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.
GE5C Self Lubricating Spherical Plain Bearing 5mm Bore Size for Automotive Industry
