Self Aligning Ball Bearing:2204

Description

Basic Parameters

In the bearing 2204, “2” indicates that the bearing type is a self-aligning ball bearing, which allows for angular misalignment. “2” represents the bearing size series, indicating a light-duty bearing with compact dimensions. “04” signifies that the bearing’s inner diameter is 20 millimeters (calculated as 04 × 5 mm = 20 mm). If the bearing is a standard part, its external dimensions are usually consistent across manufacturers. The old model number is 1504.

Features and Performance

Self-Aligning Capability: Incorporates a spherical outer ring raceway, enabling automatic adjustment for shaft misalignment or deflection (typically up to 2°–3°), reducing stress from misalignment.

Dual-Directional Load Bearing: Capable of withstanding radial loads and moderate axial loads in both directions, suitable for applications with combined load conditions.

High Rotational Accuracy: Designed for smooth operation at high speeds, with low friction and minimal vibration, ideal for rotating shafts in motors, pumps, and gearboxes.

Seal Options: Available with optional rubber seals (2204-2RS) or metal shields (2204-Z) to prevent contamination and retain lubricant, enhancing service life in harsh environments.

Compact Structure: Lightweight design with a balanced load distribution, facilitating space-efficient installations in confined mechanical systems.

Materials and Construction

Ring and Ball Materials: Inner and outer rings, as well as rolling elements (balls), are manufactured from high-quality bearing steel (e.g., AISI 52100 or GCr15), heat-treated to HRC 58–62 for superior wear resistance and fatigue strength.

Cage Material: Typically constructed from stamped low-carbon steel or pressed brass, providing robust support and guidance for the ball elements while minimizing friction.

Raceway Geometry: Spherical outer ring raceway and concave inner ring raceways ensure optimal contact between balls and raceways, enhancing load-carrying capacity and self-aligning performance.

Surface Treatment: Rings undergo fine grinding and polishing to achieve precise tolerances and smooth surfaces, reducing contact stress and improving rotational efficiency.

Lubrication Provision: Pre-lubricated with grease (e.g., lithium-based) for ready-to-install convenience, with relubrication channels in some designs to extend maintenance intervals.

Product Application

FODA’s Self-Aligning Ball Bearing: 2204, with its self-aligning capability, dual-directional load-bearing capacity, high-speed stability, and compact design, is widely suitable for mechanical systems requiring shaft misalignment compensation, combined load resistance, or operation in harsh environments. Its typical application fields and scenarios are as follows:

1. Industrial Machinery and Heavy Equipment

• Motors and Generators
  Used in electric motors, generators, and pump drives to address shaft deflection or misalignment caused by thermal expansion or installation errors (self-aligning angle up to 2°–3°), reducing vibration and noise while extending equipment life.
• Conveyor Systems and Gearboxes
  Supports rotating shafts in belt conveyors, chain drives, and industrial gearboxes, efficiently handling radial loads from transmitted power and moderate axial loads from belt tension or misalignment.
• Pumps and Compressors
  Applied in centrifugal pumps, vacuum pumps, and air compressors to resist misalignment caused by casing stress or piping forces, ensuring high-precision rotation and energy efficiency.
• Mining and Construction Machinery
  Used in crushers, screening equipment, and excavator swing drives. With sealed designs (e.g., rubber seals 2204-2RS or metal shields 2204-Z), it withstands harsh conditions (dust, moisture) while accommodating shaft deflection in heavy-duty operations.

2. Manufacturing and Processing Machinery

• Machine Tools and CNC Equipment
  Supports spindle assemblies in lathes, milling machines, and grinders, maintaining high rotational accuracy even during minor misalignments caused by tool changes or heavy cutting.
• Packaging and Printing Machinery
  Installed in rollers, feeding systems, and rotating platforms of packaging lines and printing presses to ensure smooth operation at high speeds with minimal friction.
• Food and Pharmaceutical Equipment
  Used in mixers, agitators, and conveyor rollers (e.g., bottling lines, dough mixers) in food processing and pharmaceutical machinery. Optional stainless steel cages meet hygiene standards for corrosion resistance in clean environments.

3. Consumer and Commercial Equipment

• Home Appliances
  Fits into washing machine drums, dryer motors, and vacuum cleaner rotors, handling radial loads from rotating masses and minor misalignments with low noise and energy consumption.
• Power Tools
  Applied in drills, saws, and grinders, enduring high-speed rotations and impact loads while maintaining stability during off-center operations.
• Agricultural Machinery
  Used in tractor transmissions, combine harvester drives, and irrigation pumps. Sealed configurations resist dust, moisture, and misalignment in outdoor environments.

FODA’s Self-Aligning Ball Bearing: 2204, with its high wear resistance (bearing steel material, HRC 58–62), long service life (optimized raceway geometry), and maintenance convenience (pre-lubricated design, optional relubrication channels), is an ideal choice for equipment requiring misalignment resistance and combined load tolerance in industrial, manufacturing, consumer, and agricultural fields. It balances performance reliability and cost-effectiveness.

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