GE4E Maintenance-Free Spherical Plain Bearing
In the engineering pursuit of maximizing equipment uptime and eliminating unscheduled downtime, traditional steel-on-steel bearings often fail prematurely due to irregular relubrication or grease starvation.
Our GE4E Series Maintenance-Free Spherical Plain Bearings solve this industrial pain point by incorporating an advanced, solid-lubricant PTFE composite sliding liner. Engineered for micro-oscillating linkages, this self-lubricating series completely eliminates manual maintenance, reduces friction coefficients, and extends service life in high-load, low-velocity applications.
Outer ring with single split in axial direction. Both outer and inner rings are made of carbon chromium steel, hardened and phosphorization treatment, sliding surface treated with Mos2.
Technical Specifications
| Bearing Number |
Dimensions (mm) |
Load Ratings (kN) |
Weight ≈ kg |
|
d |
D |
B |
C |
dk |
rs min |
r1s min |
α ˚ ≈ |
Dynamic |
Static |
|
| GEG4E | 4 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 20 | 3.4 | 17 | 0.005 |
| GEG5E | 5 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 21 | 5.5 | 27 | 0.009 |
| GEG6E | 6 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 21 | 5.5 | 27 | 0.008 |
| GEG8E | 8 | 19 | 11 | 6 | 16 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 21 | 8.1 | 40 | 0.014 |
| GEG10E | 10 | 22 | 12 | 7 | 18 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 18 | 10 | 53 | 0.021 |
| GEG12E | 12 | 26 | 15 | 9 | 22 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 18 | 16 | 84 | 0.036 |
| GEG15ES | 15 | 30 | 16 | 10 | 25 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 16 | 21 | 106 | 0.048 |
| GEG17ES | 17 | 35 | 20 | 12 | 29 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 19 | 30 | 146 | 0.080 |
| GEG20ES | 20 | 42 | 25 | 16 | 35.5 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 17 | 48 | 240 | 0.152 |
| GEG25ES | 25 | 47 | 28 | 18 | 40.7 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 17 | 62 | 310 | 0.199 |
| GEG30ES | 30 | 55 | 32 | 20 | 47 | 0.6 | 1 | 17 | 79 | 399 | 0.296 |
| GEG35ES | 35 | 62 | 35 | 22 | 53 | 0.6 | 1 | 16 | 99 | 495 | 0.402 |
| GEG40ES | 40 | 68 | 40 | 25 | 60 | 0.6 | 1 | 17 | 127 | 637 | 0.535 |
| GEG45ES | 45 | 75 | 43 | 28 | 66 | 0.6 | 1 | 15 | 156 | 780 | 0.698 |
| GEG50ES | 50 | 90 | 56 | 36 | 80 | 0.6 | 1 | 17 | 245 | 1220 | 1.42 |
| GEG60ES | 60 | 105 | 63 | 40 | 92 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 313 | 1560 | 2.09 |
| GEG70ES | 70 | 120 | 70 | 45 | 105 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 400 | 2000 | 3.01 |
| GEG80ES | 80 | 130 | 75 | 50 | 115 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 488 | 2440 | 3.61 |
| GEG90ES | 90 | 150 | 85 | 55 | 130 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 607 | 3030 | 5.50 |
| GEG100ES | 100 | 160 | 85 | 55 | 140 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 654 | 3270 | 6.04 |
| GEG110ES | 110 | 180 | 100 | 70 | 160 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 950 | 4750 | 9.74 |
| GEG120ES | 120 | 210 | 115 | 70 | 180 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 1070 | 5350 | 15.1 |
| GEG140ES | 140 | 230 | 130 | 80 | 200 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 1360 | 6800 | 18.9 |
| GEG160ES | 160 | 260 | 135 | 80 | 225 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 16 | 1530 | 7650 | 24.8 |
| GEG180ES | 180 | 290 | 155 | 100 | 250 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 14 | 2120 | 10600 | 35.9 |
| GEG200ES | 200 | 320 | 165 | 100 | 275 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 15 | 2320 | 11600 | 44.9 |
| GEG220ES | 220 | 340 | 175 | 100 | 300 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 16 | 2550 | 12700 | 50.9 |
| GEG240ES | 240 | 370 | 190 | 110 | 325 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 15 | 3030 | 15190 | 65.3 |
| GEG260ES | 260 | 400 | 205 | 120 | 350 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 15 | 3570 | 17850 | 82.0 |
| GEG280ES | 280 | 430 | 210 | 120 | 375 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 15 | 3800 | 19100 | 96.6 |
Key Applications
Industrial Robotics & Micro-Actuators
In multi-axis robotic end-effectors, parallel kinematics for delta 3D printers, and automated linkage systems, weight and space optimization are critical. The GE4E series features a narrow profile and zero-backlash potential, delivering fluid, oil-free trajectory control without adding dead weight to high-speed dynamic assemblies.
Precision Medical Devices & Food Processing Machinery
Sanitation and contamination control are absolute prerequisites in food-grade and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- The Solution: Standard greased bearings suffer from lubricant migration and purging, which leads to batch contamination.
- The Application: Installed in pharmaceutical filling linkages and food sorting conveyor pivots, our solid-film PTFE liner operates entirely dry, eliminating the risk of oil leakage.
Pneumatic & Hydraulic Cylinder Rod Ends
When fluid power cylinders actuate heavy, offset loads, structural deflection and misalignment introduce severe lateral forces (side loads) to the piston rod.
- The Application: Integrated into the rear clevis or rod end eyes of the cylinder.
- The Engineering Value: Utilizing its 16° tilting capability, the bearing perfectly absorbs angular misalignment, preventing uneven wear on the cylinder's internal seals and rod gland.
Technical FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: How does the load capacity of this PTFE-lined GE4E compare to a standard steel-on-steel GE4E?
A: Under static conditions, both versions share similar limits based on the yield strength of the steel rings. However, under dynamic conditions (continuous oscillation), the self-lubricating PTFE composite version can sustain higher specific surface pressures at low velocities. While steel-on-steel bearings rely on a hydrodynamic oil film that breaks down during slow micro-oscillations (leading to metal-on-metal galling), the solid PTFE liner provides constant, uniform separation between the sliding surfaces.
Q2: What are the shaft and housing bore fitting tolerances recommended for installing GE4E bearings?
A: Because the micro-sized GE4E has a relatively thin outer ring, incorrect housing interference fits can distort the spherical geometry, altering the internal clearance. We strictly recommend the following ISO standard fits:
Shaft Selection: h6 or g6 (for smooth sliding and easy mounting)
Housing Bore (Steel/Cast Iron): M7 or K7 (to ensure proper seating without excessive radial compression)
Housing Bore (Light Alloy/Aluminum): N7 to compensate for higher thermal expansion rates
Q3: Can this maintenance-free bearing operate under submerged or wet conditions?
A: Yes, but with specific considerations. The PTFE sliding liner itself is chemically inert and unaffected by water. However, if moisture enters the bearing, it can cause the underlying carbon chromium steel rings to rust, creating an abrasive surface that will tear the liner. For washdown or outdoor marine environments, we strongly advise specifying our Stainless Steel (316/440C) + PTFE customized variant, or utilizing external radial seals to isolate the joint from liquids.
Q4: What is the expected operating temperature range for the GE4E self-lubricating series?
A: The standard operating temperature envelops a broad range from -30°C to +130°C. The critical limiting factor is the thermal stability of the adhesive bonding agent that secures the PTFE composite liner to the outer ring. For specialized high-temperature applications (up to +200°C), please contact our engineering team to upgrade to a high-temp synthetic resin matrix or mechanical locking liner configuration.
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