are generally very
high.
Seals can be of two basic types: noncontacting (non-rubbing) and contacting
(rubbing).
Contacting seals
The following are some examples of
contacting seal arrangements ( fig 15 ).
Because of the friction, contacting seals
will raise the temperature of the system
and therefore cannot be considered for
the majority of machine tool spindles. Thus,
in general, contacting seals are used only
where low speeds n dm below 200 000
are involved and the influence of higher
Guidelines for breakaway load calculation
temperature has no important effects on

the spindle working conditions.
Because of this, non-contacting seals
are almost always used for high-precision
bearing arrangements.
Non-contacting seals
Non-contacting seals are the most commonly
used arrangements in machine tools
applications, despite their being more
difficult to manufacture, more expensive
and more complex. Some examples of
non-contacting seals are shown in figs 16
and 17 page 58.
Among the non-contacting seals, labyrinth
seals are the most widely used in spindle
applications. They make access to bearings
and thus contamination difficult, and prevent
cutting fluids from entering the bearing area.
The main design features of a labyrinth
seal, starting from the external side, are:
splashguard, narrow gaps, large drainage
chamber(s), and if there is adequate room,
further gaps and drainage chambers. The
splashguard prevents the fluids gaining
access directly to the first gap. The gaps
Contacting seals, examples of application

Table
Bearing type & arrangement
Breakaway load vs static preload
Series 70, 72 and 719 CD

or ACD, CX or ACX in DB or DF sets
Fb = 2,8 F0
Series 70, 72 and 719 CD

or ACD, CX or ACX in TBT or TFT sets
(where two bearings are supporting the load)
Fb = 4,2 F0
2344(00), BTM A and BTM B series
Fb = 2,85 F0
Ball screw support bearings
as for 70, 72 and 719 series
Fig 15
Note: for bearings series or designs not listed above please contact SKF application engineering service
56
57

prevent most of the fluid proceeding further
in. The drainage chambers also serve to
reduce the velocity of the fluid arising from
the rotation of the shaft.
In order to avoid pumping effects inward,
the labyrinth components should progressively
decrease in diameter inwards from the
outside. Machining spirals that can direct
the fluid inwards should be avoided. If the
spindle is designed to rotate in both directions
clockwise and counter clockwise spirals
have to be avoided. Additional protection is
achieved by creating an overpressure inside

the spindle. This is the case when oil spot
or oil mist lubrication systems are used.
Under severe conditions, an air barrier
can be created by blowing air into the
labyrinth. It is important that the flow is
balanced, so that the dominant flow is
outwards. An air barrier can provide a
reasonably efficient sealing even with
a fairly simple labyrinth design. The
following is an example of an efficient
sealing system.
Non-contacting seals, examples
Preventive stages
The sealing system can be divided into the
following preventive stages ( fig 18 ).
1 Direct access to the labyrinth of fluid
washing over the spindle housing is
prevented.
2 Splashguard, designed as a labyrinth,
together with the housing cover, throws
fluids outward. Both the splashguard and

the housing cover are provided with one
or several annular grooves to direct the
fluid. When positioned on a rotating body,
the grooves have little influence during
rotation.
3 Gap with a height of 0,1 0,2 mm.
4 Groove or grooves on the shaft to direct
the fluid under non-rotating conditions.
Labyrinth sealing system, example

Fig 16
Fig 18
3
4
5
7
11
12
Fig 17
10
58
59

5 Large drainage chamber where the
velocity of the fluid is reduced. The
chamber should be relatively large as
the amount of fluid at this stage can be
important.
6 Drainage using a large outlet area
around 250 mm2, so that no fluid stays
inside the chamber (5).
7 Labyrinths with gap heights of
0,2 0,3 mm.
8 Chamber for fluid retardation.
9 Collector to guide the fluid to the lower
side and prevent it from penetrating
further.
10 Drainage using an area of 100 150 mm2.
11 Chamber with collector and drainage as
in steps (8) (10). Only very little fluid
should be present here and a drainage
area of around 50 mm2, should be
adequate.
12 Gap with a height of about 1 mm to
avoid capillary action.
This design is rather complex and more

costly than conventional labyrinths,
however, if the environmental conditions are
severe, a very efficient sealing should be
considered. The service life of the spindle
will otherwise suffer, and downtime and
replacement costs can be very high. A
sealing system that takes up considerable
space axially is favourable, as large
drainage areas and collectors can be
designed, thus improving sealing efficiency.
However, the larger the space taken axially,
the longer the overhang from the front
bearing and the cutting force position,
thus making the spindle radially less rigid.
Retaining covers
Retaining covers and their securing screws
may be a source of deterioration in bearing
accuracy. If the wall thickness between the
bearing seating and the screw holes is too
small, and/or the screws are tightened too
hard, the outer ring raceway may be
deformed. Bearings of the lightest ISO
Dimension Series, 19 may be more
seriously affected than the thicker rings
of bearings belonging to ISO Dimension
Series 10 or above.
It may be advantageous to use a large
number of small diameter screws. Using
only 3 or 4 screws should be avoided as
such a small number of tightening points
may produce lobes in the housing bore

diameter. This can produce changeable
friction torque, noise and unstable preload
(when angular contact ball bearings are
used). For spindles where the design is
complex, space is limited, only a few screws
can be used and thin-section bearings are
used, an FEM (finite element) analysis may
be recommended to accurately monitor
deformation.
In addition, the play between the housing
and the front cover should be checked.
A guideline value may fall between 10 and
15 m per 100 mm housing bore diameter
(or bearing outside diameter) ( fig 19 ).
Checking the play between the housing

and the front cover
Fig 19
1015 m/100 mm D
60
61
Lubrication
and maintenance
General
Grease lubrication
The choice of lubricant and lubrication

method for a particular application depends
primarily on the operating conditions,
e.g. permissible temperatures or operating
speeds, but may also be dictated by the
lubrication of adjacent components
(e.g. gear wheels).
For an adequate lubricant film to be
formed between the rolling elements
and raceways, only a very small amount
of lubricant is required. With very small
quantities, the hydrodynamic friction losses
are small and operating temperatures
can be kept down. Such minimal lubricant
quantity can reliably be obtained using
grease, and this method of lubrication is
also becoming popular for spindle bearing
arrangements. However, where speeds are
very high, the bearings should be lubricated
with oil, as the service life of grease is too
short under such conditions.
Grease lubrication may be used for all

bearings shown in this catalogue. The use
of grease means that bearing arrangement
design can be relatively simple because
grease is more easily retained at the
bearing position than oil, and it also
contributes to sealing the bearing against
contaminants and damp. Bear in mind that
the grease applied should always be free
from contaminants.
In most cases a lithium grease with a
mineral oil base is suitable for highprecision bearings. Where demands for
speed, temperature and service life are
high, the use of bearing greases based on
synthetic oils, e.g. the SKF grease LGLT 2
which has a diester oil base, have proved
beneficial.
The lubrication of a bearing arrangement
with a good quality grease in suitable
quantity, permits relatively high speed
operation without an excessive rise in
temperature, compared with some other
methods of lubrication. Grease lubricated
bearing arrangements are therefore suitable
for a wide speed range.
Grease selection
Lithium base greases with a mineral oil
base are particularly suitable for the
lubrication of rolling bearings and may also
be used for high-precision bearings. These
greases adhere well to the bearing surfaces
and can generally be used in the
temperature range 30 to +110 C. This is
sufficient for most applications. In cases
involving special features (e.g. operating
temperature below 50 C or above 100 C,
very high or very low bearing speed,
bearings subject to heavy load or shock
loads, water resistance, compatibility) the
following criteria can be adopted. First
select consistency and base oil viscosity,
check EP additives needed, then check for
additional requirements ( Table 1 ).
The method of selecting the required oil
viscosity is explained in the section
Lubrication and maintenance in the SKF
General Catalogue or the SKF Interactive
Engineering Catalogue.
The selection process is based on the
elasto-hydrodynamic theory of lubrication
(EHL). It is assumed that there is an
Consistency selection
Table
Consistency
62
abundant supply of oil to the contact to be

lubricated (fully flooded inlet conditions).
This is usually correct for oil lubrication,
but for grease lubrication the situation can
be quite different. In most grease lubricated
bearings there is only a very minute amount
of lubricant available in the actual contact
between the rolling element and the
raceway. This lubrication mode is called
Starved Lubrication. The consequence
of this is that with grease lubrication the
lubricant film thickness is often much less
than with oil lubrication and a correction
has to be made when calculating the
grease base oil viscosity.
From practical experience the following
guidelines can be given.
If the calculation leads to a viscosity
of more than 500 mm2/s at 40 C, then
consider applying a correction factor for
base oil viscosity of 0,5 or smaller. Greases
with very high base oil viscosities should
only be used in very special applications
(typically very slowly rotating rolling bearings
with continuous lubrication). If the calculated
viscosity is lower, do not apply a correction
Applications
NLGI 2 grade
Normal applications
NLGI 3 grade
Large bearings, vibration,

high ambient temperatures,
vertical shafts
NLGI 1 grade
Low ambient temperatures,

