Commentary

Commentary
Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

1. Classification and characteristics of rolling bearings

1.1 Structure 1.2 Classification Outer ring Outer ring

Inner ring Inner ring

Most rolling bearings consist of rings with a Rolling bearings are divided into two main
raceway (inner ring and outer ring), rolling classifications: ball bearings and roller
elements (either balls or rollers) and a cage as bearings. Ball bearings are classified according Cage
Ball
Ball
shown in Fig. 1.1 (Fig. A through Fig. H). The to their bearing ring configurations: deep Cage
cage separates the rolling elements at regular groove type and angular contact type. Roller
intervals, holds them in place within the inner bearings on the other hand are classified
and outer raceways, and allows them to rotate according to the shape of the rollers: Fig. A Deep groove ball bearing Fig. B Angular contact ball bearing
freely. cylindrical, needle, tapered and spherical.
Raceway (inner ring and outer ring) or Rolling bearings can be further classified
Outer ring Outer ring
raceway washer1) (shaft or housing) according to the direction in which the load
Inner ring
The surface on which rolling elements roll is is applied; radial bearings carry radial loads Roller

called the “raceway surface.” The load placed and thrust bearings carry axial loads. Other
on the bearing is supported by this contact classification methods include: 1) number Cage
Cage
surface. of rolling rows (single, double, or 4-row), Roller
Generally the inner ring fits on the axle or 2) separable and non-separable, in which
shaft and the outer ring in the housing. either the inner ring or the outer ring can be
Note 1: T
 he raceway of thrust bearings is called the detached.
Fig. C Cylindrical roller bearing Fig. D Needle roller bearing
“raceway washer,” the inner ring is called the There are also bearings designed for
“shaft raceway washer” and the outer ring is called
special applications, such as: precision rolling
the “housing raceway washer.”
bearings for machine tools, bearings for Outer ring Outer ring
Rolling elements special environments, as well as linear motion Roller Inner ring
Rolling elements are classified into two types: bearings (linear ball bearings, linear roller
balls and rollers. Rollers come in four types: bearings and linear flat roller bearings). Types Cage

cylindrical, needle, tapered, and spherical. of rolling bearings are given in Fig. 1.2. For Roller
Inner ring Cage
Balls geometrically contact with the raceway more detailed information, please refer to the
surfaces of the inner and outer rings at page that introduces each bearing.
“points”, while the contact surface of rollers is
a “line” contact. Theoretically, rolling bearings Fig. E Tapered roller bearing Fig. F Spherical roller bearing
are constructed to allow the rolling elements
to rotate orbitally while also rotating on their
Shaft raceway washer Shaft raceway washer
own axes at the same time.
Ball Roller
Cage
Cages function to maintain rolling elements
at a uniform pitch so a load is never applied
directly to the cage and to prevent the rolling Cage Cage
elements from falling out when handling the
bearing. Types of cages differ according to Housing raceway washer Housing raceway washer
the way they are manufactured and include: Fig. G Thrust ball bearing Fig. H Thrust roller bearing
pressed, machined and formed cages.
Fig. 1.1 Rolling bearing

A-4 A-5
Commentary

Commentary
Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Deep groove ball bearings ························ B- 17 Four-row cylindrical roller bearings ···································· C-18

Angular contact ball bearings 1) ················ B- 57 Four-row tapered roller bearings ········································ C-36

Duplex angular contact ball ······················

B- 57 Ultra-thin section type ball bearings ··································· C-58
Radial ball bearings 1)
bearings
Four-point contact ball bearings ·············· B- 58 SL type cylindrical roller bearings ······································· C-66

