Radial Taper Roller Bearings Can Handle Both Radial and Axial Loads

Tapered roller bearings are a unique type of ball bearing that can handle both radial and axial loads. This is important when compared to standard bearings that can only support one of these two types of load.

Conical Geometry, Linear Contact Patch, and Less Friction

The most distinctive feature of tapered roller bearings is their cone-shaped design. This allows them to handle both radial and axial loads because the raceways and roller axes converge to a single point, or apex, on the main axis of the bearing. This geometry also makes it possible to reduce friction in the ring’s raceways by up to 40%. This reduces wear and allows for a longer bearing life.

This type of bearing is commonly used in equipment that requires high-speed, high-impact loading. This type of load is often found in motors, driveshafts, and other gears.

These are typically available in a variety of sizes, and can be used for various applications. In general, they are made from high-quality steels and are designed to take heavy loads. They are also suited for applications with extreme temperatures and can withstand abrasive conditions and contamination.

They can be assembled with a cage or can be free floating axially. They can have a guiding flange on one of the opposing rings, for thrust capacity.

In terms of lubrication, tapered roller bearings can use either oil or grease. The choice of lubricant depends on the type of load, operating speed, and other factors. If the bearing is continuously loaded with an unrestricted rotational speed, it may be better to use oil. If the operation is not continuous and the rotational speed is limited, it may be better to use grease.

Seals can be added to these bearings for additional protection from contaminants. These can include spacer-mounted, clamped, and press-fit seals that are designed to provide maximum exclusion capabilities for contaminants.

Limiting speeds nG and thermal speed rating nthr are values that should be considered when selecting the appropriate bearing for a particular application. The limiting speed nG is the maximum kinematically permissible speed of the bearing under favourable mounting and operating conditions, while the thermal speed rating nthr is an ancillary value for determining the thermally safe operating speed nth link of the bearing.

If the limiting speed is exceeded, it will cause premature fatigue of the bearings. This can lead to broken rollers and other damage.

The optimum load carrying capacity of a bearing can be determined by the nominal contact angle a Figure (Figure 1 for single bearings). This angle is the largest that can be sustained without deformation or distortion of the bearing. This size can vary based on the number of rollers and the design of the bearing.

A guiding flange on one of the inner ring’s sides can increase this amount by providing a more asymmetrical load distribution. This is particularly beneficial for applications that require a large amount of axial force to be supported.