Precision and endurance

for cluster rolling mills

SKF backing bearings
Improved running accuracy
Extended service life
Reduced life-cycle costs
SKF backing bearings designed
for long service life
Cluster mills provide a high degree of reduction ratio at high rolling
speeds and specific rolling pressure. Moreover, the final product has to
comply with highest requirements relative to flatness and surface
finish.
A pre-requisite is extremely high running accuracy of rolls and back-
ing bearings ( fig. 1), which transmit the roll forces into the housing.
Fig. 1
Backing bearings are based on a cylindrical roller bearing. They can have up
to three rows of rollers and are available with or without cages or seals Backing bearings mounted in a cluster mill
Backing bearings: features
SKF backing bearings for cluster or Sendzimir mills are cylindrical roller
bearings with a thick outer ring to support the intermediate rolls and
subsequently the work rolls.
These bearings, which can have up to three rows of rollers, are
available in several designs appropriate to the mill design (or configu-
ration). Within the standard SKF assortment, backing bearings are
available with or without seals; they are also available with or without
cages.
Backing bearings for cluster rolling mills
2
SKF backing bearings are characterized by a number of standard
features.
The outside diameter of the outer ring has a logarithmic profile
to substantially reduce edge loading during operation.
The optimized internal geometry reduces friction and heat
generated by the bearing.
A high purity bearing steel improves wear characteristics.
A unique heat treatment process balances heat stabilization
and wear-resistance.
Backing bearings: advantages
SKF backing bearings in the standard assortment shown on pages 6
and 7 can provide a number of benefits. These include
optimized running accuracy
close section height tolerances
increased load carrying capacity
improved wear-resistance
extended service life.