oscillating applications
63

factor. If the required base oil viscosity is not
high (typically below 20 mm2/s at operating
temperature), consider multiplying the
calculated base oil viscosity by a factor 2.
Following from this empirical rule,
selection of too high a grease base oil
viscosity will impede the lubricants access
to the bearing contacts. And with increasing
base oil viscosity, oil bleed also reduces.
So with a very high base oil viscosity,
the lubricant film actually becomes
thinner instead of thicker.
Conversely, if the calculated oil viscosity
is low, the lubricant film thickness can be
increased by selecting a grease with a
higher than calculated base oil viscosity.
Greases with EP additives may be used
if bearings are subjected to heavy loads
(e.g. C/P < 5), shock loads occur frequently,
or if frequent start-up and shutdown occurs
during the working cycle.
Use EP additive lubricants only if
necessary. Certain EP additives are not
compatible with some cage materials.
Please consult the SKF application
engineering service for further details.
Grease quantities
Bearings operating at high speeds, where
it is desirable to keep the operating
temperature low to ensure long grease life
should be lubricated with small quantities
of grease. In machine tool applications
that mostly run at high speed the quantity
should be lower than 30 % of the free space
in a bearing. Freshly greased bearings
should be run at low speed during a
running-in phase so the grease will be
evenly distributed within the bearing and
excess grease can be ejected. If this
running-in phase is neglected, risk of
temperature peaking can lead to bearing
failure later on.
From experience in the field, the most
common filling quantities are about 10 %
filling grade. Suggested quantities for
high-precision bearings in machine tool
applications are given in Table 2 .
Pre-greased angular contact ball
bearings may be delivered on request with
the proper grease type and filling grade.
Please consult SKF for availability and
technical details.
Table
Bearing Grease charge for bearings of series

bore
diameter 719 CD 70 CD 72 CD 719 CE 70 CE N 10 NN 30 NNU 49 BTM A 2344(00) BSA 2 BSD
719 ACD 70 ACD 72 ACD 719 ACE 70 ACE
BTM B
BSA 31)
719 CX 70 CX 72 CX
719 ACX 70 ACX 72 ACX
mm
cm3
8
9
10
12
15
17
0,04
0,04
0,07
0,08
0,05
0,06
0,08
0,09
0,13
0,18
0,12
0,15
0,22
0,3
0,3
0,4
0,6
20
23,8
25
30
35
38,1
0,15
0,18
0,21
0,31
0,3
0,34
0,53
0,66
0,46
0,57
0,83
1,2
0,16
0,18
0,21
0,32
0,34
0,4
0,57
0,71
0,9
1,1
1,4
1,9
2,3
0,8
1
1,5
2
1
1,4
1,4
1,4
1,8
3,8
40
44,4
45
50
55
60
0,48
0,54
0,58
0,83
0,9
0,8
1,1
1,2
1,7
1,8
1,5
1,8
2,1
2,6
3,3
0,49
0,55
0,59
0,85
0,92
0,86
1,1
1,2
1,55
1,65
1,2
1,3
1,5
1,8
2
1,7
1,9
2,1
2,6
2,8
3,2
2,7
3,2
3,5
4,5
4,8
3,8 (1,6)2)
5
5 (1,6)2)
5
65
70
75
80
85
90
0,95
1,5
1,7
1,7
2,4
2,5
1,9
2,7
2,8
3,7
3,9
5
4,1
4,6
5
6
7,2
9
0,98
1,6
1,7
1,8
2,5
2,6
1,75
2,5
2,7
3,6
3,8
5
2,1
2,6
2,8
3,4
3,5
4,1
3
3,8
4
4,9
5,1
5,9
3,3
4,4
5,1
6
6,4
7,7
8,1
9,6
95
100
105
110
120
130
2,6
3,5
3,7
3,8
5,1
6,8
5,2
5,4
6,8
8,5
9
14
11
13
16
18
22
2,7
3,6
3,8
3,9
5,3
5,2
5,5
4,3
4,5
5,3
6,1
6,7
6,2
6,5
7,6
8,8
9,6
12
4,5
7
7,3
9
11
9,6
12
17
25,5
10
11
12
14
15
19
140
150
160
170
180
190
7,2
11
11
12
18
19
15
18
22
28
37
38
17
20
22
29
34
36
15
19
21
24
30
31
27
31
36
43
51
53
200
220
240
260
280
27
28
31
51
67
72
42
76
83
140
155
39
62
68
122
128
57
1)
2)
6,4
6,7
8,9
Values for BSA 3 series are 1,7 times the values of BSA 2 series
Values in brackets refer to smaller outside diameter where two different bearings have the same bore diameter
(e.g. BSD 4072 C and BSD 4090 C)
Grease charges
64
65

Grease service life
Several methods are used to calculate the
relubrication interval for grease lubricated
bearings. However there are several
important factors influencing the grease life,
many of which are difficult to estimate. It is
extremely complex to calculate precisely
how long the grease can survive in a given
application depending on the actual

conditions. It is better to talk of grease life
estimation, and the following data assists
in making the best estimate. The graph
( Diagram 1 and Tables 3 and 4 )
shows the theoretical relubrication interval
tf for high-precision bearings in various
executions. The angular contact ball bearing
curves refer to single bearings, so data for

matched sets should be reduced depending
on the arrangement as per Table 3 .
For hybrid bearings the estimated grease
service life can be obtained by multiplying
the calculated value for the all-steel bearing
by the factor given in Table 4 .
Table
Bearing
design
Preload class
Light
Medium
3
n dm
0,5
0,7
3,5
1,5
2,8
2,5
Table
Table
Heavy
millions
A
Set of 2
Set of 3
Set of 4
More
Codes:
0,8
0,7
0,7
0,55
0,65
0,45
Contact SKF
T, BTM series 1
B
As A
0,55
0,35
0,25
0,5
As A
A = Angular Contact Ball Bearings;

C = Cylindrical Roller Bearings;
T = Angular Contact Thrust Ball Bearings;
B = Ball Screw Support Bearings.
Grease relubrication intervals guidelines
Diagram
Factors to calculate grease relubrication interval

depending on bearing arrangement
Ceramic material effect
Relubrication interval (hours)

100 000
A 15
Guidelines on correction factors

for relubrication interval estimation
A 25
10 000
Shaft position
correction factor C1
Vertical
0,5
Horizontal
1
Bearing load
C/P > 20
1
C/P > 10
0,7
Reliability
L1
0,37
L50
2
Air flow-through
Low
1
Moderate
0,3
Strong
0,1
Damp & dust

Low
1
Moderate
0,5
High
0,3
Very high
0,1
Temperature
40 C
>1
55 C
>1
70 C
1
85 C
0,5
C N 10
1 000
T&B
C NN 30
100
0,1
0,15
0,2
0,3
0,5
0,7
1,5
C/P > 8
0,5
C/P > 5
0,3
C/P > 2
0,2
C/P >1
0,1
100 C
0,25
Speed factor, n dm (millions)
66
67

The basic conditions for which
Diagram 1 page 66 has been drawn up
are:
1) bearings are mounted on horizontal
shafts
2) bearing operating temperature does not
exceed 70 C
3) a good quality lithium base grease
is used
4) a relubrication interval at the end of
which 90 % of the bearings are still
reliably lubricated (L10 life).
The data from the graphs must then be
multiplied by several factors related to
the specific application data ( Table 5
page 67).
The relubrication interval then becomes
Trelub = tf C1 C2 Ci
Other conditions such as the presence of
water, cutting fluids, vibration etc may affect
grease life.
Machine tool spindles often operate with
working conditions that are not constant.
If the speed spectrum is known and the
lubrication interval for each speed is
estimated, a total lubrication interval can be
calculated with the following equation:
tf tot =
Changing the grease type

Where an alternative grease is considered
for a certain application, its compatibility
with the grease currently used should be
checked first. Tables 6 and 7 indicate
compatibility of base oil and thickener type.
Before applying a new grease, the
old one should be completely removed.
Also, for a certain period during the early
stages of running, regular checks, grease
replacement and close monitoring of the
bearings need to be made.
The above is based on grease composition
and is an indication only, so in order to be
certain, individual testing may be required.
The above procedure does not apply to
PTFE thickener or silicone based greases
for which bearings should be thoroughly
washed (using appropriate solvents) before
the new grease is applied. Always check
that the new grease is suitable for the
application.
Table
Mineral oil
Ester oil
Polyglycol
Siliconemethyl
Siliconephenyl
Polyphenylether
Mineral oil
Ester oil
Polyglycol
Silicone-methyl
Silicone-phenyl
Polyphenylether
+ = compatible, = incompatible, O = individual testing required
Compatibility of base oil types
Compatibility of thickeners
Table
Li
soap
Ca
soap
Na
soap
Li
Ca
Na
Ba
Al
Clay Polyurea
complex complex complex complex complex
soap
soap
soap
soap
soap
100
(ai/tfi)
where:
tf tot = total lubrication interval
ai = part of the total cycle time at speed
ni, %;
tfi = lubrication interval at speed ni.
Li soap
Ca soap
Na soap
Li complex soap
Ca complex soap
Na complex soap
Ba complex soap
Al complex soap
Clay
Polyurea
+ = Compatible, = Incompatible, O = Individual testing required
68
69

