There are many types of bearings, with the most common being ball bearings or tapered roller bearings. Cylindrical or spherical roller bearings are also famous. They have been developed to adapt to a specific set of uses. The needle roller bearing, for example, is one of the least-known yet most essential types of bearings in use today. It is nevertheless crucial in specific applications where the demands for dependability and durability are high.

Bearings and bushing are used in rotating mechanical components to minimize the friction between moving parts. The function of a needle roller bearing is similar to that of any other bearing, but it is explicitly designed for high loads and limited-speed applications.

In fact, needle roller bearings have a secret side that makes them uniquely suited for various applications.

 

What are Needle Roller Bearings?

Needle roller bearings are a bearing that has cylindrical rollers with small diameters and higher load-carrying capacity. Furthermore, they can resist vibration with more stability than other choices.

There are three styles of needle roller bearing to select from. Single row, double row, solid cage, and split cage are some examples of alternative types. Other information regarding roller bearings is as follows:

  • Metric or inch series.
  • Open or closed-end.
  • Open, single seal (U) or double-sealed design (UU).
  • Larger diameters (over 10 mm bore) have additional holes to aid in lubrication.
  • Rollers are present in full number.
  • Internal clearance and specific heat treatments are given to the engine.
  • AISI 440C Stainless Steel is the only type of steel offered in a limited quantity.

 

What Makes It Stand Out?

The secret side of needle roller bearings is that they have a higher load-carrying capacity than other bearings. This is because the needles are specifically designed to support high loads. The needles are also much thinner than the rollers in other bearings, making them more resistant to vibration.

 

Furthermore, the bearing manufacturing company states that needle roller bearings are more compact than other bearings, making them ideal for applications where space is limited.

 

The diameter of these steel needles is less than or equal to 5 mm, and their length must be at least three times longer than their diameter. The length of the needles helps to support high loads, while the small diameter makes them more resistant to vibration. In addition, the needles, which are fastened in steel or molded polyamide cage, provide excellent feedback on the contact surface of the inner ring, providing a smooth and efficient rotation.

 

The role of a needle roller bearing can handle up to 2 to 8 times more load than ball bearings or cylindrical roller bearings with the same shaft diameter, all in a much smaller space.

 

For which use?

Depending on the sector of business and application, needle roller and cage construction can be incorporated between rings to strengthen the structure and ensure the connection between the various mechanical components.

 

To meet all the technical demands of industrial markets, needle roller bearings are available in various forms (cages, bushings, bearings with solid rings, combined bearings, needle thrust bearings, cam followers, and so on) to suit any need.

 

These bearings that combine robustness, precision, and endurance are common in all industrial sectors and are especially prevalent in the following:

  • Automobiles
  • Portable Equipment (drills, chainsaws, and so on)
  • Construction Equipment
  • Pumps and Motors
  • Lawn and Garden Equipment
  • Oil & Gas
  • Primary Metals
  • Printing Machines

 

What are the Benefits of Needle Roller Bearings?

The dynamic friction is very low, and the coefficient is small. The differences between the dynamic friction and the coefficient are insignificant.

  • The needle roller bearing is in line with international norms, has high standards, and meets requirements.
  • They are inexpensive, accessible, and consistent. They’re also frequently called a one-stop-shop.
  • There may be some play in the needle roller bearing, and it will require less lubrication.
  • Roller bearings are also able to support radial and axial forces.
  • The needle roller bearing is also useful at high and low temperatures.
  • The bearing has a low section height, which makes it compact.

Read here to know the difference between a plain bearing and a roller bearing. 

Conclusion

Needle roller bearings are perfect for applications where space is limited and high loads need to be supported. The small diameter of the needles makes them more resistant to vibration, while the length of the needles helps to support high loads. Furthermore, needle roller bearings are more compact than other bearings and bushings, making them ideal for applications where space is limited. So, if you’re looking for a bearing that can handle high loads in a small space, needle roller bearings are a great option.