Spherical Roller Bearing is a rolling-element bearing that permits rotation with low friction, and permits angular misalignment. Typically these bearings support a rotating shaft in the bore of the inner ring that may be misaligned in respect to the outer ring. The misalignment is possible due to the spherical internal shape of the outer ring and spherical rollers. Despite what their name may imply, spherical roller bearings are not truly spherical in shape. The rolling elements of spherical roller bearings are mainly cylindrical in shape, but have a (barrel like) profile that makes them appear like cylinders that have been slightly over-inflated (i.e. like a barrel).

Spherical bearings are used in countless industrial applications where there are heavy loads, moderate speeds and possibly misalignment. Some common application areas are:

• Gearboxes

• Wind turbines

• Continuous casting machines 

• Material handing

• Pumps

• Mechanical fans and blowers

• Mining and construction equipment

• Pulp and paper processing equipment

• Marine propulsion and offshore drilling

• Off-road vehicles