Running-in of greased bearings
A grease-lubricated bearing will initially run
with a rather high frictional moment, and if
the speed is high, the temperature rise can
be considerable and excessive. The high
frictional moment is due to churning of
the grease, and it takes some time for the
excess grease to work its way out of the
contact zone and be forced away from
the raceways. This can be minimized by
applying a small quantity of grease and
distributing the grease evenly on both sides
of the bearing. Where possible, the adoption
of spacers in between two adjacent
bearings is also beneficial.
The time required to stabilize temperature
depends on a number of factors the type
of grease, the grease charge, how the
grease is applied to the bearings, the
bearing type and internal design, and the
running-in procedure. When properly run-in,
the bearings work with minimal lubricant,
giving the lowest frictional moment and
temperature. The grease remaining at the
sides of the raceways will act as a reservoir
and the oil will bleed into the raceways,
ensuring a safe lubrication for a long
period of time.
Running-in can be done in several ways.
The most common is to increase the
speed in stages, waiting for the bearing
temperature to stabilize before moving on
to the next step. It is advisable to go one
step more than the operating speed of
the system, as this will ensure a lower
temperature rise while operating. The
temperature should be monitored during
running-in to avoid large peaks which may
later be detrimental to the grease life. As
a general recommendation, the absolute
temperature should be limited to
approximately 60 65 C. If running-in
is done automatically on a test machine,

it is preferable to set the machine with
temperature alarms which will stop the
spindle if the temperature rise exceeds
fixed limits. Although easy to handle,
automatic machines operating on time
steps only, do not monitor the temperature
that may go beyond acceptable levels.
Though widely used, the above
procedure is time-consuming. Several hours
may be required for a medium high spindle
speed, as each step may take between 30
minutes and 1 2 hours before temperature
stabilises. Total time for completing the
running-in could be 8 10 hours.
The running-in time can be shortened
considerably by using a few steps only and
by starting at a speed approximately equal
to 20 25 % of the bearing catalogue
speed. This can significantly reduce the
number of steps, but at each step the
temperature increase may be very rapid.
The temperature of the bearings must
be carefully monitored with this procedure,
and if possible should be measured on
the bearing outer ring, using an automatic
switch off when the temperature exceeds
the above set limits.
After the outer ring has cooled down
5 10 C the spindle is restarted at the
same speed. The same procedure may
have to be repeated several times, but the
cycle time is just a few minutes. When a
temperature peak, lower than the alarm
limit, has been reached, the temperature
will decrease rather rapidly and the bearing
is then run-in at that particular speed.
Wherever possible and regardless of
the procedure chosen, running-in should
involve placing the spindle in rotation both
clockwise and anti-clockwise.
Oil lubrication
General
Several methods of oil lubrication are
available, which differ in specific
characteristics. Oil lubrication is therefore
recommended for many applications and
can be adapted to suit the actual operating
conditions and particular machine design.
The most commonly used methods of oil
lubrication are described below. For spindle
bearing arrangements, the high operating
speeds and requisite low operating
temperatures generally necessitate the use
of circulating oil lubrication with oil cooling,
or the oil spot method. Depending on the
method chosen, the following factors play

an important part:
quantity and viscosity of the oil
speed and hydrodynamic friction loss
which is a function of the speed
permissible bearing temperature
The relationships between oil quantity,

friction and bearing temperature are shown
in Diagram 2 . Where there is insufficient
oil (region A), complete separation of rolling
elements and raceways will not be achieved.
Metallic contact will lead to increased
friction and temperature, and finally to
bearing wear. A cohesive, load-carrying oil
film can only be formed if a greater quantity
Information on oil quantities

for special applications may
be obtained from SKF applications
engineers.
Bearing temperature and frictional loss

as a function of oil quantity
Diagram
Bearing temperature, T
Frictional losses, Wf
E
Oil quantity
70
71

of oil is available (region B). Here the
condition is reached where friction and
consequently temperature, are at a
minimum. A further increase in oil quantity
(region C) will result in increases in friction
and temperature only until the quantity is
such that an equilibrium is achieved
between heat generation and heat loss,
after which (region D) there is little change
in temperature with oil quantity. If even more
oil is added, the cooling effect predominates
and the temperature starts to fall (region
D-E). The conditions obtained with oil spot
lubrication correspond to those of region B,
and the conditions obtained with circulating
oil lubrication where the oil is also cooled
correspond to those of region E.
Common methods of oil lubrication
Several methods of oil lubrication are
available, which differ in specific
characteristics.
Oil bath lubrication
Oil bath lubrication is the simplest method
of oil lubrication. The oil, which is picked up
by the rotating components of the bearing,
is distributed within the bearing and then
flows back to the oil bath. Oil bath
lubrication is particularly suitable for low
speeds and enables design of relatively
simple and economic bearing
arrangements. At high speeds however, the
bearings are supplied with too much oil,
increasing friction within the bearing and
causing the operating temperature to rise.
Circulating oil lubrication
With circulating oil lubrication, the
lubricating oil is pumped to a position above
the bearing where it runs down through the
bearing. After the oil has passed through
the bearing it is filtered and, if required,
cooled before being returned to the bearing.
Cooling the oil enables the operating

temperature of the bearing to be kept
at low level.
Oil drop lubrication
In this method, the bearing is supplied at
given intervals with an accurately metered
quantity of oil. The quantity supplied may be
relatively small, so frictional losses at high
speeds are small. However, it is not certain
that the oil will penetrate the bearing at high
speeds.
Oil jet lubrication
In the oil jet method a jet of oil under high
pressure is directed at the side of the
bearing. The velocity of the oil jet must be
high enough (at least 15 m/s) so that at
least some of the oil will penetrate the
turbulence surrounding the rotating bearing.
This method is particularly efficient and
is often used for high-speed bearing
arrangements.
Oil mist lubrication
In oil mist lubrication, finely divided oil
droplets are supplied to the bearing in a
stream of compressed air. The air passing
through the bearing serves to cool it and
produces a slight excess pressure that
enhances sealing. Minimum quantities of
oil can be used however; in practice it is
difficult to supply the bearing reliably with
the very small quantities of oil involved.
Oil mist is fairly costly and less and less
accepted because polluting the immediate
surroundings of the machine.
Oil spot (minimal) lubrication
With the oil spot method very small
accurately metered quantities of oil are
directed at each individual bearing by
compressed air. The minimum quantity
enables bearings to operate at lower
temperatures than any other method of

lubrication. The oil is supplied to the leads
by a metering unit, it coats the inside
surface of the leads and creeps along
them. It is injected to the bearing via a
nozzle. The compressed air serves to cool
the bearing and also produces an excess
pressure in the bearing arrangement that
prevents contaminants from entering.
The speed rating for oil lubrication given
in the product tables apply to oil spot
lubrication.
When using the circulating oil, oil jet and
oil spot methods it is necessary to ensure
that the oil flowing from the bearing can
leave the arrangement by adequately
dimensioned ducts.
The amount of oil required for circulating

oil lubrication with additional cooling can be
calculated approximately using
Circulating oil lubrication

with additional cooling
This method is suitable for high-speed
bearings provided an efficient oil cooling
system and proper drainage ducts at both
sides of the bearing are in place. Cooling
the oil helps keeping bearing temperatures
down, although the large quantities of oil
and the increased frictional losses
associated with the lubricant mean that
more power is needed. Circulating oil
lubrication with cooling system requires
pumps and cooling devices and places
considerable demands on the sealing.
It is therefore relatively expensive.
The oil quantities determined using the

above equation can be used as guideline
values when selecting pumps and cooling
arrangements. They are valid provided that
the operating temperature of the shaft does
not exceed ambient temperature by more
than 30 C; the bearing outer ring
temperature may be 5 C higher. With
higher temperatures the formula may give
wrong values, as the transfer of heat from
the shaft is not considered. For accurate
analysis, computer programs are available.
Please consult SKF for details.
Table 8 gives guidelines for oil flow rate.
Table
Bearing bore
diameter
d
over
incl.
Oil flow rate
mm
l/min
50
120
50
120
low
0,3
0,8
1,8
Q = (M0 + M1) (n /T)106

where
Q = requisite oil quantity, l/min
M0 = load-independent frictional moment,
see SKF General Catalogue, Nmm
M1 = load-dependent frictional moment,
see SKF General Catalogue, Nmm
n = bearing speed, r/min
T = permissible increase in temperature
of lubricating oil (difference between
oil temperature before and after the
bearing position), C
high
1
3,6
6
Guidelines for oil flow rate
72
73

Oil spot lubrication
Oil spot lubrication enables reliable bearing
lubrication to be achieved using extremely
small quantities of oil.
Lower operating temperatures or higher
speeds can be reached using this method
of oil lubrication.
Guideline values for the oil quantity to be
supplied to a bearing can be obtained from
Q = q d B 102
where
Q = oil quantity, mm3/h
d = bore diameter of bearing, mm
B = bearing width, mm
and q is a factor, see explanation below
( Table 9 ).
The quantity varies depending on bearing
type and design and this is determined by
using different values of the factor q, i.e.
should be 1 2 for roller bearings, and 2 5
for ball bearings. When speed is very high
and angular contact ball bearings are used,
the factor q will be much higher because of
the pumping effect of angular contact
ball bearings. For such cases a value
of q between 10 and 20 should be used.
Individual testing is always necessary
however to optimise the conditions. Different
bearing designs show varying sensitivity
to oil quantity change, i.e. roller bearings
are very sensitive to oil inlet changes
while for ball bearings, the quantity can be
changed substantially without any major

