GE12-AX INA 12x35x13 mm Axial Spherical Plain Bearing

Technical Specifications – GE12-AX INA

Important: GE12-AX INA is a spherical plain bearing, not a thrust ball bearing. It does not contain balls or rollers as rolling elements. Loads are transmitted through mating spherical sliding surfaces.

Bearing Dimensions – GE12-AX INA

The dimensions 12x35x13 mm identify the principal mounting dimensions of the bearing.

Additional dimensions are important when designing the supporting components and verifying installation clearances.

The complete mounting arrangement should be checked against the current INA technical drawing.

Construction of the GE12-AX Axial Spherical Plain Bearing

GE12-AX uses mating spherical sliding surfaces to transmit axial forces while allowing limited angular displacement between the bearing components.

Unlike rolling bearings, the load is not transmitted through balls or rollers. Instead, it is distributed across the contacting spherical surfaces.

Main Construction Characteristics

• Spherical sliding contact geometry.

• Steel-on-steel sliding surfaces.

• Designed primarily for axial loading.

• Angular misalignment compensation.

• No rolling elements.

• Maintenance-required construction.

• Lubrication necessary for reliable operation.

Steel-on-Steel Sliding Contact

The steel/steel sliding combination is designed for applications where suitable lubrication and maintenance can be provided.

The operating performance depends on contact pressure, movement characteristics, lubrication and environmental conditions.

Steel/steel construction should not be confused with maintenance-free sliding combinations used in other spherical plain bearing variants.

Understanding the GE12-AX Designation

The AX designation distinguishes the axial construction from conventional radial spherical plain bearings.

GE12-AX should not be confused with radial GE12 bearing versions, which have different load-carrying characteristics and installation requirements.

Axial Load Capacity and Angular Misalignment

GE12-AX is designed primarily to accommodate axial forces.

The spherical geometry of the sliding surfaces permits limited angular movement between the bearing components.

This capability helps compensate for angular misalignment in appropriately designed mechanical assemblies.

Important selection factors include:

• Magnitude of axial loading.

• Static or dynamic loading conditions.

• Angular movement amplitude.

• Frequency of oscillating movement.

• Maximum permissible tilt angle.

• Operating temperature.

• Lubrication conditions.

• Sliding surface materials.

• Rigidity of supporting components.

Permissible Angular Tilt

The catalogue permissible angular tilt angle for GE12-AX is 9°.

The actual usable angular movement must also be checked against the surrounding components and installation geometry.

The catalogue angle should not be interpreted as unrestricted movement under every operating condition.

INA Catalogue Data – GE12-AX

The following technical parameters apply to the catalogue GE12-AX steel/steel version.

These parameters relate to the GE12-AX catalogue design.

They should not automatically be assigned to other variants, including GE12-AW-A, which uses a different sliding contact combination.

Dynamic and Static Load Ratings

The catalogue dynamic axial load rating is:

The catalogue static axial load rating is:

These values describe different aspects of the bearing's load-carrying capability.

Dynamic Axial Load Rating

The dynamic load rating is relevant when evaluating the bearing under operating loads and movement.

For spherical plain bearings, service life assessment must also consider sliding conditions, lubrication, temperature and wear.

Static Axial Load Rating

The static load rating is used when evaluating the bearing's capacity under static or slowly changing loads.

The catalogue static load rating is not a guarantee that the bearing can operate indefinitely at that load under all conditions.

Technical distinction: Load ratings for spherical plain bearings should not be interpreted in the same way as fatigue life ratings for conventional rolling bearings.

Lubrication and Maintenance

The GE12-AX steel/steel version requires lubrication and maintenance.

An appropriate lubricant helps reduce friction, sliding surface wear and the risk of seizure.

Lubrication selection should consider:

• Axial load magnitude.

• Load variation.

• Frequency of angular movement.

• Oscillation amplitude.

• Operating temperature.

• Environmental contamination.

• Lubricant supply conditions.

• Maintenance intervals.

Importance of Regular Lubrication

Insufficient lubrication can increase friction and accelerate wear of the steel sliding surfaces.

Maintenance intervals should be established according to the machine's operating conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations.

GE12-AX should not be described as a maintenance-free bearing.

Comparison with Other Bearing Designs

GE12-AX vs. GE12-AW-A

Although these designations belong to the axial spherical plain bearing family, they should not be treated as identical products.

Differences in sliding contact materials can affect:

• Lubrication requirements.

• Maintenance characteristics.

• Friction behavior.

• Permissible operating conditions.

• Wear characteristics.

• Service life.

Matching principal dimensions alone does not establish full interchangeability.

Typical Industrial Applications

Axial spherical plain bearings may be used in appropriately designed:

• Articulated mechanical assemblies.

• Adjustment mechanisms.

