NTN’s SPAW can handle both fixed and floating bearing arrangements

Here at NTN, our experts want to support you and your customers’ needs with inside tips for success!

Inherent to all bearing operation is heat generation originating from either internal friction within the bearing or from an external heat source. During operation, heat will transfer to the shaft and cause thermal growth in the axial direction. When selecting and installing bearings, the end-user must account for this shaft growth in the bearing arrangement to avoid additional, unwanted loading as this can lead to premature bearing failure.

In order to avoid unwanted loading and premature bearing failure, general bearing practice dictates that when selecting and installing bearings, the bearing on one end of the shaft should be “fixed” with respect to the housing for shaft rotating applications while the bearing on the opposite end of the shaft should “float” in the housing.

NTN’s SPAW/SPW/SFCW heavy-duty, one-piece mounted unit has a built-in feature for easy adjustment from a fixed to a floating arrangement. Our downloadable tech tip gives a thorough explanation of how to switch our SPAW/SPW/SFCW units between the two arrangements.