Double Row Tapered Roller Bearing

Double-row tapered roller bearings are used for combination loads, including both axial and radial forces. They provide optimum axial compression for long service life, low friction and lower noise levels.

They are separable and can be adjusted for axial clearance or pre-loading with a spacer ring. They can withstand a wide range of axial forces and are arranged in mirror-image pairs for back-to-back operation.

Stiffness

Double row tapered roller bearings are designed to support heavy loads and have a high stiffness. They can restrict axial displacement in both directions and act as bidirectional locating bearings. These bearings are available in metric dimensions and have a machined brass cage. They are industry interchangeable and have C3 internal radial clearance.

The performance of double-row tapered roller bearings depends on the external load distribution, the internal stress and the lubricant condition. It is also affected by the angular misalignment between the roller-inner raceway and the roller-guiding flange. This article presents an analytical model that can predict the performance of a double-row tapered roller bearing under different operating conditions.

Tapered roller bearings have tapered inner and outer ring raceways. The projection lines of the tapered surfaces meet at a common point on the bearing axis, which allows them to accommodate acting radial and axial loads. These bearings are often used in machine tools, rolling mills and automotive applications. They can be adjusted for a preload, which increases their rigidity and capacity.

Stability

Double row tapered roller bearings can withstand radial and axial loads at the same time. They can also be used for high-speed applications, though they have a lower limit speed than spherical bearings. They maintain a high surface area contact and distribute the load evenly, which reduces friction and heat.

Generally speaking, the larger the taper angle, the higher the carrying capacity. For example, a medium-angle tapered roller bearing with a code of “C” has a greater bearing capacity than a standard metric-series bearing with no code.

Double-row tapered roller bearings can be installed in pairs for a more robust system that can handle simultaneous axial loads in both directions. They are often used in flange-mount applications, such as pinion shafts for differential gears in automobiles. Their compact design and high capacity make them ideal for use in a wide range of complex applications. They are available in a variety of sizes, and some can be heat stabilized for use at elevated temperatures.

Reliability

Double-row tapered roller bearings are designed to withstand heavy radial and axial loads. They can also accommodate multi-directional loads and operate at high speeds. However, these bearings can be prone to distortion and require careful consideration of the load, operating conditions, and lubrication.

A cage is not required in this type of bearing because the angled surfaces of the inner and outer races resemble segments of a cone. The cage serves to evenly space the rollers and contain them in a unified assembly. The cage is usually made of a polymer or a non-ferrous metal and can be replaced with an alternate design.

Duplex tapered roller bearings are designed to achieve greater stability and rigidity by being preloaded axially. This is done by mounting one bearing against another of the same size and type in a back-to-back (load lines converge) or face-to-face arrangement. This can reduce noise and vibration and increase load capacity. This is especially important in heavy machinery, such as locomotives and mining equipment.

Cost

Double row tapered roller bearings can handle a combination of radial and thrust loads. They can also withstand heavy axial loads without deformation. They are also available in four-row configurations for special applications. The contact angle of the bearing can be varied to offset application axial and radial load ratios.

Tapered roller bearings are separable, which means the inner ring with the roller and cage assembly (cone) can be mounted separately from the outer ring. The inner and outer ring raceways are segments of cones, and they are made with a taper so that the conical surface and roller axes, if projected, would all meet at a common point on the main axis of the bearing.

SKF double-row tapered roller bearings are available in inch and metric sizes, with and without pressed cages. They are industrial interchangeable and have C3 internal radial clearance. These bearings are also available with additional axial capacity in the HR series. They are particularly suited to applications that require moment rigidity and can be preloaded for even more robustness.