INA Adapter Sleeves: Precision Shaft Mounting Solutions for Industrial Bearing Systems
Engineered Tapered Sleeves for Secure Bearing Positioning & Simplified Maintenance
INA Adapter Sleeves represent Schaeffler Group’s specialized solution for mounting radial bearings with tapered bores onto cylindrical shafts, enabling precise axial positioning, robust torque transmission, and field-replaceable bearing systems across heavy machinery, power transmission, and industrial applications. These conical sleeves transform standard shafts into optimized bearing seats without machining.
Core Engineering Principles & Design
Geometry & Mechanics:
Tapered Design: 1:12 or 1:30 conical ratio (ISO 246, DIN 5415)
Slit Construction: Axial slot allowing radial compression during mounting
Threaded Ends: M10–M100 threads for hydraulic nut engagement
Keyway Options: DIN 6885 standard key slots for torque transfer
Critical Application Sectors
Power Transmission:
Gearbox Input/Output Shafts: H 2320 sleeves mounting spherical roller bearings (SRB)
Pump Couplings: HA 3120 sleeves handling 180 kN radial loads
Heavy Machinery:
Conveyor Drive Pulleys: HMV 22 E sleeves with ESKATEC coating resisting iron ore dust
Crane Slewing Rings: 1:30 taper sleeves for precise bearing preload
Renewable Energy:
Wind Turbine Generators: 300mm bore sleeves enabling bearing replacement in-tower
Hydroelectric Turbines: Stainless sleeves resisting cavitation erosion
Installation Engineering Protocol
- Shaft Preparation:
Diameter Tolerance: h9 (ISO 286-2)
Surface Finish: Ra ≤ 1.6 µm
Hardness: ≥ 120 HB (soft shafts require sleeve-end hardening)
- Mounting Procedure:
Sleeve Positioning: Slide sleeve onto shaft with slit aligned axially
Bearing Mounting: Press bearing onto sleeve taper (force ≤ 0.5% Fmax)
Hydraulic Nut Torquing:
F = (k × d × ΔL) / 0.0003 [kN]
F = Axial force, d = Shaft dia (mm), ΔL = Bearing clearance (mm)
k = 0.18 (1:12 taper), 0.43 (1:30 taper)
Final Locking: Secure locknut against bearing face (DIN 981)
Failure Prevention & Maintenance
Common Issues:
Sleeve Creep: Insufficient mounting force
Bore Fretting: Soft shafts (< 120 HB)
Corrosion Lock: Missing corrosion barrier
Engineering Solutions:
Apply Molykote D-321 N paste during assembly
Use dial indicator to verify 0.02–0.05 mm radial expansion
Specify HA series for >100°C thermal cycling
Why INA Adapter Sleeves Dominate Industrial Mounting
Digital Tools: Schaeffler TorqueCalc app for precision installation parameters
X-life Quality: 20% higher fatigue strength vs. ISO 246 minimums
Global Certification: ISO 9001, API 610 (pump standard), DNV-GL marine
Lifecycle Testing: 500,000 load cycles at 150% rated load
Technical Innovations:
Smart Sleeves: Strain-gauge embedded for real-time preload monitoring
Hybrid Designs: Carbon-fiber composite sleeves for 60% weight reduction
Conclusion: The Intelligent Bearing Interface
INA Adapter Sleeves transform conventional shaft design through precision conical interfaces that deliver:
Zero permanent shaft modification
Field-adjustable bearing preload
90% faster bearing replacement
Elimination of expensive taper machining
