Self-aligning ball bearings typically feature two rows of balls housed within an outer ring with a sphered raceway. This design allows them to tolerate shaft misalignments relative to the housing, accommodating deviations of up to 2 to 3 degrees. The acceptable misalignment angle is determined by ensuring all balls in both rows maintain contact with the outer ring raceway.

Primarily designed for radial loads, these bearings can also withstand axial loads in both directions. They find common applications in multi-supporting transmission shafts, double-supporting shafts with significant deflections, and assemblies lacking strict coaxiality of seats.

Self-aligning ball bearings are available with cylindrical or tapered bores, as well as extended inner rings. Some variants come equipped with built-in contact seals for added protection.

Cages for self-aligning ball bearings are typically constructed from pressed steel or cast glass fiber-reinforced polyamide. For larger sizes, machined brass cages are utilized. This versatile range of options ensures suitability for various industrial applications.