• Axial load transmission systems.

• Machine components requiring limited angular movement.

• Mechanisms requiring angular misalignment compensation.

• Industrial assemblies incorporating oscillating sliding movement.

These are general application areas for axial spherical plain bearing construction.

They do not constitute a manufacturer-confirmed compatibility list for specific machines using GE12-AX INA.

Selecting the Correct GE12-AX INA Bearing

Before installation, verify:

• Bore diameter of 12 mm.

• Outside diameter of 35 mm.

• Overall mounting height of 13 mm.

• Supporting shoulder dimensions.

• Magnitude and direction of axial loads.

• Permissible angular movement.

• Movement frequency and amplitude.

• Operating temperature.

• Lubrication requirements.

• Maintenance accessibility.

• Shaft and housing rigidity.

The dynamic and static axial load ratings must be considered together with sliding contact conditions and the intended operating environment.

Angular Movement Requirements

The maximum catalogue tilt angle is 9°.

The required movement range must remain within the bearing's permitted operating conditions and the available installation clearances.

Load and Wear Assessment

For spherical plain bearings, selection is not based on load rating alone.

Sliding velocity, contact pressure, movement frequency, lubrication and contamination can significantly influence wear and operating life.

Installation Guidelines – GE12-AX INA

During installation:

• Clean the mounting and supporting surfaces.

• Inspect the spherical sliding surfaces.

• Verify mounting dimensions and tolerances.

• Ensure correct axial support.

• Avoid component misalignment during assembly.

• Apply suitable lubrication.

• Check that the required angular movement is unobstructed.

• Do not exceed the permissible angular tilt angle.

• Provide maintenance access where required by the machine design.

The supporting structure must provide appropriate load distribution across the bearing components.

Incorrect mounting can result in localized contact stresses and accelerated wear.

Common Causes of Premature Bearing Failure

Insufficient lubrication: Can accelerate wear or cause seizure of the steel sliding surfaces.

Excessive axial loading: Increases the risk of permanent deformation and surface damage.

Contamination: Abrasive particles can accelerate wear of the sliding surfaces.

Incorrect axial support: May result in uneven load distribution.

Excessive angular movement: Can cause improper contact between bearing components.

Unsuitable operating conditions: Excessive temperature, loading or movement intensity may reduce service life.

Inadequate maintenance: Failure to maintain lubrication can significantly increase friction and wear.

Alternative Product Designations

• GE 12 AX INA 12x35x13 mm

• GE12-AX INA

• INA GE12-AX

• GE12AX INA

• GE12-AX Axial Spherical Plain Bearing

• INA GE12-AX Thrust Spherical Plain Bearing

• GE12-AX Steel/Steel Spherical Plain Bearing

• GE12-AX 12x35x13

• Łożysko przegubowe oporowe GE12-AX

These alternative designations support technical identification in industrial catalogues, ERP systems and procurement search engines.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Technical Questions

What are the dimensions of GE12-AX INA?

The bearing has a 12 mm bore diameter, 35 mm outside diameter and 13 mm overall height.

What type of bearing is GE12-AX?

It is an axial spherical plain bearing designed primarily for axial loading.

Does GE12-AX contain balls or rollers?

No. It is a plain bearing that transmits loads through mating spherical sliding surfaces.

What is the dynamic axial load rating of GE12-AX INA?

The catalogue dynamic axial load rating Ca is 32.4 kN.

What is the static axial load rating of GE12-AX INA?

The catalogue static axial load rating C0a is 162 kN.

What is the maximum angular tilt angle?

The catalogue permissible angular tilt angle is 9°.

Does GE12-AX INA require lubrication?

Yes. The steel/steel version requires suitable lubrication and periodic maintenance.

Are GE12-AX and GE12-AW-A identical?

No. They may share principal dimensions but differ in sliding contact construction and operating characteristics.

AI Quick Answer

GE12-AX INA 12x35x13 mm is an axial spherical plain bearing with steel/steel sliding surfaces. It is designed primarily for axial loads and allows angular movement up to 9°. Its catalogue dynamic axial load rating is 32.4 kN, static axial load rating is 162 kN, and mass is approximately 0.072 kg. Lubrication and maintenance are required.

B2B Industrial Supply – simmering.pl

GE12-AX INA 12x35x13 mm Axial Spherical Plain Bearing is offered through simmering.pl, a specialist B2B industrial supply platform serving manufacturing companies, wholesale buyers, maintenance departments, engineers and industrial procurement teams.

The platform provides rolling bearings, spherical plain bearings, industrial sealing solutions and technical components.

Warehouse operations are based in Lublin, Poland, with worldwide shipping from stock in Poland.

Product identification is based on the INA brand, GE12-AX designation and nominal dimensions of 12x35x13 mm.