There are many different types of bearings available today with very little information on the differences between them. Maybe you’ve asked yourself “which bearing will be best for your application?” Or “how do I choose a bearing?” This bearing selection guide will help you answer those questions.
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First off, you need to know that most bearings with a rolling element fall into two broad groups:
Within these groups, there are sub-categories of bearings that have unique features or optimized designs to enhance performance.
In this bearing selection guide, we’ll cover the four things you need to know about your application in order to choose the right type of bearing.
Bearing loads are generally defined as the reaction force a component places on a bearing when in use.
When choosing the right bearing for your application, first you should find the bearing’s load capacity. The load capacity is the amount of load a bearing can handle and is one of the most important factors when choosing a bearing.
Bearing loads can either be axial (thrust), radial or a combination.
An axial (or thrust) bearing load is when force is parallel to the axis of the shaft.
A radial bearing load is when force is perpendicular to the shaft. Then a combination bearing load is when parallel and perpendicular forces produce an angular force relative to the shaft.
To learn more about axial and radial ball bearings, contact our team of engineers!
Ball bearings are designed with spherical balls and can distribute loads over a medium-sized surface area. They tend to work better for small-to-medium-sized loads, spreading loads via a single point of contact.
Below is a quick reference for the type of bearing load and the best ball bearing for the job:
Roller bearings are designed with cylindrical rollers that can distribute loads over a larger surface area than ball bearings. They tend to work better for heavy load applications.
Below is a quick reference for the type of bearing load and the best roller bearing for the job:
Bearing runout is the amount a shaft orbits from its geometric center as it rotates. Some applications, like cutting tool spindles, will only allow a small deviation to occur on its rotating components.
If you are engineering an application like this, then choose a high precision bearing because it will produce smaller system runouts due to the tight tolerances the bearing was manufactured to.
Bearing rigidity is the resistance to the force that causes the shaft to deviate from its axis and plays a key role in minimizing shaft runout. Bearing rigidity comes from the interaction of the rolling element with the raceway. The more the rolling element is pressed into the raceway, causing elastic deformation, the higher the rigidity.
Bearing rigidity is usually categorized by:
The higher the bearing rigidity, the more force needed to move the shaft when in use.
Let’s look at how this works with precision angular contact bearings. These bearings typically come with a manufactured offset between the inner and outer raceway. When the angular contact bearings are installed, the offset is removed which causes the balls to press into the raceway without any outside application force. This is called preloading and the process increases bearing rigidity even before the bearing sees any application forces.
Knowing your bearing lubrication needs is important for choosing the right bearings and needs to be considered early in an application design. Improper lubrication is one of the most common causes for bearing failure.
Lubrication creates a film of oil between the rolling element and the bearing raceway that helps prevent friction and overheating.
The most common type of lubrication is grease, which consists of an oil with a thickening agent. The thickening agent keeps the oil in place, so it won’t leave the bearing. As the ball (ball bearing) or roller (roller bearing) rolls over the grease, the thickening agent separates leaving just the film of oil between the rolling element and the bearing raceway. After the rolling element passes by, the oil and thickening agent join back together.
For high-speed applications, knowing the speed at which the oil and thickener can separate and rejoin is important. This is called the application or bearing n*dm value.
Before you select a grease, you need to find your applications ndm value. To do this multiply your applications RPMs by the diameter of the center of the balls in the bearing (dm). Compare your ndm value to the grease’s max speed value, located on the datasheet.
If your n*dm value is higher than the grease max speed value on the datasheet, then the grease won’t be able to provide sufficient lubrication and premature failure will occur.
Another lubrication option for high-speed applications are oil mist systems which mix oil with compressed air and then inject it into the bearing raceway at metered intervals. This option is more costly than grease lubrication because it requires an external mixing and metering system and filtered compressed air. However, oil mist systems allow bearings to operate at higher speeds while generating a lower amount of heat than greased bearings.
For lower speed applications an oil bath is common. An oil bath is when a portion of the bearing is submerged in oil. For bearings that will operate in extreme environments, a dry lubricant can be used instead of a petroleum-based lubricant, but the lifespan of the bearing is typically shortened due to the nature of the lubricant’s film breaking down over time.
There are a couple of other factors that need to be considered when selecting a lubricant for your application, see our in-depth article “How to Choose the Correct Ball Bearing Lubricant".
Cylindrical Roller Bearing Types: Complete Guide with Buying Tips
Cylindrical roller bearings are essential in many industries. They help reduce friction between moving parts, making machines run smoothly. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, understanding the different types of cylindrical roller bearings will help you make better choices.
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In this guide, we’ll cover:
Let's get started!
What Are Cylindrical Roller Bearings?
Cylindrical roller bearings use cylinders (rollers) to maintain separation between bearing races. They can support heavy radial loads and operate at high speeds.
Key Features:
Common Types of Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Each type is designed for specific uses. Let’s break them down.
1. Single-Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Best For: General machinery, pumps, and compressors.
Features:
Example:
SKF NU ECP — Reliable for industrial use.
2. Double-Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Best For: Heavy machinery, electric motors.
Features:
Example:
FAG NJ-E-TVP2 — Ideal for machines needing high precision.
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3. Four-Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Best For: Steel mills, heavy-duty equipment.
Features:
Example:
Timken 150RN92 — Perfect for demanding conditions.
4. Full-Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Best For: Applications where maximum load capacity is needed.
Features:
Example:
INA SL — Great for slow-moving, high-load applications.
5. Sealed Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Best For: Dirty or contaminated environments.
Features:
Example:
NSK NU205EM C3 — Reliable protection with extended bearing life.
Cylindrical Roller Bearings: Buying Guide
Choosing the right cylindrical roller bearing can be confusing. Here’s a simple guide:
1. Load Requirements
2. Speed of Operation
3. Environment
4. Axial Displacement
Some bearings allow more axial movement, useful in machines that experience thermal expansion.
5. Size and Fit
Always check the dimensions carefully. Incorrect sizing leads to faster wear and tear.
Top Cylindrical Roller Bearing Recommendations
Here are some trusted products you can consider:
Product
Pros
Cons
Personal Experience: Why Cylindrical Roller Bearings Matter
When I first started working with industrial motors, I underestimated the importance of picking the right bearings. I used a standard ball bearing where a cylindrical roller bearing was needed. After just two months, the motor failed due to overload.
Switching to a proper SKF cylindrical roller bearing made a massive difference. The machine ran smoother, quieter, and lasted longer.
Moral of the story? Choosing the right bearing saves you time, money, and headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings?
Ball bearings are best for light loads and high speeds. Cylindrical roller bearings are better for heavier radial loads.
Can cylindrical roller bearings handle axial loads?
Some types can handle limited axial loads, but they are primarily designed for radial loads.
How do I know when a bearing needs replacement?
Look for signs like unusual noise, vibration, overheating, or visual damage.
Are sealed bearings better than open bearings?
Sealed bearings are better in dirty or wet environments. Open bearings are good for clean, monitored areas.
How long do cylindrical roller bearings last?
With proper installation and maintenance, they can last several years under normal working conditions.
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Final Thoughts
Cylindrical roller bearings are powerful components that keep machines running efficiently. Knowing the types and how to choose the right one makes all the difference.
Whether you're building a machine from scratch or replacing a worn-out part, understanding your options will save you a lot of trouble.
Take your time, choose wisely, and always prioritize quality!