What are Cylindrical Bearings?

While there are many bearing options available, roller-element bearings should be considered whenever high radial loads are present in a rotational system. Ultimately designed to reduce friction while facilitating motion in a particular direction, roller-element bearings employ cylindrical rollers to assist machinery with their individual load requirements, modes of operation, as well as aim to minimize the impact of forces exerted on mechanical equipment within an assembly. Further improving part flexibility, roller bearings come in four common types, each of which supports different load demands depending on the shape of the rollers used. Consisting of cylindrical, needle, tapered, and spherical roller bearings, we will go into detail on how these parts work to better assist you with your part procurement needs.

Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Specifically designed for radial loads, cylindrical roller bearings are optimal for high-speed, high-performance applications. However, cylindrical thrust roller bearings can be used as a substitute to provide additional handling of minimal axial loads. Often used where multiple radial loads are present in a system, cylindrical roller bearings are predominantly applied for use in electric motors, papermaking machinery, railways, motorcycles, pumps, air compressors, wind turbines, gearboxes, and other applications with similar functions.

Typically manufactured with different materials to improve part performance, cylindrical roller bearings crafted from steel alloys are a common choice for maximum reliability. Including the rollers, rings, and roller cages, bearing parts made from such materials provide the highest rotating speeds, carrying capacity, and acceleration, but ultimately sacrifice durability. On the other hand, pressed steel, and polyamide options are available for specific advantages.

Needle Roller Bearings

In comparison to cylindrical roller bearings and their implementation of rollers, needle roller bearings incorporate longer, thinner roller bearings. Customarily built with rollers three to ten times the length of their individual diameters, needle roller and their thin cross-sections allow such bearings to efficiently distribute high radial loads where space is limited.

Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered roller bearings, unlike the aforementioned bearing types, incorporate the use of conical rollers to support a load, and are comparable in function to angular contact ball bearings. Consistently used in pairs or side-by-side in a double-row design, tapered roller bearings are employed to support and mitigate axial loads whenever a radial load is applied. Supplying refined rolling properties in part of their design, tapered roller bearings also produce less friction when in motion.

Spherical Roller Bearings

A preferred option to support rotating shafts, spherical roller bearings make use of rollers that share a resemblance to slightly over-inflated cylinders. Due to this particular implementation of roller shape, spherical roller bearings allow for angular misalignment within a spherical roller bearing assembly. Equipped with two inner raceways, these roller bearings are also inclined at an angle to the bearing axis which helps to carry extremely heavy radial and axial loads. As such, they are constructed to accommodate rotating shafts where misalignment within the bearings is a common occurrence.

If routine maintenance requires that your bearings be replaced, or in the unlikely event that part failure occurs, there is no need to worry. Whether you require an air compressor, pumps, sweepers, cylindrical bearings, additional bearing types, and more, Purchasing Synergy is here to streamline and expedite any one of your orders for immediate procurement. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation, alongside our NO CHINA sourcing pledge. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.