SM4 Nippon Bearings

The SM4 Nippon Bearings is a rod end. Rod ends consist of a housing with integral shank and a spherical plain bearing. This plain bearing is composed of an inner and outer ring without rolling elements. Rod ends are often mounted on the end of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. They are also used to connect two shafts. Rod ends can accommodate misalignment, and they support radial forces in a tensile or compressive direction.

The SM4 Nippon Bearings has a spherical plain bearing with a steel-on-bronze sliding contact. The steel inner ring contacts the bronze surface of the outer ring. The steel-on-bronze sliding contact makes this bearing highly wear-resistant, providing low friction. However, the load capacity is slightly lower compared to spherical plain bearings with steel-on-steel sliding contacts. This bearing needs regular maintenance. Proper lubrication is required to reduce friction and prevent fouling and corrosion.