Stainless Steel Spherical Plain Bearings are self-aligning, anti-corrosion components designed for linkage and pivot points in demanding environments. The SA/SI and POS/PHS series Stainless Steel Spherical Bearings are two fundamental types that cater to different mounting and adjustment needs.
Stainless Steel Spherical Bearings have the advantages of Wear Resistance & Fatigue Life. stainless heim joint is Corrosion Resistance. Stainless steel heim joints can support very high static and dynamic loads and resist brinelling.
Stainless Steel Spherical Plain Bearings are self-aligning, anti-corrosion components designed for linkage and pivot points in demanding environments. such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint.
SA/SI Series stainless heim joint: These stainless steel heim joints or Stainless Steel Spherical Bearings are inner ring type spherical plain bearings. The stainless heim joint's inner ring has a threaded bore, allowing stainless heim joint to be mounted onto a bolt or a stud. This design offers a compact and integrated solution for space-constrained applications.such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint.
POS/PHS Series stainless heim joint: These stainless steel heim joints are threaded rod end spherical plain bearings (often called "Heim Joints" or "Rose Joints"). These stainless heim joint feature a integral shank with external threads, allowing for direct screw-in installation and easy length adjustment in a linkage assembly.such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint.
Together, these Stainless Steel Spherical Bearings or stainless heim joint series form the backbone of reliable, corrosion-resistant linear motion and linkage systems.such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint.
Both the SA/SI and POS/PHS series Stainless Steel Spherical Bearings or stainless heim joint share these critical benefits:
Superior Corrosion Resistance:
Manufactured from austenitic stainless steel (e.g., AISI 304 such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint.), stainless heim joint such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint excel in moist, chemical, and saline environments, making them ideal for food processing, marine, and outdoor applications.
Low Maintenance & Self-Lubricating:
Standard versions of stainless heim joint are equipped with PTFE-based composite liners, enabling maintenance-free, "dry-running" operation without the need for grease.
High Strength and Durability:
Engineered to withstand high static and dynamic loads, these bearings such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint.offer excellent resistance to shock and fatigue, ensuring long service life.
Hygienic and Easy to Clean:
The smooth, non-porous surface finish of stainless steel heim joints (such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint) prevents bacterial growth and material buildup, facilitating easy cleaning and sterilization to meet strict industry hygiene standards.
Wide Operating Temperature Range:
Suitable for use across a broad temperature spectrum (typically from -50°C to +200°C), thanks to the stainless steel construction and stable liner materials.
The performance of these stainless steel heim joints(such as 3 4 16 heim joint , 5 8 18 heim joint) is defined by their material composition.
| Component | Standard Material Options | Characteristics & Application Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Bearing Ring (Inner/Outer) | AISI 304 Stainless Steel | The standard choice. Offers the best all-around corrosion resistance for most applications. Cost-effective. |
| AISI 316/L Stainless Steel | Enhanced corrosion resistance. Superior performance in chloride-rich environments (e.g., seawater, strong chemicals). Higher cost. | |
| Sliding Surface (Liner) | PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Composite | Standard self-lubricating option. Provides an extremely low coefficient of friction, high chemical resistance, and is suitable for most oscillating and rotating motions. |
| POM (Polyoxymethylene) Composite | A cost-effective self-lubricating alternative with high mechanical strength, though with slightly lower temperature and chemical resistance than PTFE. | |
| Stainless Steel on Stainless Steel (No Liner) | Requires external lubrication. Used for very high temperatures or specific chemical exposures where PTFE is not suitab |
Selection Guide:
For general corrosion resistance and maintenance-free operation: Choose AISI 304 with a PTFE Liner.
For harsh, chloride-rich environments: Choose AISI 316/L with a PTFE Liner.
For extreme high-temperature applications: Choose a all-stainless-steel version and implement a reliable lubrication plan.
The SA/SI and POS/PHS series of stainless steel heim joints are indispensable in the following industries:
Food & Beverage Machinery: Mixers, fillers, packaging machines, conveyor linkages.
Pharmaceutical & Medical Equipment: Tablet presses, fluid handling systems, adjustable patient tables.
Marine & Offshore: Steering systems, hatch controls, rigging fittings.
Chemical & Textile Processing: Valve actuators, guide rollers in humid or chemically aggressive atmospheres.
Outdoor & Architectural Applications: Irrigation systems, outdoor lighting adjustment, door fittings.
Automation & Robotics: Light-duty robotic arms, conveyor tensioners, positioning stages.
1. SA/SI Series of stainless steel heim joints (Inner Ring Type) - Example Specifications
Common Size Range (Example): 3 4 16 heim joint,5 8 18 heim joint
| Model | Thread Size | Ball Diameter (mm) | Overall Width (mm) | Static Load Capacity (kN) ≈ |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| SA5S / SI5S | M5 | 10 | 16 | 4.1 |
| SA8S / SI8S | M8 | 12 | 20 | 6.7 |
| SA10S / SI10S | M10 | 14 | 22 | 9.8 |
| SA12S / SI12S | M12 | 18 | 28 | 14.5 |
| SA16S / SI16S | M16 | 22 | 32 | 21.0 |
2. POS/PHS Series (Threaded Rod End Type) - Example Specifications
Common Size Range (Example):3 4 16 heim joint,5 8 18 heim joint
| Model | Thread Size (mm) | Ball Diameter (mm) | Overall Length (mm) | Static Load Capacity (kN) ≈ |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| POS6 / PHS6 | M6x1 | 10 | ~40 | 4.1 |
| POS8 / PHS8 | M8x1.25 | 12 | ~45 | 6.7 |
| POS10 / PHS10 | M10x1.25 | 14 | ~50 | 9.8 |
| POS12 / PHS12 | M12x1.5 | 18 | ~58 | 14.5 |
| POS16 / PHS16 | M16x1.5 | 22 | ~70 | 21.0 |
Load capacity is determined by dynamic (C) and static (C₀) load ratings. For example: A 6205 deep groove ball bearing has a dynamic load rating of 14 kN, suitable for small motors. For heavy loads, choose tapered roller bearings (e.g., 32208 with C=90 kN). Recommendation: Share your equipment’s load analysis for optimal bearing selection.
Materials: Stainless steel (440C/316) or coatings (nickel plating, DLC). Seals: Double rubber seals (2RS) or PTFE seals. Example: Seawater pumps often use 316 stainless steel bearings with lifelong grease.
Speed limits depend on bearing type and lubrication: Standard 608ZZ ball bearings: ~18,000 rpm. Hybrid ceramic bearings (Si3N4 balls): 30–50% higher speeds. Solution: For high-speed applications, opt for oil lubrication or low-friction design.
Theoretical lifespan: Based on load calculations (see Q1). Real-world factors: Lubrication intervals (e.g., grease replenishment every 100km). Mounting surface flatness (≤0.01mm/m required). Tool: Free lifespan calculation software available.
Must-check: Slider hole spacing (e.g., 45mm×45mm). Rail width (15/20/25mm, etc.). Slider height (impacts machine space). Pro tip: Old slider model numbers are often engraved on the side.
Of course, we provide customized service, including add customers’ logo on the products, customized size of linear guide rail.
It according to the products, we usually can adjust the quantity according to customers’ request.
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