Fig. 2
Dynamic measurement of an assembled backing bearing
Advantage: optimized running accuracy
SKFs advanced manufacturing processes enable tighter running
accuracy tolerances. Higher running accuracy means better, more even
support of the intermediate and work rolls during operation to provide
a more consistent, high quality rolled product.
Advantage: close section height
Using computer controlled measuring, sorting and assembly proced-
ures, the section height tolerance can be kept within narrow limits.
To do this, all inner and outer rings are measured individually and
matched with rollers of the appropriate size. The assembled bearings
are then dynamically checked ( fig. 2) and sorted according to their
actual running accuracy. This process controls the maximum deviation
of the section height of all SKF backing bearings to within 5 m, even
during operation.
3
Advantage: increased load carrying capacity
To obtain optimum load distribution and the lowest stress levels within
a bearing, SKF uses a quasi-logarithmic profile both in the roller/race-
way contact surfaces as well as on the outside surface of the outer ring
( fig. 3).
The logarithmic profile of the roller/raceway contact surfaces maxi-
mizes the contact area, enabling the bearing to accommodate heavy
static and dynamic loads. The effective load carrying capacity of the
backing bearing is also enhanced by the logarithmic profile of the out-
side support surface.
Advantage: improved wear-resistance
All SKF backing bearings are produced from ultra-clean bearing steel
and the steel is subjected to a unique bainitic heat treatment process.
This process provides a surface hardness in excess of 58 HRC while
maintaining good ductility of the rings.
The improved surface structure enables the lubricant film to be built
up reliably. This also contributes to a reduction in wear.
Advantage: improved resistance against cracking
Backing bearings are typically not susceptible to cold welding to the
intermediate rolls, and there is little risk of heat cracks occurring in the
side faces of the bearing where they make contact with the thrust
washers. Compressive stresses at the raceway surface resulting from
the bainitic heat treatment ( fig. 4) make the rings tougher and
and more resistant to cracking. Increased ductility also means that the
bearing is better able to withstand the over-rolling of contaminants.
Advantage: extended service life
Improved wear resistance resulting from the ultra clean steel and opti-
mized heat treatment process used to make SKF backing bearings can
significantly extend their service life. The logarithmic profile of the out-
er ring also improves service life as it maintains a favourable distribu-
tion of load and stresses within the bearing.
Should wear tracks appear on the backing bearings, the SKF
Remanufacturing Services ( page 8) can help. Remanufacturing can
return the bearings to a like-new condition, to fully exploit the life of
the bearing.
The application
Backing bearings have been specially developed for use on the backing
bearing shafts of cluster (Sendzimir) mills. Several bearings are
arranged on a stationary support shaft. The thick-walled outer rings
are in direct contact with the intermediate rolls and finally support the
work rolls.
The rolling forces are transmitted to the housing via the backing
bearings, support shafts and saddles.
Uniform load distribution of the roll force on each backing bearing
depends on its dimensional accuracy.
SKF backing bearings are excellent at providing such support.
Fig. 3
Logarithmic contact profile and stress distribution
Fig. 4
Internal stress condition after bainitic heat
treatment
tension compression
5mm
1mm 15
10
20
Backing bearings for cluster mills
4
The product range
Backing bearings for cluster mills are manufactured in various
sizes and designs for support shaft diameters ranging from 70 to 180
mm; the outside diameters range from 160 to 406 mm.
The product tables on the following pages show the standard
assortment. For other sizes, check SKF for availability.
Bearing data general
Dimensions
Backing bearings are tailored products and have dimensions that are
not standardized either internationally or nationally. The standard
assortment of SKF backing bearings shown on pages 6 and 7 covers
the most common sizes used in cluster mills.
Tolerances
The inner rings are produced with a running accuracy that is better
than P4. The running accuracy of the outer rings is better than SP
(Special Precision). For cluster mills the section height of all backing
bearings on one support shaft must be as close as possible. Therefore,
the bearings are graded into section height groups ( table 1) and
are marked accordingly.
The position of the maximum wall thickness of the rings is marked
on one side of the inner and outer rings with an arrow. Two more
markings can be found on the outer ring side face: to the left of the
arrow the serial number of the bearing is marked and to the right of
the arrow the section height group is marked ( fig. 5).
Table 1
Section Section height
height group tolerance
measured
dynamically
m
A or 4 0 to 5
B or 2 5 to 10
C or 0 10 to 15
Material
SKF backing bearings belonging to the standard assortment are pro-
duced from extremely clean bearing steel and are bainite hardened.
Load carrying ability
The basic load ratings quoted in the tables take into consideration fac-
tors arising from the support of the outer rings by the intermediate
rolls.
However, for reasons of strength and deformation of the outer ring,
the value of the maximum permissible radial force F
r
should not be
exceeded.
The permissible static load acting on a backing bearing should not
exceed the value of F
0r
or C
0
, whichever is smaller.
Lubrication
Depending on the design and application, backing bearings can be
lubricated with
grease
oil
an oil/air mixture
the lubricant used for rolling.

Backing bearing markings

11 B
Fig. 5
5
70 160 44,98 90 90 82,8 108,8 1 5 24 10,5 315268 B 1
160 44,98 90 90 82,8 108,8 1 5 24 12 315268 BC 2
165 47,5 120 118 90 110 1,5 5 1 14,5 BCZ-0510 3

165 47,5 120 118 90 110 1,5 5 11 14,6 BCZ-0503 AA 3

90 220 64,98 120 120 130 149 1,1 5 26 30 316737 AB 4
220 64,98 120 120 130 149 1,1 5 26 26,5 316737 AC 5
220,02 65 96 94 120 150 2,3 6 6 20,5 BCZ-0508 6
220,02 65 120 119 119 177 2 6 6 26 BCZ-0507 7
220,02 65 122 119 117,5 177 2 6 6 26,74 BCZ-0512 9

100 225 62,48 120 120 120,3 156,3 1,1 5 26 28 315018 A 1
225 62,48 120 120 120,3 156,3 1,1 5 26 24,5 315018 C 2
225 62,5 120 118 130 183 2,3 - - 26,1 BC2B 326495 A/HB1 8
225 62,5 120 120 131 145 2 - - 27,7 BCZ-0513 8
225 62,47 80 80 120,3 156,3 1,1 5 6 20,6 BCZ-0514 10