Double row angular contact ball ··············· ULTAGE series

B- 59 ···· C- 2
bearings Sealed four-row tapered roller bearings for rolling mill roll necks [CROU-LL type]
ULTAGE series
Ball Self-aligning ball bearings ························ B- 79 ······················· C- 6
Sealed spherical roller bearings [WA type]
bearings Special
ULTAGE series
Ball bearings for bearing units 2) application Spherical roller bearings with high-strength cage [EMA type]
···· C-10
bearings
ULTAGE series
···· C-14
Deep groove ball bearings for high-speed servo motors [MA type]
Single direction thrust ball bearings·········· B-253
Thrust ball ULTAGE series
······················ C-76
bearings Double direction angular contact thrust Precision rolling bearings for machine tools
ball bearings 1)
Bearings for special environments ······································ C-76
High speed duplex angular contact ball
bearings 1) (for axial load)
Rubber molded bearings ···················································· C-76

Rolling MEGAOHMTM series insulated bearings ····························· C-77

bearings Cylindrical roller bearings ························· B- 93

Double row cylindrical roller ····················· Clutches ············································································ C-77

B- 94
bearings 1)
Radial roller
bearings Needle roller bearings 4) ··························· E- 2

Tapered roller bearings 1) ························· B-127 Linear ball bearings 4)

Linear motion
Double row tapered roller bearings ·········· B-128 bearings Linear roller bearings 4)
Roller
bearings Spherical roller bearings ··························· B-211 Linear flat roller bearings 4)

Thrust cylindrical roller bearings 4) ··········· E- 2

Thrust roller
bearings Thrust needle roller bearings 4) ················· E- 2

Thrust tapered roller bearings 3)

Thrust spherical roller bearings ················ B-254  ) See Precision Rolling Bearings (CAT. No. 2260/E) for bearings of JIS Class 5 or above.
Note: 1
2) See Bearing Units (CAT. No. 2400/E).
3) See LARGE BEARINGS (CAT. No. 2250/E).
Fig. 1.2 Classification of rolling bearings 4) See Needle Roller Bearings (CAT. No. 2300/E).

A-6 A-7
Commentary

Commentary
Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

1.3 Characteristics 1.3.2 Ball bearings and roller bearings 1.3.3 Contact angle and bearing type 1.3.5 S  tandard bearings and special
Table 1.1 gives a comparison of ball bearings A contact angle is an angle made by a line that bearings
1.3.1 Characteristics of rolling bearings and roller bearings. connects the contact point of the inner ring, The boundary dimensions and shapes of
Rolling bearings come in many shapes and rolling element, and outer ring in the radial bearings conforming to international standards
Table 1.1 C
 omparison of ball bearings and
varieties, each with its own distinctive features. direction when a load is applied on the bearing are interchangeable and can be obtained
roller bearings
However, when compared with sliding (see Fig. 1.3). easily and economically all over the world.
Ball bearing Roller bearing
bearings, rolling bearings all have the following Bearings with a contact angle of 45° or It is therefore better to design mechanical
advantages: less have a much greater radial load capacity equipment that can use standard bearings.

2b
2b
(1) The starting friction coefficient is lower and are classed as radial bearings; whereas However, depending on the type of

Contact with
2a ℓ

raceway
and there is little difference between this bearings which have a contact angle over 45° machine they are to be used in, and the
Point contact Linear contact
and the dynamic friction coefficient. Contact surface is oval Contact surface is have a greater axial load capacity and are expected application and function, a non-
(2) T hey are internationally standardized, when a load is applied. generally rectangular classed as thrust bearings. There are also standard or specially designed bearing may
when a load is applied.
interchangeable and readily obtainable. bearings classed as complex bearings which be best. Bearings that are adapted to specific
(3) T hey are easy to lubricate and consume Because of point Because of linear combine the loading characteristics of both applications, and “unit bearings” which
contact, where there is contact, rotational
Characteristics

less lubricant. little rolling resistance, torque is higher for roller radial and thrust bearings. are integrated (built-in) into a machine's
(4) A s a general rule, one bearing can carry ball bearings are suitable bearings than for ball components, and other specially designed
for low torque and high- bearings, but rigidity is
both radial and axial loads at the same speed applications. also higher. Contact angle bearings are also available.
time. They also have superior The features of typical standard bearings are
acoustic characteristics.
(5) M ay be used in either high or low as follows:
temperature applications. Load capacity is lower for Load capacity is higher
(6) B earing rigidity can be improved by ball bearings, but radial for rolling bearings. Deep groove ball bearing
bearings are capable of Cylindrical roller Contact angle
Load capacity