effect on the bearing temperature rise.
Temperature rise and reliability with oil
spot method depend to a large extent on
the lubrication interval, i.e. the time in
between two shots from the oil spot
lubricator. Generally the lubrication interval
is determined by the oil flow rate generated
by each injector and the oil quantity
supplied per hour. This interval can vary
from one minute to one hour, with the most
common interval being 15 20 minutes.
Pipes from the lubricator should be
long enough, normally 1 5 m in length
depending on the time interval between two
subsequent shots. The air pressure should
be 0,2 0,3 MPa, but must be increased
when pipes are long to compensate for
the pressure drop along the pipes.
To keep rise in temperature at the lowest
possible level, good drainage must be
designed. With horizontal spindles it is
relatively easy to arrange drainage ducts
at each side of the bearings involved.
Where bearings with lubrication grooves
are used, a drainage duct for the annular
groove must also be considered.
For vertical shafts, the oil passing the
upper bearings must be prevented from
reaching the lower bearings which
otherwise will receive too much lubricant.
Drainage, together with a sealing device
must be incorporated at the lower side of
each bearing. An efficient seal should also
be provided at the spindle nose to prevent
lubricating oils reaching the workpiece.
Table
Bore
code
q=1
q=2
q=3
q=5
q = 10
q = 15
q = 20
8
9
00
01
02
03
0,56
0,63
0,80
0,96
1,35
1,70
1,12
1,26
1,60
1,92
2,70
3,40
1,68
1,89
2,40
2,88
4,05
5,10
2,80
3,15
4,00
4,80
6,75
8,50
5,60
6,30
8,00
9,60
13,50
17,00
8,40
9,45
12,00
14,40
20,25
25,50
11,20
12,60
16,00
19,20
27,00
34,00
04
05
06
07
08
09
2,40
3,00
3,90
4,90
6,00
7,20
4,80
6,00
7,80
9,80
12,00
14,40
7,20
9,00
11,70
14,70
18,00
21,60
12,00
15,00
19,50
24,50
30,00
36,00
24,00
30,00
39,00
49,00
60,00
72,00
36,00
45,00
58,50
73,50
90,00
108,00
48,00
60,00
78,00
98,00
120,00
144,00
10
11
12
13
14
15
8,00
9,90
10,80
11,70
14,00
15,00
16,00
19,80
21,60
23,40
28,00
30,00
24,00
29,70
32,40
35,10
42,00
45,00
40,00
49,50
54,00
58,50
70,00
75,00
80,00
99,00
108,00
117,00
140,00
150,00
120,00
148,50
162,00
175,50
210,00
225,00
160,00
198,00
216,00
234,00
280,00
300,00
16
17
18
19
20
21
17,60
18,70
21,60
22,80
24,00
27,30
35,20
37,40
43,20
45,60
48,00
54,60
52,80
56,10
64,80
68,40
72,00
81,90
88,00
93,50
108,00
114,00
120,00
136,50
176,00
187,00
216,00
228,00
240,00
273,00
264,00
280,50
324,00
342,00
360,00
409,50
352,00
374,00
432,00
456,00
480,00
546,00
22
24
26
28
30
32
30,80
33,60
42,90
46,20
52,50
60,80
61,60
67,20
85,80
92,40
105,00
121,60
92,40
100,80
128,70
138,60
157,50
182,40
154,00
168,00
214,50
231,00
262,50
304,00
308,00
336,00
429,00
462,00
525,00
608,00
462,00
504,00
604,50
693,00
787,50
912,00
616,00
672,00
858,00
924,00
1 050,00
1 216,00
34
36
38
40
44
48
71,40
82,80
87,40
102,00
123,20
134,40
142,80
165,60
174,80
204,00
246,40
268,80
214,20
248,40
262,20
306,00
369,60
403,20
357,00
416,00
437,00
541,00
616,00
672,00
714,00
828,00
874,00
1 020,00
1 232,00
1 344,00
1 071,00
1 242,00
1 311,00
1 530,00
1 848,00
2 016,00
1 428,00
1 656,00
1 748,00
2 040,00
2 464,00
2 688,00
Factor q for oil spot lubrication and guidelines

for angular contact ball bearings series 70
74
75

Position of the oil nozzles
Oil nozzles should be correctly positioned
to avoid difficulties for the oil to enter the
contact area between rolling element and
raceway and so that it does not impinge
on the cage. Table 10 gives the values
of the diameters (from the shaft axis) where
oil injection should take place for the most
common bearing designs and series
( fig 1 ).
The data shown in Table 10 refers to
bearings with their standard cage designs.
For bearings fitted with other cages or
bearing types not shown, SKF should
be consulted.
Lubricating oils
For the lubrication of high-precision
bearings, high quality lubricating oils
without additives should be considered. The
requisite viscosity of the oil can be
determined following the recommendations

in the SKF Interactive Catalogue and is
essentially a function of bearing size, speed
and operating temperature.
The intervals at which the oil should be
changed when using the oil bath, circulating
oil and oil jet methods depend mainly on
the operating conditions and the quantities
of oil involved. Further information may be
found in the SKF Interactive Catalogue, or
obtained on request from the oil suppliers.
With oil spot lubrication systems there
is no restriction as to oil type, and the oil
viscosity may be much higher than for oil
mist systems. Oils with 40 up to 100 mm2/s
viscosity at 40 C are typically used, as are
oils with EP additives that are preferable
especially with roller bearings.
Where oil drop, oil mist or oil spot
lubrication is applied, the oil is lost,
i.e. it is only supplied to the bearing once.
Fig
dn
dn
Table 10
Bore
code
Bore
diameter
Oil nozzle position dn for bearings of series

719 CD,
719 CE,
70 CD,
70 CE,
719 ACD
719 ACE
70 ACD
70 ACE
719 CX
70 CX
719 ACX
70 ACX
mm
mm
8
9
00
01
02
03
8
9
10
12
15
17
14,8
16,8
20,1
22,1
13,6
15,1
16,3
18,3
21,8
24,0
04
05
06
07
08
09
20
25
30
35
40
45
26,8
31,8
36,8
43,0
48,7
54,2
26,8
31,8
36,8
43,0
48,7
54,2
10
11
12
13
14
15
50
55
60
65
70
75
58,7
64,7
69,7
74,7
81,7
86,7
16
17
18
19
20
21
80
85
90
95
100
105
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
44
48
52
56
1
72 CD,
72 ACD
72 CX
72 ACX
NNU 49
NN 30,
N 101)
18,2
20,0
23,0
25,9
28,7
33,7
39,7
45,7
51,2
56,7
28,8
33,8
40,0
46,0
51,5
57,2
31,1
36,1
42,7
49,7
55,6
60,6
40,5
47,6
54,0
60,0
66,4
58,7
64,7
69,7
74,7
81,7
86,7
61,7
68,7
73,6
78,6
85,6
90,6
62,2
69,7
74,7
79,7
86,7
91,7
65,6
72,6
79,5
86,5
71,4
79,8
85,0
89,7
96,5
103,5
91,7
98,6
103,6
108,6
115,6
120,6
91,7
98,6
103,6
108,6
115,6
120,6
97,6
102,6
109,5
114,5
119,5
126,5
98,7
103,7
110,6
115,6
120,6
103,5
111,5
117,5
124,4
131,4
138,4
113,8
119,0
111,4
116,5
125,4
130,3
135,3
144,1
110
120
130
140
150
160
125,6
137,6
149,5
159,5
173,5
183,5
125,6
137,6
133,5
143,5
157,5
167,4
179,4
191
145,9
158,2
170,7
124,0
136,8
147,0
157,0
169,9
179,8
153
162,9
179,6
188
201,7
214,4
170
180
190
200
220
240
260
280
193,5
207,4
217,4
231,4
251,4
271,4
205,8
219,7
229,7
243,2
267,1
287
189,8
203,5
213,0
227,0
247
267,0
294,5
313,5
230,8
248,9
258,9
275,3
302,4
322,4
355,2
375,3
Oil nozzles position
1)
For N 10 series equipped with TNHA cages please contact the SKF application engineering service
Oil nozzle position for different bearing design
76
77
Maintenance
Bearings storage
Bearings can be stored in their original
packages for years, provided relative
humidity in the storage room does not
exceed 60 % and there are no great
fluctuations in temperature. Humidity and
temperature must be controlled during
storage, handling and transport if at all
possible, particularly in tropical areas.
Bearings should be kept in a vibration-free
dry place where the relative humidity and
temperature are reasonably constant.
Bearings that are not stored in their
original packages should be well protected
against corrosion and contamination.
Large rolling bearings should only be
stored lying down, and preferably with
support for the whole extent of the side faces
of the rings. If kept in a standing position,
the weight of the rings and rolling elements
can give rise to permanent deformation
because the rings are relatively thin-walled.
78
Lubricant storage
Most materials including oils and greases
deteriorate with time. The art of good
storage practice is to have materials always
available when required, and to ensure
stock turnover so that lubricants are used
before any significant performance loss
has occurred. Lubricant properties may
vary considerably during storage due to
exposure to air/oxygen, temperature, light,
water and moisture, oil separation and
presence of particles.
The recommended maximum storage
time is 2 years for greases and 10 years
for lubricating oils, assuming reasonable
stock keeping practices and protection
from excessive heat and cold are followed.
A lubricant in excess of the
recommended shelf life is not necessarily
unsuitable for service but it is advisable
to check if it still meets the product
requirements/specifications.
Dismounting and mounting

