Rod End Bearings – Stainless Steel

Precision-engineered stainless steel rod end bearings with maintenance-free PTFE sliding surfaces for reliable mechanical connections, angular alignment and precision adjustment mechanisms.

These stainless steel rod end bearings are designed for applications requiring corrosion resistance, compact dimensions and precise articulation. Their spherical bearing design accommodates angular misalignment while providing smooth and reliable movement under mechanical loads.

The combination of a stainless steel housing, hardened stainless steel ball and self-lubricating PTFE composite liner ensures durable, low-friction operation without additional lubrication.

Design & Functionality

The spherical bearing allows angular movement between connected mechanical components, compensating for alignment deviations and reducing unwanted stress within the assembly.

The hardened stainless steel ball is precision-ground and polished, providing a smooth and wear-resistant contact surface. A bonded PTFE composite liner enables maintenance-free sliding operation without periodic lubrication.

The compact construction is particularly suitable for adjustable linkages, positioning mechanisms, mechanical actuators and precision engineering applications.

Configurations & Compatibility

Available in different metric sizes with right-hand or left-hand external threads.

Right-hand and left-hand versions can be combined in adjustable linkages and turnbuckle mechanisms, allowing precise length adjustment without disconnecting the assembly.

Bearing dimensions, permissible misalignment angles and load ratings depend on the selected size and configuration.

Materials & Construction

Housing: AISI 304 stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance and mechanical durability.

Spherical Ball: AISI 440C stainless steel, hardened, precision-ground and polished.

Bearing Race: Stainless steel with bonded PTFE composite sliding liner.

Sliding Contact: Stainless steel / PTFE composite for maintenance-free operation.

Technical Specifications

The rod end bearings feature precision-machined spherical bearing bores and metric external threads.

Dimensions, angular misalignment limits, dynamic and static load ratings, and weight depend on the selected bearing size.

The bearing design follows established dimensional conventions for spherical plain bearing rod ends, including ISO 12240-4.

Product Identification

Each rod end bearing is marked with its corresponding product designation.

The suffix L identifies the left-hand threaded version, while the standard designation indicates a right-hand thread.

Quality Grades

Standard Grade: Stainless steel construction with a maintenance-free PTFE composite sliding liner.

B-Grade: Earlier production batch with a PTFE-metallic fabric liner. Offered at a reduced price.

Application Notes

These bearings are suitable for mechanical positioning, adjustment mechanisms and precision engineering applications requiring corrosion resistance, reliable articulation and maintenance-free operation.

Vacuum Compatibility: The bearings have not been tested or qualified for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications. UHV compatibility is therefore not guaranteed.