225 62,48 120 118 128,5 182,2 0,5 5 1 27 BCZ-0509 9

110 260 74,98 98 98 134 190 1 6 6 31 BC2B 322564 10
260 74,98 110 109 145 220 1 6 6 33,5 BCZ-0504 11

130 300 84,97 172,64 172,64 159,4 218,4 2,7 8 26 72,5 314833 B 2
300 84,97 172,64 172,64 159,4 218,4 2,7 8 26 72,5 314833 BC 2
300 84,97 160 159,5 159,4 218,4 2,7 6,5 26 66,6 319028 A/HA2 2
300,02 84,99 132 129 204 3 8 6 49 BCZ-0517 A 11

180 406,42 113,16 171,04 171,04 217,3 293,4 1,1 8 26 120 316388 AB 12
406,42 113,16 217 217 217,3 293,4 1,1 8 26 165 315020 AB 12
406,42 113,16 224 224 217,3 293,4 1,1 8 26 170 315515 AB 12
1)
No. of lubrication holes
Backing bearings for cluster cold rolling mills
d 70 180 mm
Dimensions Mass Designation Design
d D H B C d
1
, F D
1
, E r
min
K N
1)
mm kg
C
B
K
H
d E D
r
F
d
1
D
1
d
1
D
1
F E
d D
1 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Designation Basic load ratings (roller) Fatigue load limit Maximum radial load
dyn. stat.
C C
0
P
u
F
r
F
0r
kN kN kN
315268 B 358 585 76,5 315 455
315268 BC 314 475 63 300 425
BCZ-0510 319 440 57 345 490

BCZ-0503 AA 314 465 61 315 450

316737 AB 594 930 112 450 640
316737 AC 495 735 90 390 550
BCZ-0508 260 300 36,5 310 440
BCZ-0507 484 640 78 430 620
BCZ-0512 468 600 72 425 585

315018 A 660 1 120 137 560 800
315018 C 572 930 114 530 750
BC2B 326495 A/HB1 616 815 98 380 550
BCZ-0513 660 980 116 415 585
BCZ-0514 418 620 75 380 550

BCZ-0509 495 680 83 465 655

BC2B 322564 968 1 430 166 415 585
BCZ-0504 561 695 80 440 620

314833 B 1 170 1 800 200 830 1 180
314833 BC 1 170 1 800 200 830 1 180
319028 A/HA2 1 080 1 630 180 765 1 100
BCZ-0517 A 880 1 160 129 490 695

316388 AB 1 510 2 320 240 1 180 1 660
315020 AB 1 870 3 100 320 1 500 2 120
315515 AB 1 900 3 100 320 1 530 2 200
d
1
D
1
d
1
D
1
d
1
D
1
d
1
D
1
F E
E d
1
d
1
D
1
d
1
D
1
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
CC
7
SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
SKF Group 2007
The contents of this publication are the copyright of the publisher and may not be
reproduced (even extracts) unless permission is granted. Every care has been taken
to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication but no liability
can be accepted for any loss or damage whether direct, indirect or consequential
arising out of the use of the information contained herein.
Publication 6538 EN June 2007
This publication supersedes publication 5090.
Printed in Sweden on environmentally friendly paper.
The SKF Remanufacturing Services
Precision backing bearings represent a considerable investment. When
they can no longer fully meet the demands placed on them, it is gener-
ally the case that remanufacturing can return these bearings to like-
new condition. Remanufacturing offers a number of advantages
economically and environmentally.
From an environmental standpoint, remanufacturing saves raw
materials, energy and machining costs. From an economic standpoint,
you dont have to pay for many of the raw materials, energy and
machining costs associated with a new bearing.
SKF Remanufacturing Services:
proven procedures and OEM quality
SKF has established well-proven procedures for the remanufacturing
of backing bearings. The service includes the usual regrinding of the
outer ring but when required can include much more.
After the bearing has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected, all
worn or damaged components are reworked or replaced to bring the
bearing back to specification.
The procedures include the following steps:
receive the backing bearings, preferably as a complete set;
dismantle and clean the bearings;
perform wear and damage analysis;
regrind the outer ring outside surface
and refresh the logarithmic profile;
rework or, if appropriate, replace components;
assemble, inspect and reclassify section height groups;
deliver bearings with an evaluation and test report.
A remanufacturing service at SKF takes some three to six weeks.

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