Cylindrical Roller Thrust Bearings

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are used for axial load carrying applications. These types of bearings are available in single-direction or self-aligning variants. Some of their applications include power transmission, mining and metal recycling. Aside from these, they are also used in rubber mixing equipment, briquetting machines, and traction motors. The most commonly used rolling elements are balls and needle rollers.

As a result, cylindrical roller thrust bearings offer good carrying capacity. In addition, they are a cost-effective alternative to ball thrust bearings. This type of bearing is suitable for heavy axial loads, especially in industries such as oil and gas. Moreover, they are often used in electric motors and plastic machinery.

The rollers and cages of these bearings are pressed, machined, or cast. They are then crowned and end-relieved. They are usually mounted in pairs to accommodate axial thrust in both directions. When used in radial applications, these bearings require a 0.25 mm clearance between the outer ring and the bearing housing.

Most cylindrical roller thrust bearings are made of alloy steels or low-carbon steels. This ensures the right combination of a tough core and hard case. However, certain applications demand the use of high-carbon bearing quality steel. For these, induction heating can be used to thoroughly harden the material.

Roller and cage assemblies can be assembled separately. However, most of them are typically manufactured in a cage to maintain uniform load distribution. If the assembly is horizontal, machined brass cages are recommended. If the assembly is vertical, a cage can be fitted to each end of the shaft. Similarly, a cage is often used to limit maximum working temperature.

NEWORLD produces cylindrical roller thrust bearings with heat-stabilized cages. These cages are available in various sizes and materials. It is important to note that these cages are not intended for use as intermediate washers. Therefore, if you wish to purchase these products, please make sure you request a special dimensional data.

Compared to other thrust bearings, the cylindrical roller thrust bearings are extremely stiff. Although they have the ability to handle a heavy axial load, they are not recommended for radial applications. Hence, if you plan to use this bearing in radial application, you should consider a ball bearing. Ball bearings can be plated, heat-treated, and can be ISO rated. Nevertheless, they are susceptible to misalignment. So, you should make regular preventive measures to keep the bearing in perfect condition.

Bearing failure can affect your reputation and facility. Even if you do not experience a loss of productivity, you may incur a great deal of cost if you do not properly monitor and maintain your bearings. Taking proper care of your bearings is an important investment that will save you time and money in the long run.

To determine the lifespan of your bearings, you should know the dynamic load values and the peak running torque. Generally, the latter will give you a consistent measure of the performance of a batch of bearings.