RODOBAL®

Definition

Rod ends and spherical bearings are compact, ready-to-install mechanical components designed for the transmission of oscillatory motion combined with rotational movement and variable angular misalignment.

RODOBAL® rod ends and spherical bearings are commonly used in the construction of packaging machinery, textile equipment, food processing systems, pneumatic applications, industrial automation equipment, and a wide variety of mechanical engineering sectors. The RODOBAL® manufacturing programme, based on a broad range of series and configuration options—including materials, heat treatments, surface treatments, body geometries, and thread options—is developed with the objective of providing the most suitable technical solution to the continuously evolving demands of industrial and mechanical engineering.

In recent years, demand for stainless steel components has increased significantly. The development of advanced automation systems and stricter hygienic requirements—particularly in the food processing industry—has led to a growing number of applications requiring corrosion-resistant solutions.

Beyond the food, packaging, and pharmaceutical sectors, high corrosion resistance is also required in shipbuilding, offshore oil and gas equipment, textile and fabric finishing machinery, and chemical processing industries, where environmental and operational conditions are particularly severe

Manufacturing program

Designing rode ends and spherical bearings requires good engineering and know-how. The RODOBAL® manufacturing program hinges on the following key factors: small size for space saving, high load capacity, wear resistance, long life, resistance to environmental conditions and, last but not least, RODOBAL® products are economical. The design is based on the DIN 648K dimensional standards to ensure regular sizes, bores and threads.

RODOBAL® components can replace the majority of other metric units. The RODOBAL program includes rod ends with male or female shaft, either right-hand or left-hand, and spherical bearings without shaft.
A number of manufacturing techniques and materials are combined during the production phase to cater for different customer requirements. The range includes:

• BASIC range for general use
• HEAVY DUTY range for loads
• EXTRA HEAVY DUTY range for extreme loads
• STAINLESS range in case of corrosion
• STANDARD range for non-critical applications

The ranges include maintenance-free versions and versions reinforced with PTFE anti-friction liner; the liner is placed in the spherical coupling between the inner ring and the external race.

Applications

Units for racing applications must satisfy these needs:

• small sizes and weight
• high load capacity
• mixed axial / radial loads
• resistance to shocks and vibrations
• small clearance, wear resistance
• fine pitch thread
• resistance to high temperature
• corrosion resistance

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Lubification (steel/bronze)