preloading. bearing loads in both the bearings equipped with The most common type of bearing, deep
radial and axial direction. a lip can bear slight
Construction, classes, and special features groove ball bearings are widely used in a
axial loads. Combining
of rolling bearings are fully described in the tapered roller bearings Fig. 1.3 Contact angle variety of fields. Deep groove ball bearings can
boundary dimensions and bearing numbering in pairs enables the include shielded bearings or sealed bearings
bearings to bear an axial
system section. load in both directions. 1.3.4 Load acting on bearing with grease to make them easier to use.
Types of loads applied on rolling bearings are Deep groove ball bearings also include
given in Fig. 1.4. A moment load is caused by bearings with a locating snap-ring to facilitate
an unbalanced load and misalignment. positioning when mounting the outer ring,
expansion compensating bearings which
absorb dimension variation of the bearing
fitting surface due to housing temperature,
and TAB bearings that are able to withstand
contamination in the lubricating oil.

(a) Radial load (b) Axial load (c) Moment load Table 1.2 Configuration of sealed ball bearings
Fr Fa
Type Shielded type Sealed type
and Non-contact Non-contact
Fig. 1.4 Types of load Contact Low torque
code type ZZ type LLB type LLU type LLH

Structure
A-8 A-9
Commentary

Commentary
Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Angular contact ball bearing Table 1.3 Contact angle and codes Cylindrical roller bearing Tapered roller bearing
The line that unites the point of contact of the Contact angle Cylindrical roller bearings use rollers for Tapered roller bearings are designed so the
inner ring, ball and outer ring runs at a certain Contact angle and contact angle codes
rolling elements, and therefore have a high inner/outer ring raceway and apex of the
angle (contact angle) in the radial direction. load capacity. The rollers are guided by the tapered rollers intersect at one point on the
Contact angle 15° 30° 40°
Angular contact ball bearings are generally ribs of the inner or outer ring. The inner and bearing centerline. By receiving a combined
Contact angle
designed with three contact angles (see Table C A 1) B outer rings can be separated to facilitate load from the inner and outer ring, the rollers
code
1.3). Note: 1. Contact angle code has been abbreviated as “A”. assembly, and both can be fit with a shaft or are pushed against the inner ring rib and are
Angular contact ball bearings can support an housing tightly. If there are no ribs, either the guided by the rib.
axial load, but cannot be used by themselves inner or the outer ring can move freely in the Induced force is produced in the axial
Table 1.4 Configuration of double row
because of the contact angle. They must axial direction. Cylindrical roller bearings are direction when a radial load is applied, so
angular contact ball bearings
instead be used in pairs or in combination therefore ideal to be used as so-called “free it must be handled with a pair of bearings.
Type Non-contact Contact
(see Table 1.5). and Open type
Shielded
sealed type sealed type side bearings” that absorb shaft expansion. The inner ring with rollers and outer ring
type ZZ
Angular contact ball bearings include double code LLM LLD In the case where there are ribs, the bearing come apart, thus facilitating mounting with
row angular contact ball bearings for which can bear a slight axial load between the end clearance or preload. However, after assembly
the inner and outer rings are combined as a of the rollers and the ribs. Cylindrical roller the clearance is hard to manage and requires
Structure

single unit (see Table 1.4). The contact angle bearings include the HT type which modifies special attention. Tapered roller bearings are
of double row angular contact ball bearings is the shape of the roller end face and ribs for capable of supporting large loads in both the
25°. increasing axial load capacity, and the EA type axial and radial directions.
There are also four-point contact bearings and E type with a special internal design for NTN also has a line of carburizing (case
Table 1.5 C
 ombinations of duplex angular
that can support an axial load in both enhancing radial load capacity. The EA type is hardened) steel bearings designed for longer
contact ball bearings
directions by themselves. These bearings standardized for small-diameter sizes. life (ETA-, etc.). NTN tapered roller bearings
Type
however require caution because problems and
Back-to-back Face-to-face Tandem Table 1.6 shows the basic shapes. also include bearings with two and four rows
arrangement DB duplex DF arrangement DT
such as excessive temperature rise and wear symbol of tapered rollers for extra-heavy loads.
could occur depending on the load conditions. In addition to these, there are cylindrical
roller bearings with multiple rows of rollers and
Structure

the SL type of full complement roller bearings

ℓ ℓ without a cage.