Dismounting
Proper maintenance of spindles is essential
to their performance, and replacing the
bearings in the correct way using the right
tools is a major part of that maintenance.
Before disassembly begins, a suitable
working area should be prepared and the
proper tools made available.
The working area should be clean and
away from areas where cutting and grinding
operations take place. No traverses should
pass over the working place. It is best to
use a separate room if possible, one that
is temperature controlled, dedicated to
handling of accurate components and easy
to keep clean.
Tool requirements differ depending on
spindle design, but use of the correct tools
makes the work easier and more efficient,
and avoids damaging the components.
Information on mounting and dismounting
tools can be found in the catalogue SKF
Maintenance and Lubrication Products.
A detailed drawing of the spindle should
also be available.
Dismounting a spindle with bearings

arrangement 70 CD/TBT at the work side
and NN 30 K at the drive side.
To illustrate the procedure for replacing
the bearings of a spindle, one of the most
common spindle designs is chosen here as
an example. The spindle is a cartridge type
and thus the complete spindle can be easily
removed from the machine. The spindle is
belt driven and the pulley is fitted directly
at its rear. At the work side the spindle is
equipped with a set of three angular contact
ball bearings of series 70 ACD. At the drive
side is a cylindrical roller bearing of series
NN 30 K. This bearing is mounted on a
tapered seating. The spindle has a flange
at the nose that is common for lathe and
milling spindles. Thus the bearings have to
be removed and fitted from the drive side
( fig 1 page 80).
The bearings are lubricated with grease
the most common type of lubrication today.
Clean the outside of the spindle before
placing it on the worktable.
79

Fig
Spindle with bearing

arrangement 70
CD/TBT at the work
side and NN 30 K
at the drive side
Removing drive side bearings

Place the spindle on V-blocks or another
arrangement, depending on external design
of the spindle, for easy handling.
Unscrew the rear side nut (1), remove the
pulley (2) with the keys (3) and the sealing
device (4). Remove the housing cover (5)
( fig 2 ).
As the drive side bearing has a tapered
bore and the shaft is provided with an oil
duct and oil groove for this bearing, it is
easily removed by using a hydraulic pump.
( fig 3 ).
1 Connect the nipple to the oil duct and

then connect the oil pump to the nipple
and tighten the release knob on the pump.
2 Put the rear side nut on the spindle to
prevent the bearing falling off the spindle
when released.
3 Inject the oil. The bearing inner ring will
be released when the pressure is about
20 MPa. The spacer (6) ( fig 4
page 82) is taken away after removal
of the shaft.
If the spindle is not provided with an oil duct
and groove, removal of the bearing must
wait until the shaft has been withdrawn
from the housing.
Removing the drive side bearing:

connect the nipple to the oil duct in the shaft
Fig
Removal of nut, pulley,

sealing device and
housing cover
Fig
SKF pump 729124 for pressure up to 100 MPa
80
81

Withdrawal of the shaft from housing.
The spindle is equipped with a reinforced
labyrinth seal at the work side. Remove
the external component (7) ( fig 5 ).
Normally some force is necessary to
withdraw the shaft from the cartridge,
as in most cases the work side bearings
have a certain interference fit. The required
withdrawal force expressed in N for a set of
three bearings can be estimated at 20 times
the outside diameter of the bearing
expressed in mm. Example: Bearing set
7020 ACD/P4ATBTB having an outside

diameter of 150 mm will require a
withdrawal force of approximately
20 150 = 3 000 N.
If the bearings are to be used again,
e.g. after being relubricated, great care
must be taken to avoid damaging them
during disassembly of the spindle. Blows
to the shaft as a method of withdrawal must
be avoided as this can easily create serious
indentations on the raceways, making the
bearings unfit for further use.
Use a puller to withdraw the shaft,

rotating the shaft during withdrawal to
minimise the risk of damage. If no suitable
puller is available, one can be made
according to the illustration ( fig 6 ).
The bar through the shaft is threaded at
both ends. Turn the nut at the work side
of the spindle to withdraw the shaft and
bearings. While doing this, rotate the shaft
to avoid damage to the bearings if the fit
is tight. If there is no bore through the shaft,
arrange a suitable attachment of the bar
to the spindle nose.
Fig
1
7
Withdrawal of the shaft from housing:

removal of the external cover
Removing the drive side bearing:

inject the oil until the inner ring is released
Removal of the shaft using a puller

Fig
Fig
82
83

Removing drive side bearings
If the drive side bearing has not already
been removed by the oil injection method
this should now be done.
A puller to grip the side face of the spacer
(6) is used. Do not pull over the roller set
as this could make the puller lose its grip,
damaging the bearing and making it unfit
for further use. The required pulling force
expressed in N is about 300 times the bore
diameter expressed in mm. As the seating
is tapered the pulling force acts only to
release the bearing ( fig 7 ).
The outer ring of the cylindrical roller
bearing is still seated in the housing.
Remove it using a puller, gripping the inner
side-face of the ring. Do not put tools on
the raceways if the bearings are to be used
again. If you do not need to check the
bearings, these may be left on site. Often
the housing is provided with two diametrically
opposed slots for gaining access with puller
to the bearing inner side face ( fig 9 ).
Removing the locating device

for the work side bearings
The locating device for the work side
bearings in this example is a so-called
stepped sleeve. It is kept on the shaft by
a rather heavy interference fit and ensures
very good accuracy of the spindle.
This method eliminates the need for
threaded components and the inaccuracy
that the threads can create. The stepped
sleeve is fastened on the spindle by an
interference fit that must be heavy enough
to withstand the axial forces. The sleeve is
mounted and dismounted by the oil injection
method, thus ensuring careful handling
of the components. The step that acts as
a pressure surface during the mounting and
dismounting operation can be sealed in
two different ways; by the sleeve having two
bore diameters, each with an interference
fit on the shaft, or by using an O-ring. The
latter system is somewhat easier from a
manufacturing point of view.
Fig
Connecting nipples
Location device stepped sleeve
Removal of the drive side bearing using a puller

Fig
Fig
Removal of the outer ring

of the cylindrical roller bearing
Removal of the locating device

for the work side bearing
84
85

Removal of the stepped sleeve requires
a hydraulic pump. ( fig 8 page 85).
The pump should have a capacity of at
least 100 MPa. The same injector as that
for releasing bearings on tapered seatings
can be used.
Connect the injector to the nipple that
has been attached to the threaded hole of
the sleeve. Put cloths around the shaft to
dampen the sleeve when it comes loose.
Be careful with all connections, as the oil
pressure is high. Use only components that
are certified for the pressure that can be
delivered by the pump.
A suitable oil for dismounting and mounting
the sleeve is the SKF fluid LHDF 900.
Start pumping and the sleeve will loosen
when the pressure has reached a value
of 60 100 MPa depending on size and
actual fit.
If the shaft or sleeve has been incorrectly
manufactured, or if any of these components
have been damaged, the sleeve may not
come off completely. The oil will leak and
there will be insufficient build up of
pressure. If this is expected to happen the
sleeve can be pushed off by hand while
the oil is injected. If it remains stuck, use

a powerful puller. Look for any potential
damage to the components to avoid
problems in the future.
Removal of work side bearings
The work side bearings normally have
a light interference fit on the shaft. The
withdrawal force to be expected is 70 times
the bore diameter for a set of three bearings,
force in N and diameter in mm. The spindle
used in the example is provided with three
threaded holes in the spindle nose for
dismounting purposes. By using these
holes and three long screws the bearings
can easily be removed from the shaft without
any risk of damage. Use spacers between
the screw ends and the sealing/spacer
component (9) to avoid damaging the
surface of this component. If the bearings
have to be pushed a long distance, spacers
with different lengths can be made to avoid
screws being too long. If the spindle nose
is not provided with dismounting holes,
a long puller gripping the cover (10) or
preferably the labyrinth/spacer (9) can
be used ( fig 10 ).
Fig 10
Spindle with tandem set of angular

contact ball bearings at both sides
( fig 11 )
A spindle having a tandem set of angular
contact ball bearings at each side normally
requires the drive side set to be withdrawn
from the shaft at the same time as the
shaft is withdrawn from the housing.
The withdrawal force is then acting over the
outer rings of this set and the shaft should
be rotated during the withdrawal operation
to minimise the risk of damage to the
bearings.
Fig 11
Spacers
86
Spindle with tandem arrangement of angular

Removal of the external cover

using three long screws
Long screws
Dismounting spindles with other

bearing arrangements
10
87

Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing
and angular contact thrust ball bearing
at work side
A cylindrical roller bearing at the work side
of the spindle is dismounted in the same
way as described for the drive side bearing.
For removing this bearing, together with the
angular contact thrust ball bearing generally
present in this position, the system with
screw should preferably be used if provided.
Otherwise a puller is used. It should grip

over the inner ring of the cylindrical bearing
or over the shaft sealing-washer. Depending
on the design, access may be difficult and
it might be necessary to pull over the
housing cover and the outer rings. Angular
contact thrust ball bearings normally have
only a light fit and the withdrawal force is
minimal ( fig 12 ).
Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing and angular

contact thrust ball bearing at work side
Mounting
Mounting a spindle with bearings
arrangement 70 CD/TBT at the work
side and NN 30 K at the drive side
Before mounting the bearings, a grease
of appropriate quality and quantity should
be applied. For best performance of the
spindle, a grease with synthetic base oil
should be used. See section Grease
lubrication under Lubrication page 62
for details.
The NN 30 K bearing at the drive side
of the spindle should be adjusted to its final
position by means of the spacer at the large
end of the taper. This bearing should
therefore be lubricated only when it is finally
to be mounted.
For bearings that will be used at relatively
high speeds, it is recommended that the
rust-inhibiting compound is washed away
and the bearings are dried before applying
the grease. The properties of the grease

are then better utilised. Special care must
be taken to ensure that the bearings are
not contaminated during washing.
Using a syringe to apply the grease is
a convenient way to get the proper quantity,
and makes it easy for feeding inside the
bearing. Distribute the grease evenly
around the rolling element set.
Mounting the work side bearings
1 Check that the distance between the
housing seating abutment and housing
cover side face LH, is smaller than the
total width of the bearing package LB,
measured over the outer rings. If not
there will be an axial play in the spindle.
It may be recommended to have LH
10 15 m smaller for a diameter around
100 mm. Too large a difference may
induce deformations when tightening
the screws ( fig 13 ).
Mounting the work side bearings

