8483.30.80.55 - Rod end bearings

This category, HTS 8483.30.80.55, specifically classifies "Rod end bearings." These are mechanical components designed to accommodate angular misalignment between a shaft and its connecting component. They typically consist of a spherical bearing element housed within a threaded rod-shaped body, allowing for controlled movement in multiple directions and a fixed connection point. Rod end bearings are integral to various mechanical systems requiring articulation and load transfer, such as in automotive steering and suspension systems, robotics, and industrial machinery.

Distinguishing this subcategory from its sibling, 8483.30.80.65 (Other plain shaft bearings with housing), it is crucial to note the distinct "rod end" configuration. While both fall under plain shaft bearings with housings, rod end bearings are characterized by their integrated threaded rod structure, facilitating direct attachment and adjustment in applications demanding oscillatory or angular motion. The sibling category likely encompasses a broader range of housed plain shaft bearings that do not possess this specific rod end design.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification at this level is determined by the specific identification of the item as a rod end bearing. Therefore, key classification criteria include the presence of a spherical bearing surface, its housing, and the distinctive threaded rod-shaped external component designed for connection and adjustment in a mechanical linkage.