A roller bearing is one of the two types of rolling, or anti-friction bearings, the other being the ball bearing. A roller bearing has two grooved tracks, but instead of balls, roller bearings utilize rollers. The rollers may be cylindrical, spherical or tapered. If the rollers are cylindrical, only radial loads (perpendicular to the axis of rotation) can be carried, but with tapered or spherical rollers both radial and thrust loads can be carried. In a given space, a roller bearing can carry a greater radial load than a ball bearing can. This is because roller bearings utilize line contact to support loads, whereas ball bearings utilize point contact. Roller bearings are available in a wide array of bore sizes, from 15mm to 1000mm and larger are not uncommon. For more linear motion bearing direct from linear bearing manufacturers, contact us.
Roller bearings are used in all main shaft and auxiliary drive shaft applications to support pure radial load. Our different types of roller bearings include angular roller bearings, spiral roller bearings, and sleeve roller bearings perfectly satisfies any requirement.
They allow for axial shaft elongation due to temperature changes with no additional load effect on the bearing.
The primary use of roller bearings is to support rotating shafts and reduce friction between moving parts. They can handle both radial and axial loads, making them suitable for applications that require high precision, speed, and reliability.
The material used for bearing rollers depends on the application and the desired properties of the bearing. Common materials include:
1. Steel - Steel is a popular choice for bearing rollers due to its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and corrosion. It can be used in a wide range of applications, including industrial machinery, automotive components, and aerospace systems.
2. Ceramic - Ceramic rollers are known for their high temperature resistance, low friction, and excellent wear resistance. They are often used in high-speed and high-temperature applications, such as in turbines and jet engines.
3. Plastic - Plastic rollers are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and have low friction. They are often used in applications where noise reduction is important, such as in conveyor systems.
4. Carbon - Carbon rollers are lightweight, have high strength, and are resistant to wear and corrosion. They are often used in high-performance applications, such as in racing cars and bicycles.
5. Hybrid - Hybrid rollers are made from a combination of materials, such as ceramic and steel, to achieve a balance of properties. They are often used in applications where high performance is required, such as in high-speed spindle bearings.
As motion control products, roller bearings are an essential component of many machines and devices used in various industries. Roller bearings are used in a wide range of applications, from heavy equipment and machinery to power generation, manufacturing, and aerospace. They are used to reduce friction between moving parts, increase load capacity, and improve overall efficiency. Here are some of the most common applications of roller bearings:
Automotive industry: Roller bearings are used in car engines, transmissions, and other components to reduce friction, improve performance, and increase durability.
Aerospace industry: Roller bearings are used in aircraft engines, landing gear, and other critical components where high precision and reliability are essential.
Industrial machinery: Roller bearings are used in various types of industrial machinery, including conveyors, printing presses, and machine tools, to reduce friction and increase efficiency.
Wind turbines: Roller bearings are used in wind turbine generators to support the rotor shaft and increase efficiency.
Medical equipment: Roller bearings are used in medical equipment such as CT scanners and X-ray machines to reduce friction and increase precision.
Construction equipment: Roller bearings are used in construction equipment such as cranes, excavators, and bulldozers to support heavy loads and improve maneuverability.
Railroad industry: Roller bearings are used in trains and railcars to support the weight of the train and reduce friction between the wheels and the track.
Power generation: Roller bearings are used in power generation equipment such as turbines and generators to support heavy loads and reduce friction.
Overall, roller bearings are used in a wide range of applications where reducing friction, increasing load capacity, and improving efficiency are essential.