Fig 12
Fig 13
LB
LH
88
89

2 Particularly when large bearings are
used, the spindle should preferably be
kept in a vertical position during the
mounting procedure ( fig 14 ).
3 Position the shaft labyrinth (9); it may
have to be warmed slightly, and the
housing cover (10). Be sure not to forget
the housing cover!
4 Warm the bearings on a hot plate or
induction heater; 20 30 C above
ambient is normally sufficient to allow the
bearings to pass freely over the shaft.
5 Ensure that the bearings are facing in the
correct direction. If using a matched set
look for the markings on the outside
diameter of the outer rings.
6 Align the rings so that the marking for the

thickest part is at the same position for
the inner rings as for the outer rings.
This will ensure the best possible division
of load between the bearings.
7 Smear the bearing seatings lightly with
a thin oil.
8 Position the bearings on to the shaft,
not forgetting the two spacers (11)
and (12) between the second and third
bearing. The shaft spacer may have
to be warmed.
Mounting the stepped sleeve ( fig 15 )

1 Heat the stepped sleeve to about 150 C
above ambient for smaller sizes (bore
diameter 60 mm) and about 110 C for
larger sizes, preferably with an induction
heater.
2 When heated up, the sleeve can be easily
handled by using the connecting nipple
as a handle. Put the sleeve quickly on to
the shaft so that the shaft does not heat
up before the sleeve comes into contact
with the bearings.
3 The sleeve should be allowed to cool

down to room temperature before
proceeding.
4 For final adjustment of the sleeve the oil
injection method should be used.
5 Connect the nipples and the oil injector
to the sleeve.
6 Provide for an arrangement that will apply
an axial load over the sleeve-bearing
system to withstand the force created
by the oil injected to the sleeve, and to
overcome the bearing fits and preload.
Mounting the stepped sleeve

Fig 15
Mounting the work side bearings with the spindle

in vertical position
Fig 14
10 MPa
12
11
10
60100 MPa
Do not forget to grease the bearings

before mounting.
90
91

7 Use a distance sleeve with length
sufficient to cover the distance from the
stepped sleeve to the position where
the shaft is threaded in this case the
threads for the nut locating the drive
side bearing. Use the nut to apply the
necessary axial load or better still, use a
hydraulic nut type SKF HMV E. A
second oil pump must then be used. If
the threads on the spindle do not match
the threads of the hydraulic nut, a larger
nut can be used and supported by the
spindle nut. If there is no thread at all on
the spindle, a support can be arranged,
e.g. a washer that can be attached to
the rear end of the spindle.
8 Tighten the nut or apply a pressure of
about 30 MPa on the hydraulic nut.
Inject oil to the stepped sleeve until it
floats. There will probably be some
leakage of oil. The required oil pressure
is 60 100 MPa. While the sleeve is
floating, tighten the nut or check that the
required pressure for the hydraulic nut is
still present.
9 The bearings must be protected from
the pressure fluid as this can adversely
affect the lubrication properties of the

grease. Wrap a clean lint-free cloth
around the sleeve where it contacts the
bearing to absorb any pressure fluid that
may leak out.
10 Release the pressure for the stepped
sleeve, wait until the oil has drained
and then release the axial load.
At this stage it is advisable to check the
straightness of the spindle supported only
by the work side bearings. Put the spindle
on V-blocks as far apart as possible, and
supporting the bearing outer rings. Rotate
the shaft and measure the run-out at
different positions of the shaft where
it has suitable surfaces ( fig 16 ).
If the values seem to be abnormal,
a possible reason may be that the shaft
has become misaligned due to spacers
not having parallel side faces or shaft
abutment/sleeve side face not being
perpendicular to the bearing seating.
Check by releasing the clamping load
over the bearings.
Mounting the drive side bearings

Drive side bearings with tapered bore
should be adjusted to a suitable clearance
or preload. The adjustment is made by
pushing the inner ring up on the seating.
The raceways will then expand. The final
expansion determines the clearance or
preload of the mounted bearing. The
distance ring should have a width such
that when the bearing is pushed up
against the ring it will have the required
clearance/preload ( fig 17 ).
A special gauge, an internal clearance

gauge, of series GB 30 is available for
accurate adjustment of the clearance/preload
of bearings of series NN 30 K. This type
of gauge is generally used by machine tool
manufacturers and can usually be hired from
SKF for occasional use ( fig 18 page 94).
1 The bearing outer ring need to be fitted
in the housing. If the outer ring is to have
a tight fit, the housing should be heated
to between 10 and 30 C above room
temperature, e.g. in an oven or an oil
Mounting high-precision cylindrical roller

bearings with GB 30 gauge
Fig 17
Drive-up distance
Checking the shaft run-out

Fig 16
92
93

bath. The heated housing with outer ring
should then be allowed to cool down to
ambient temperature. All components as
well as the gauges must have the same
stable temperature during the measuring
procedure ( fig 19 ).
2 The bore gauge need to be introduced
into the outer ring raceway, and the
indicator set to zero. The raceway diameter
measured in this way is transferred to
the GB 30 gauge ( fig 20 ).
3 The bore gauge is applied to the centre
of the gauging zone of the GB 30 gauge.
The screw of the latter gauge is then
adjusted until the indicator of the bore
gauge shows zero minus a correction
factor. The correction factor is given in
the instructions supplied with each GB 30

gauge ( fig 22 page 96).
4 The internal diameter of the envelope
diameter gauge needs to be reduced by
the value of the desired clearance, or
increased by the value of the desired
preload using the adjustment screw. The
indicator on the envelope diameter gauge
needs to be set to zero. The setting of the
indicator should be left undisturbed from
now on ( fig 25 page 97).
5 The tapered bearing seating on the
spindle needs to be lightly oiled with thin
oil. The inner ring with roller and cage
assembly needs be lightly driven up on the
tapered seating. The envelope diameter
gauge needs to be expanded using the
adjustment screw and the gauge

placed in position over the roller set. The
adjustment screw needs then to be
turned in the opposite direction until the
gauge, by virtue of its inherent resilience,
is in contact with the roller set.
6 The inner ring is driven further up on to
its seating until the indicator on the gauge
again shows zero. The gauge needs to be

expanded using the adjustment screw
and removed. The required drive-up force
in N is 200 400 times the bearing bore
diameter in mm.
7 The distance between the mounted inner
ring and the shoulder on the spindle needs
to be measured using gauge blocks. Make
Pushing the inner ring up on the shaft

until it firmly abuts the spacer ring
Fig 21
Drive-up distance
Fig 18
Fig 19
Fig 20
94
95

measurements at different positions for
checking accuracy and misalignment.
The difference should not normally be
larger than 3 to 4 m. The spacer ring
needs then to be machined so that its
width corresponds to this dimension
( fig 23 ).
8 The inner ring with roller and cage
assembly needs to be withdrawn from the
spindle. The finished spacer ring needs
to be pushed up on to the spindle until it
abuts the shoulder. The inner ring needs
to then again be driven up until it firmly
abuts the spacer ring. There should be
no clearance between shoulder, spacer
ring and inner ring ( fig 21 page 95).
9 The envelope diameter gauge needs to
be applied to the roller set as described
under point 5. The indicator must again
show zero ( fig 24 ).
10 The bearing needs to be secured on
the spindle. It is now time to apply the
grease to the bearing. Put one string
around each roller set and distribute it
lightly over the rollers. Do not push any
grease in between cage and inner ring
shoulder. The spindle needs to be slowly
turned as the inner ring and cage
assembly are inserted in the outer ring
to prevent the raceways and rollers from
being damaged. For preloaded bearing
arrangements, the housing with outer
ring need to be heated as under point 1.
If the cylindrical roller bearing is to be
mounted together with an angular
Fig 23
contact thrust ball bearing, the

cylindrical roller bearing outer ring
needs to be withdrawn from the housing
and pushed over the inner ring with
cage and roller assembly before the
spindle is inserted. The spindle with the
complete bearings is then inserted in the
heated bearing housing. The housing
cover needs to be placed in position and
the screws tightened.
Mounting cylindrical roller bearings

without GB-type gauges
A GB-type gauge is normally used by
manufacturers making many of the same
kind of spindles. For occasional needs
it may not be necessary to invest in this
equipment, but to use other methods to
adjust for the proper clearance/preload.
Some methods used in practice are
described later on.
Measuring clearance of cylindrical roller bearings

with outer ring
Fig 25
Fig 22
B=L
ec
1 000
Fig 24
96
Measuring clearance of cylindrical roller

bearings with outer ring ( fig 25 )
Oil the bearing seating lightly with a thin oil
and drive up the inner ring so that it gets a
firm seat. There must still be a clearance
between roller sets and outer ring. It can be
assumed that the clearance is reduced by
8 m for each 0,1 mm axial drive up of the
inner ring. As small bearings may have a
rather small clearance, for instance 15 m,
360 e
1 000 s
97