ℓ : Distance between load centers Table 1.6 Types of cylindrical roller bearings
Type NUP
Type Type NU Type NJ
Type NH
code Type N Type NF
(NJ HJ) Subunit dimensions

2α E

Structure
Type NU Type NJ Type NUP
E : Outer ring (cup) nominal small-end diameter
α : Nominal contact angle

Fig. 1.5 Tapered roller bearings

Type N Type NF Type NH

A-10 A-11
Commentary

Commentary
Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Spherical roller bearing Thrust bearing Needle roller bearing Bearing unit
Equipped with an outer ring with a spherical There are many types of thrust bearings that Needle roller bearings use needle rollers as A unit comprised of a ball bearing inserted
raceway surface and an inner ring which holds differ according to the shape of the rolling rolling elements. The needle rollers are a into various types of housings. The housing
two rows of barrel-shaped rolling elements, element and application. maximum of 6 mm in diameter and are 3 to can be bolted onto machinery and the inner
NTN spherical roller bearings are able to adjust Allowable rotational speed is generally 10 times as long as they are in diameter (JIS ring can be easily mounted on the shaft with a
center alignment to handle inclination of the low and special attention must be paid to B 1506 rolling bearings roller). Because the setscrew.
axle or shaft. lubrication. bearings use needle rollers as rolling elements, This means the bearing unit can support
There are a variety of spherical roller bearing the cross-section is thin, but they have a high rotating equipment without a special design to
types that differ according to their internal In addition to the types shown in Table 1.8 load capacity for their size. Due to the large allow for mounting. A variety of standardized
design. below, there are various other types of thrust number of rolling elements, bearings have housing shapes are available, including pillow
In addition to cylindrical bore inner rings, bearings for special applications. high rigidity and are ideally suited to oscillating block and flange types. The outside diameter
spherical roller bearings can be produced with motion. of the bearing is spherical just like the bore
Table 1.8 Types of thrust bearings
a tapered bore inner ring. The tapered bore diameter of the housing, so it is capable of
bearing can easily be mounted on a shaft by Single direction thrust Thrust needle roller There are various types of needle roller aligning itself on the shaft.
Type
ball bearings bearings
means of an adapter or withdrawal sleeve. bearings, and just a few of the most For lubrication, grease is filled inside the
The bearing is capable of supporting heavy representative types are covered here. For bearing, and foreign particles are prevented
AXK type
loads, and is therefore often used for industrial details, see the special catalog “Needle Roller from entering with a shaft riding seal and
Structure

machinery. When a heavy axial load is applied AS type raceway washer Bearings (CAT. No. 2300/E).” slinger shield.
to the bearing, the load on rollers of one For details, see the special catalog “Bearing
GS/WS type raceway washer Table 1.9 Main types of needle roller bearings
row is not applied, and can cause problems. Units (CAT. No. 2400/E).”
Attention must therefore be paid to operating Type Needle roller bearing with cage
Thrust cylindrical roller Thrust spherical roller
conditions. Type
bearings bearings

Structure
Table 1.7 Types of spherical roller bearings
Grease fitting
ULTAGE series
Structure

Ball Housing
Type
Type EA Type EM Type EM (large size) Spherical outer ring

Allowable Type Solid type needle roller bearings

Slinger
Structure

angle
Special rubber seal

Structure
Type Type B Type C Type 213
Structure

Type Drawn cup needle roller bearings Setscrew with ball

Structure

Fig. 1.6 Bearing unit with grease fitting

Type Cam follower Roller follower

Structure

A-12 A-13