Roller bearings serve much the same function of ball bearings, but they are specifically engineered to better handle many different operational conditions. First, and most importantly, roller bearings have more surface contact between the rolling elements and the inner and outer races. Because of this, they are more capable of tolerating heavier loads. Additionally, roller bearings are often more likely to tolerate shock and high-impact loads, again because of the increase in points of contact (line contact).
Deciding on the specific roller bearing in which to invest can be a very difficult decision. There are many considerations to make based on your temperatures, loads, degrees of misalignment, materials, and much more. Working with ErieTec can take quite a load off of your shoulders, though, as our extensive experience allows us to listen to your problems and formulate the best solutions for them.
Cylindrical Bearings
Of all the roller bearings, cylindrical have the highest rating for speed capacity. Generally, they can accommodate higher radial load than thrust load, but with different shoulder designs thrust load tolerance can be increased. This can also add undue friction, reducing the speed rating. Additionally, you can get fixed or floating bearings, as well as locating or non-locating. We can help you to understand which you need! We can also help you to understand the limits of each model based on manufacturer specs. Otherwise, you may be facing increased downtime and loss of profit.
Cylindrical roller bearings are often used in electric motors, gearboxes, and presses.
Needle Roller Bearings
Similarly shaped to cylindrical roller bearings, needle roller bearings have a much smaller ratio from their diameter to their length. Two main types of needle bearings are full complement and cage separated. Full complement refers to the rolling elements filling the full space in the outer ring, while the cage separated style has a bearing retainer or separator as part of the assembly. Each of these styles has its own benefits, but generally speaking, needle bearings can carry greater radial load in a smaller radial space. There are dozens more features available for your needle roller bearings – talk to us about your applications and conditions, and we will help you to choose the bearings that will last you longest and save you the most.
Spherical Bearings
The rolling elements of spherical bearings are typically barrel shaped with flat ends and curved profile diameters. Because of the outer raceway being spherical, these bearings have internal self-aligning capabilities. They can be used in heavy duty applications where the need to maintain alignment can be handled by the bearing itself. Spherical bearings can accommodate misalignment of between half a degree and two degrees without any reduction in lifespan.
Tapered Roller Bearings
Tapered roller bearings are a very diverse style of bearing as they can be used in many different combinations of loads, depending on the construction of the bearing assembly. Bearing components include an inner ring or cone, an out ring or cup, and tapered rollers that are spaced and contained by a cage. The bearing race and roller angles can be matched to the load. Shallow angles are better for predominantly radial loads and steeper angles better accommodate thrust loads. Individually they can only support thrust loads in one direction, however. So they are generally used in pairs facing separate directions.
Thrust Needle Bearings and Washers
When you need to accommodate high axial loads and the envelope space is very minimal, one of your best options is thrust needle bearings.