care must be taken not to push the inner
ring too far up on the taper. The measuring
principle is to use the outer ring of the
bearing to measure the clearance at
this initial position of the inner ring. The
clearance is measured by moving the outer
ring up and down. The total displacement
is the clearance of the bearing at this
Example
The clearance for bearing NN 3020 K
was found to be 13 m when the inner
ring was driven up. The distance between
bearing side face and abutment was
16,355 mm. The required preload is
3 m. The inner diameter of the spindle
is 51 mm and the outer diameter at the
centre of the taper is 101,5 mm. The
diameter ratio di/dm di/dm is then 0,5
making factor =16.
The distance ring has to be adjusted to
a width of
B = 16,355 16 16/1 000 = 16,099 mm
A tolerance of 0,005 mm is acceptable.
particular position of the inner ring. During

this operation it is important that the outer
ring is moved perpendicular to the shaft.
The outer ring should not be subjected to
large forces as it can elastically deform and
an erroneous value will be obtained.
To ensure that the outer ring is kept
in the proper position when measuring,
Example
The bearing outside diameter is 149,997
mm and the seating has a diameter
of 149,992 mm. The raceway diameter
will decrease by:
0,8 (149,997 149,992) = 0,004 mm
This value must be subtracted from c
in the equation B = L e c/1 000. If the
interference fit is not taken into account
the bearing preload may be too high.
Considering the interference fit, the
distance ring width would then be
its side face needs to be supported. This

can be done by using a disc that is placed
either in the space for the distance ring or is
clamped between the drive-up device and
the inner ring. In the former case the disc
must be provided with a slot to allow access
to the shaft for measuring the distance
between the inner ring side-face and the
abutment This distance is needed for
determining the exact width of the
distance ring.
The distance is measured using gauge
blocks as described earlier. When using
the disc in this position it should not be too
tightly clamped by the bearing inner ring as
it must be rotated for measuring at different
positions.
When the distance has been accurately
measured the bearing is removed and the
spacer is adjusted to the width giving the
required preload or clearance of the
bearing.
The width is calculated as follows:
B = L e c/1 000
For all details covering this equation, please
see the high-precision cylindrical roller
bearing/preloading bearing chapter
page 189.
Other methods
If the requirement is not as stringent as
for very accurate preload adjustments,
methods other than those described above
may be used. Exact preload adjustment is
not critical when the speeds are low but
clearance needs to be avoided especially
if the cylindrical roller bearing is mounted
at the work side of the spindle.
Using feeling with the outer ring
The inner ring is driven up together with the
outer ring. During drive-up the outer ring
should be rotated back and forth and as
preloading starts the ring will be harder to
rotate. The degree of resistance to rotation
that corresponds to the bearing having
been driven up to a suitable preload can
be learned by experience. When the proper
position has been achieved the distance
between the inner ring side-face and the
abutment needs to be measured with gauge
blocks. The width of the distance ring
should be equal to this distance. With this
method as with the method previously
described, if the outer ring is to have an
interference fit in the housing, compensation
should be made for this.
B = 16,355 16 (16 4)/1 000

= 16,163 mm
Compensation for interference fit

If the outer ring is to have an interference
fit in the housing seating the raceway
diameter will decrease. It can be assumed
that the raceway diameter will decrease
by 80 % of the diametric interference fit.
If a threaded nut is used for driving up

the inner ring assembly on the tapered
seating, the angle through which the nut
need to be turned for a given clearance
reduction of the bearing can be
calculated from the equation:
= 360 e /(1 000 s)
98
99

Inserting spindle shaft in the housing
( fig 26 )
The spindle with the work side bearings
and the inner ring assembly of the drive
side bearing can now be inserted in the
housing. Heat the housing to 10 to 30 C
above ambient temperature to easily get
the bearings into position. The spindle
needs to be turned slowly as the inner ring
and roller and cage assembly are inserted
in the outer ring, to prevent the raceways
and rollers from becoming damaged.
Alternatively the spindle with only the
work side bearings can be inserted, and
after securing the housing cover, the inner
ring assembly of the drive side bearing
is driven up on the seating.
Mounting other bearings

arrangements
Spindle with tandem set of angular
( fig 27 )
The drive side bearings for this spindle
must be mounted after the shaft with the
work side bearings has been inserted
in the housing. This type of arrangement
must have a clearance between drive side
bearing outer rings and housing seating as
the bearings should be axially displaceable.
Therefore the bearings can be mounted
without heating the housing. However it may
be preferred to heat the bearings somewhat
to get them on to the shaft more easily.
The outer rings are then also expanded
and to avoid forcing the bearings into the
housing it should also be somewhat heated.
Spindle with tandem set of angular contact ball

bearings at both sides
Inserting spindle shaft in the housing

Fig 26
100
Mount the sealing components and the

pulley and tighten the nut.
Do not overtighten the screws for the
housing covers at the work side and at
the drive side as this may deform the
housing seatings if the distance between
the threads and the seatings is short.
Fig 27
Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing

and angular contact thrust ball bearing
at work side ( fig 28 )
A cylindrical roller bearing mounted
together with an angular contact thrust ball
bearing has to be inserted into the housing
complete with the outer ring. The housing
should then be heated to about 20 30 C
over ambient for easy introduction of the
outer ring. The outside diameter of the
angular contact thrust ball bearing has
such tolerances that it will have a radial
clearance in the housing even when the
housing is not heated. The radial clearance
between this bearing and the housing is
necessary to ensure that only the cylindrical
bearing is supporting the radial load.
Spindle with cylindrical roller bearing and angular

contact thrust ball bearing at work side
Fig 28
101

on opposite sides of the shaft centre line
( fig 32 page 104) the runout of the
centre line at the position indicated by the
gauge will be:
Fig 30
Dm
dm
SKF
-3
= a/L (e1 + e2) + e1
= a/L (e1 e2) + e1

The shaft wobble will be larger in the former
case but it may give smaller runouts at
positions between the bearings. However,
it is easier to compensate for the runout in
the latter case.
If the raceway is concentric with the bore
but is oval or has other types of macro form
deviations, then the rotational centre will
change during one revolution. The runout
will be approximately the same as the form
deviation.
The non-repetitive runout must be
considered for spindles with very exacting
5 67
When the eccentricities are on the same

side of the shaft centre line ( fig 32
page 104) the runout will be:
7 0 1 0 C D/ P 4 A D B
gauging anvil applied to the ball along the

spindle axis gives a reading corresponding
to the axial runout of the spindle.
If the raceway of the rotating inner ring is
eccentric to the centre line of the shaft, then
the shaft will have a runout that is twice the
eccentricity ( fig 31 ).
However in a truly circular raceway there
will be a fixed rotational centre that is the
centre of the raceway. In some applications
the component that is to rotate can be
centred to the true rotational centre and
in such cases eccentricity errors may
not be detrimental to the application.
Grinding spindles are one example,
where the grinding wheels can be dressed
to concentricity with the axis of rotation.
If the positions of the maximum eccentricity
of the shaft and bearings are known, the
bearing inner rings can be positioned in such
a way that the eccentricities compensate
each other. SKF angular contact ball
bearings have marks indicating the largest
eccentricity of both the inner and outer rings
i.e. the thickest part of the rings, at position
(3) in fig 30 . Having the eccentricities
-2
Checking running accuracy

When the spindle has been assembled the
running accuracy needs to be checked.
With the methods most generally used
for checking machine tool spindles, radial
and axial runouts are measured on suitable
surfaces at the spindle nose. It has been
found however, that the ovality and
eccentricity of the spindle surfaces from
which measurements are taken are usually
so great that it is difficult to obtain a true
indication of the eccentricity of the axis
of rotation of the spindle.
A better method of measuring running
accuracy ( fig 29 ) is to use an accurately
ground sphere soldered to a plinth which is
fitted to the spindle nose. The gauging anvil
of a micro-indicator or some similar instrument
of corresponding accuracy is applied to the
ball. The plinth holding the ball is secured to
the spindle nose in such a way that by
lightly tapping the ball it can be moved at
right angles to the spindle axis. The minimum
reading obtained when the spindle is
rotated indicates the radial accuracy of the
unloaded spindle. An indicator with a flat
Markings on inner and outer rings for angular

contact ball bearings: 1) designation; 2) serial
number; 3) deviation from nominal diameter
and position of the point of maximum eccentricity
Runout of shaft relative to inner raceway
Checking running accuracy of the spindle
Fig 31
Fig 29
Runout of shaft relative

to inner ring raceway
Shaft
Eccentricity
of inner ring
Inner ring
raceway
102
103

demands for accuracy, such as some types
of grinding spindles and disk drive spindles.
The non-repetitive runout cannot be
compensated for by wheel dressing
or by the control system of the machine,
as may be the case for repetitive runout,
and therefore very stringent demands are
made on this type of runout, particularly
fo disk drive spindles.
Fig 33 illustrates the principle of
non-repetitive runout in comparison
with repetitive runout.
The difference in diameters of the rolling
elements will influence the non-repetitive
runout. A certain repetitiveness may be
noticed if one rolling element (or a few
adjacent to each other) happens to have
a larger diameter than the others. There will
then be a runout with a repetitiveness equal
to the cage rotational frequency. At certain
times the maximum runout due to rolling
elements, and the maximum runout due to
raceway will coincide and then give the total

