BOSTON, MA… Rod ends are an essential component of many machines, particularly those used in automotive, aviation, and other major industries. Rod ends link the ends of precision articulating joints such as steering links, control rods, tie rods, robotic arms and more, so there are a few important considerations regarding the right rod end selection for the application.
Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, explains rod ends and offers tips to key industries regarding their options.
Rod ends consist of an eye-shaped head with an integral shank that serves as housing for a spherical plain bearing, or bushing. They are utilized in linkage applications where a bearing must support a significant misalignment. Rod ends come in a variety of styles.
What they are
A rod end is a joint that allows for some rotational freedom about all three axes while maintaining a fixed point of contact between two parts. Rod ends are used to join the ends of steering links, control rods, and other mechanically controlled tie rods. Since the center of rotation of a rod end is on the axis of both connected shafts, it offers reliable point-to-point contact.
“Many advanced industrial systems require high-precision articulation joints as essential components,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. “These joints are used in a variety of applications, including robotic arms, textile equipment, and automobile steering linkages, among others. They are perfect for circumstances where rotary motion necessitates changes in the rotation axis because they have the capacity to accommodate any kind of misalignment.”
Since joint systems are utilized worldwide, the rod ends used in them come in metric and inch styles.
Selecting the right rod end
The threading on a rod end is what determines its classification as either male or female. Rod ends with external threading are male configurations while rod ends with internal threading have a female configuration. Female rod end bearings are often used in unique applications due to their ability to fine-tune the placement of components. Female rod end bearings, for example, are frequently used in helicopters to precisely adjust the direction of the blade.
Katz continued, “We are dedicated to helping customers find the right rod end solution for their application, while also providing information necessary to help enhance performance and extend service life.”
Inventory Matters
With over four million bearings in stock at multiple price points, Emerson Bearing has the largest inventory of bearings on the East Coast under one roof in their 30,000 square foot warehouse.
Emerson Bearing provides a variety of rod ends and spherical bushings to meet the needs of various industries and applications. The company serves 16 major markets and their team of experts can assist with bearings and related products for specific industrial and manufacturing applications. To speak with a Marketing Specialist or request a quote, contact 800-225-4587 or visit EmersonBearing.com.
About Emerson Bearing
For more than six decades, Emerson Bearing offer customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S., and its sister company Action Bearing, which serves the New England market, maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit EmersonBearing.com and ActionBearing.com in the New England market or call 800-225-4587.
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