—— Suitable for key equipment such as fan gearboxes, strengthening the ‘lifeline’ of industrial operations

Recently, ROOS-LAIS (Rawls) Bearings in the UK announced a major development: The 22210 series self-aligning roller bearings (models submitted for testing: inner diameter 50 mm, outer diameter 90 mm, width 23 mm), manufactured by Roos-Lais Bearing Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., have successfully passed rigorous testing by the National Bearing Product Quality Inspection and Testing Centre. All specifications comply with national and industry standards such as GB/T 307.1-2017 and JB/T 10336-2017 and other national and industry standards. This authoritative endorsement of product quality provides a reliable guarantee for the stable operation of critical industrial equipment such as wind turbines and gearboxes.

This inspection was carried out by the Xinchang County Quality, Metrology and Testing Organisation; the inspection report number is ZJXC2026ZW0517, and it covers the core aspects of the production and performance of self-aligning roller bearings. In tests of key performance indicators, the hardness of the bearing’s outer ring, inner ring and steel balls remained consistently within the standard range (outer ring 62.0–62.5 HRC, inner ring 60.5–61.0 HRC, balls 62.0–62.5 HRC). Metallographic indicators, such as the quenched and tempered martensitic microstructure grade and the reticulated carbide grade, all achieved Grade 1 or 2, far exceeding the basic standard requirements and fully demonstrating the product’s excellent material properties and heat treatment process standards.

During dimensional accuracy testing, all deviations and variations in the bearing’s inner diameter (50 mm), outer diameter (90 mm) and width (23 mm) were kept within the permissible limits specified by the standard. This consistent micron-level dimensional accuracy ensures the bearing’s high compatibility and operational concentricity during equipment assembly. Furthermore, the product’s residual magnetism is controlled at 0.1 mT (well below the standard limit of ≤0.6 mT), and rotation is smooth with no sticking, fully meeting the stringent operational requirements for low friction, low loss and high stability in equipment such as wind turbines and gearboxes.

Core Product Portfolio: Multiple Models Covering Mainstream Industrial Applications

Relying on a standardised production system, the ROOS-LAIS self-aligning roller bearings have established a comprehensive product portfolio covering mainstream series such as 222, 223 and 231, capable of meeting the requirements of different loads, rotational speeds and operating conditions:

General-purpose 222 Series: Represented by the 22210CA/W33 submitted for testing, this series offers excellent radial load-carrying capacity and self-aligning performance. It is widely used in small and medium-sized gearboxes, belt conveyors and other equipment, and is the ‘workhorse model’ for general industrial applications.

Heavy-duty 223 Series: Models such as the 22322CAK/W33 and 22313CA/C3W33 feature a reinforced roller design, offering a 20% increase in resistance to impact loads. Developed specifically for heavy-duty, high-vibration applications such as wind turbine main shafts and crushers, they can effectively withstand off-centre loads and impacts.

Wide-range 231/232 Series: Suitable for equipment with limited space and concentrated loads, such as metallurgical continuous casting machines and cement mills. The optimised raceway design significantly improves lubrication efficiency and extends equipment maintenance intervals.

Customised Models: Customised versions are available for special operating conditions, featuring C3 clearance, high-temperature-resistant cages and sealed constructions, to meet the specific requirements of different industries.

Industry Application Case Studies: Practical Validation from Laboratory to Production Line

Case Study 1: Fan Retrofit Project in the Metallurgical Industry

The main exhaust fan in the sintering plant of a certain steel group originally used imported bearings. However, due to high levels of dust and high temperatures on site, the average service life of the bearings was only eight months, and frequent shutdowns for maintenance were affecting production efficiency. Following replacement with ROOS-LAIS 22320CA/W33 self-aligning roller bearings, the bearings’ excellent sealing performance and wear resistance ensured that operating temperatures were consistently maintained below 65°C. The equipment operated continuously for 18 months without failure, with maintenance costs reduced by 40%, thereby effectively ensuring the continuity of the sintering process.

Case Study 2: Upgrade of the Reducer in a Cement Production Line

In a cement plant, the original bearings in the vertical mill reducer suffered from misalignment due to installation errors, resulting in excessive vibration during operation and posing a safety hazard. Following the selection of ROOS-LAIS 22210 series self-aligning roller bearings (the same series as the model submitted for testing), their ±2° self-aligning capability effectively compensated for the installation misalignment. Equipment vibration levels fell from 4.5 mm/s to below 1.8 mm/s, whilst the gearbox’s operating noise was reduced by 15 per cent, bearing service life was extended to 1.8 times that of the original product, significantly reducing unplanned downtime.

Case Study 3: Optimisation of a Mining Belt Conveyor

The bearings in the tensioning mechanism of a main belt conveyor at a coal mine were subjected to heavy loads and impacts over an extended period; conventional bearings were prone to issues such as raceway spalling and cage fracture. Following the adoption of the ROOS-LAIS 22218CAK/W33 self-aligning roller bearing, the optimised roller-to-raceway contact design significantly improved impact resistance. After 12 months of continuous operation, bearing wear was only one-third that of traditional products, effectively reducing the operational and maintenance burden on the mining equipment.

As a premium bearing brand originating in the UK, ROOS-LAIS consistently applies a rigorous quality control system throughout the entire product lifecycle. From the selection of raw materials to the optimisation of heat treatment processes, right through to multiple rounds of testing before the finished products leave the factory, every stage of production adheres to internationally leading standards, with a commitment to providing customers with highly reliable, long-lasting bearing solutions. Passing this authoritative inspection not only represents a high level of recognition for the quality of ROOS-LAIS products, but also highlights the brand’s technical prowess in the field of high-end self-aligning roller bearings.

At present, industrial fans and gearboxes serve as core equipment in sectors such as metallurgy, mining and power generation, and their operational stability directly impacts the efficiency and safety of entire production lines. Thanks to their excellent self-aligning capabilities, resistance to impact loads and wear resistance, ROOS-LAIS self-aligning roller bearings can effectively compensate for installation errors and shaft deflection during operation, thereby reducing equipment failure rates and helping customers achieve cost savings and efficiency gains. Looking ahead, ROOS-LAIS will continue to specialise in the industrial bearing sector, utilising technological innovation and quality enhancements to provide high-quality products and services to clients across a wider range of industries, thereby establishing itself as a trusted partner in industrial power transmission.