maximum runout of the bearing. If the cage
speed is 40 % of the inner ring speed, a
certain rolling element will coincide with
a certain spot on the inner ring each fifth
revolution.
As the lubricant plays an important role
in the non-repetitive runout, it is required
to be very clean. Applications for which
non-repetitive runout must be considered
are usually grease lubricated, for instance
workhead spindles for grinding machines
and disk drive spindles.
Channelling greases are often preferred,
as once the grease has been overrolled and
put aside, it stays more or less steady in its
new position without disturbing the rolling
elements at irregular intervals. A drawback
with channelling grease can be that
the oil bleeding is less efficient than with
softer greases and this may influence
the bearing life.
Inspection
Cleaning of bearings
SKF precision bearings are supplied
in a preserved condition. Normally the
preservative with which new bearings are
coated before leaving the factory need not
be removed from the bearings, just wiped
off the outside surface and bore.
If, however, the bearing is to be grease
lubricated and used at very high or very
low temperature, or when the grease
(for example a polyurea grease) is not
compatible with the preservative, it is
necessary to wash and carefully dry the
bearing. Care should also be taken not
to introduce contaminants into the bearing.
Bearings contaminated because of

improper handling (damaged packaging,
etc.) should also be washed and dried
before mounting. Washing of bearings being
inspected during equipment servicing may
also be necessary.
When removal of preservative is
necessary, it is possible to remove most of
the preservative by blowing the bearing with
clean dry air. Precautions must be taken
when pressurised air is used to remove
material from the bearings to prevent
physical injury or chemical contamination
of personnel in the area of such operations.
When washing is necessary, the use of
hydrocarbon solvents introduces several
hazards (solvent flammability, health issues
Repetitive and non-repetitive runout

Fig 33
Maximum spindle excursion from

true circle in one revolution
Calculating the shaft runout
Repetitive radial
runout
Fig 32
Non-repetitive
radial runout
True circle defined by
nominal spindle radius
1
104
2
e1/2
2
e1/2
e2/2
e2/2
105

etc.) to the work place, and these must be
addressed before washing operations
commence.
When hydrocarbon washing is not
possible, the use of aqueous solutions to
clean bearings should only be considered
when absolutely no other alternatives are
possible. The washing solution should be
maintained below 60 C and the pH of the
solution less than 12. The washing solution
must be kept clean (see above) and
preferably have a neutral pH that leaves
either no residue or an oil-soluble residue
on drying. If this is not available the washing
fluid must be washed off the bearing, and
the bearings completely dried as soon as
possible. The bearings can be dried in hot
dry air at temperatures up to 120 C. It is
also possible to use vacuum drying at lower
temperatures. When this washing and drying
procedure is completed the bearings must
quickly be protected, usually by applying a
coating of the lubricant to be used in the
final operation.
Both the phenolic resin and the polyamide
cages used by SKF are capable of
withstanding the conditions detailed above.
If these washing conditions cannot be
met (pH and temperature, especially
when polymeric cages are employed), SKF
strongly advises individual product testing
to ensure the bearings are not affected by
the procedure.
Inspection of bearings
If bearings have been disassembled from
a spindle not because of a bearing damage,
they may be fit for further use. Do not try to
judge whether the bearings can be re-used
until after they have been cleaned. Treat
them as new.
Never spin a dirty bearing. Instead, rotate it
slowly while washing. Wash with a suitable
solvent (white spirit, paraffin etc.). Dry with
106
a clean, lint-free cloth or with compressed,

clean and moisture-free air, making sure
that no bearing part starts rotating.
Examine the bearings closely to
determine whether they are re-usable. Use
a small mirror and a dental-type probe with
a rounded point to inspect raceways, cage
and rolling elements. Be alert for scratches,
marks, streaks, cracks, discolorations,
mirror-like surfaces, contact patterns and
so on. Spin the bearing gently and listen
to the sound.
An undamaged bearing can be
remounted, but if it is not going to be used
immediately after being cleaned, it needs to
be oiled or greased to prevent corrosion.
If the bearings are separable, do not mix
the components of different individual
bearings.
Inspection of associated components
Before mounting new bearings, the spindle,
housing and other components adjacent
to the bearings need to be checked. This
is particularly important if the spindle
performance has not been satisfactory,
even though the bearings have been
found to be in good condition.
The bearing seatings and other external

surfaces are checked with the spindle
mounted in V-blocks.
Deviations are indicated by means of a
dial gauge.
The spindle is located axially at one end
by using a ball fitted into a centre hole
and supported against a bracket. When
checking shaft shoulders, the spindle is
pressed hard against the ball and the
bracket while it is rotated, and measuring
is done with an indicator as shown in the
illustration ( fig 35 ).
Tapered bearing seatings can be checked
by using ring gauges of series GRA 30.
The gauging or reference face is at the
large end of the taper bore and is used
Fig 34
Checking the shaft radial and axial runout

Fig 35
Inspection of shafts
The dimensions of cylindrical bearing
seatings can be easily checked with a snap
gauge dial indicator as shown in the picture
( fig 34 ).
Special measuring equipment is needed
to check the form and position tolerances.
A precision measuring instrument like
Talyrond is the most suitable equipment
for checking the roundness of spindle
bearing seatings, but is not available in
most workshops. The principle of checking
radial and axial run-out of a shaft is shown
in the fig 35 .
107

to determine the position of the tapered
seating relative to a reference surface on
the shaft. This reference surface may be
either in front of, or behind the gauging
face of the ring gauge.
In addition to checking the position of
the bearing seating and diameter, the
ring gauge is used to check that the shaft
shoulder is at right angles to the axis of the
tapered seating by measuring the reference
length R ( fig 36 ) at several diametrically
opposed points. The form of the taper is
checked by using marking blue. Applying
just a very thin layer should give a marking
coverage of at least 80 %.
As an alternative to the ring gauge, a
taper gauge can be used. The taper gauge
covers a range of sizes and may be an
economical solution when dealing with
spindles of different sizes.
Inspection of housings
The dimensions and form of the housing
seatings can be checked with a bore
indicator. To check the form, an attachment

is fitted to the indicator to convert it into a
three-point gauge. It is difficult to check the
position of a shoulder relative to the
housing seating in the absence of a reliable
reference face. Quill housings of small
spindles can usually be set up and rotated,
thus making it possible to measure the axial
run-out of the shoulder. This type of
measurement does not necessarily prove
that the shoulder is at right angles to the
housing seating unless the housing seating
axis coincides with the axis of rotation.
Frequently there is no check made to
ensure that both bearing seatings in a
spindle housing have coinciding centre
lines; the seatings are machined by the
method giving the best results and that is
all. If the centre lines do not coincide well
the operating temperature may be too high,
especially at high speeds. Checking the
alignment may therefore be advisable.
Measurements can be made by setting up
the housing on a surface plate ( fig 38 )
so that the widest seating is parallel with

the plate. The diameters of both seatings I
and II are measured and the centre heights
X1 and X2 and the difference X = X1 X2
are calculated.
To check that bearing seating II is not
misaligned relative to bearing seating I,
dimension h is measured at two points; a
and b between bearing seating II and the
surface plate. The difference between the
two read-off values should be less than or
at the most equal to half any taper error
of the bearing seating over the measuring
distance m. m should be only a few
millimetres less than the total width of
the bearing seating. The housing is then
rotated 90 on its axis and corresponding
measurements are taken in the y direction.
The eccentricity can then be calculated
from the equation shown in fig 38 .
Inspection of spacers
Spacers need to be checked for parallelity
and flatness. For short spacers this can be
done by measuring the width of the spacer
at different positions while placed on a flat
surface. Turning it upside down may indicate
the flatness. Check if the two spacers
between the bearings have the same width.
This should normally be the case in order to
achieve the right preload of the bearing set
( fig 37 ).
Inspection of housings
Fig 38
II
e=
Measuring the reference length R
x + y
2
Inspection of spacers
Fig 36
Fig 37
R
x2
x1
108
109

SKF Bearing Selection

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SKF Bearing Selection

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Principles of bearing selection and application

Angular contact ball bearings

Cylindrical roller bearings 180

Double direction angular contact thrust ball bearings

Single direction angular contact thrust ball bearings 234

Locking devices 260

Other products and services 298

Products index 301

The SKF Group

The business of the Group consists

The SKF Group is the first major

The SKF Engineering & Research

SKF has developed the Channel

SKF manufactures ball bearings,

Machine tool applications require superior

the more important it is to make use of SKF

Almost 100 years

Selection of bearing types

Load carrying capacity and life

Bearing data general

Lubrication and maintenance

Dismounting and mounting

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Selection of bearing type

Depending on the application, one or more

Comparison of performance and cost

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

for the different tolerance classes

angular contact thrust ball bearings made

Comparison of different standards

SKF tolerance classes for high-precision bearings

Inner ring radial runout factor

ISO 2, ABEC 91)

P4, SP, P4C

Up to 120 mm bore diameter, for larger sizes, ABEC 7

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

The rigidity of a spindle/bearing system

There is a limit to the speed at which rolling

High-precision bearing arrangements

Because of the much larger contact area

for machine tool applications belong to

High-precision bearings cross section

Bearings with steel rolling elements

Bearings with ceramic rolling elements

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

In machine tools the main application for

Main features, speed rating and size range

= Angular Contact Ball Bearing,

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Load carrying capacity

All general information on life, basic load

Basic rating life equation

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

Rating life equation

Load carrying capacity

When using hybrid bearings, the effect of

The basic load ratings listed in the product

L10 (hybrid) = aHC (C/P)p

1,62 for sets comprising two bearings

Equivalent bearing loads

For details on the aSKF life adjustment factor,

1 Principles of bearing selection and application

All information and data necessary for the