●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

1. Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

1.1 Rolling bearing construction

Most rolling bearings consist of rings with raceway Outer ring Outer
(inner ring and outer ring), rolling elements (either balls or ring
rollers) and cage. The cage separates the rolling Inner ring Inner
elements at regular intervals, holds them in place within ring
the inner and outer raceways, and allows them to rotate
freely. Cage
Ball
1) Ball
Raceway (inner ring and outer ring) or raceway washer Cage
The surface on which rolling elements roll is called the
"raceway surface". The load placed on the bearing is
supported by this contact surface.
Generally the inner ring fits on the axle or shaft and the Deep groove ball bearing Angular contact ball bearing
outer ring on the housing. Fig A Fig.B
Note 1: The raceway of thrust bearing is called "raceway washer,"
the inner ring is called the "shaft raceway washer" and the
outer ring is called the "housing raceway washer."
Outer ring Outer ring
Rolling elements
Rolling elements classify in two types: balls and rollers. Inner ring Roller
Rollers come in four types: cylindrical, needle, tapered,
and spherical.
Balls geometrically contact with the raceway surfaces of Cage Cage
the inner and outer rings at "points", while the contact Roller
surface of rollers is a "line" contact.
Theoretically, rolling bearings are so constructed as to
allow the rolling elements to rotate orbitally while also
rotating on their own axes at the same time.
Cylindrical roller bearing Needle roller bearing
Cages Fig. C Fig. D
Cages function to maintain rolling elements at a uniform
pitch so load is never applied directly to the cage and to
prevent the rolling elements from falling out when
handling the bearing. Types of cages differ according to Outer ring Outer
ring
way they are manufactured, and include pressed, Roller
Inner
machined and formed cages. ring
Cage

1.2 Classification of rolling bearings Roller

Inner ring Cage
Rolling bearings divide into two main classifications: ball
bearings and roller bearings. Ball bearings are classified
according to their bearing ring configurations: deep
groove type and angular contact type. Roller bearings on
the other hand are classified according to the shape of Tapered roller bearing Spherical roller bearing
the rollers: cylindrical, needle, tapered and spherical. Fig. E Fig. F

Rolling bearings can be further classified according to Shaft raceway washer Shaft raceway washer
the direction in which the load is applied; radial bearings
carry radial loads and thrust bearings carry axial loads.
Ball Roller
Other classification methods include: 1) number of
rolling rows (single, double, or 4-row), 2) separable and
non-separable, in which either the inner ring or the outer
ring can be detached.
Cage Cage
There are also bearings designed for special
applications, such as: railway car journal roller bearings, Housing raceway washer Housing raceway washer
ball screw support bearings, turntable bearings, as well
as linear motion bearings (linear ball bearings, linear Thrust ball bearing Thrust roller bearing
Fig. G Fig. H
roller bearings and linear flat roller bearings).Types of
rolling bearings are given in Fig. 1.2. Fig. 1.1 Rolling bearing

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●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Single row deep groove ball bearings …B- 5

Single row angular contact ball bearings*1 …B-43

Duplex angular contact ball bearings*1…B-46

Radial ball
bearings
Four-point contact ball bearings ………B-58

Double row angular contact ball bearings …B-60

Self-aligning ball bearings ………………B-65

Ball bearings
Ball bearings for rolling bearing unit*2

Single direction thrust ball bearings …B-257

Double direction angular contact

Thrust ball thrust ball bearings*1
bearings High-speed duplex angular contact
ball bearings (for axial loads)*1

Rolling
bearings
Single row cylindrical roller bearings …B- 77

Double row cylindrical roller bearings …B-102

Radial roller Needle roller bearings

bearings

Single row tapered roller bearings*1 …B-119

Double row tapered roller bearings ……B-184

Spherical roller bearings ………………B-219

Roller bearings

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings

Needle roller thrust bearings

Thrust roller
bearings Tapered roller thrust bearings*3

Spherical roller thrust bearings ………B-264

Fig. 1.2 Classification of rolling bearings

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●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Ultra thin wall type ball bearings

Ball screw support bearings*1

Railway car journal roller bearings

Ultra-clean vacuum bearings

SL-type cylindrical roller bearings

Rubber molded bearings

Special application
bearings
Insulated bearings MEGAOHMTM series

Clearance adjusting needle roller

bearings*4

Complex bearings*4

Connecting rod needle roller

bearings with cage*4

Cam followers*4

Roller followers*4

Linear ball bearings*4

Linear motion
bearings Linear roller bearings*4

Linear flat roller bearings*4

Note: For bearings marked with *1 of bearing tolerance JIS Class 5 or higher see “Precision rolling bearings”
(CAT. No. 2260/E).
For bearings marked with *2, see “Bearing units” (CAT. No. 2400/E).
For bearings marked with *3, see “Large rolling bearings” (CAT. No. 2250/E).
For bearings marked with *4, see “Needle roller bearings” (CAT. No. 2300E).

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●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

1.3.3 Radial and thrust bearings

1.3 Characteristics of rolling bearings
Almost all types of rolling bearings can carry both radial
1.3.1 Characteristics of rolling bearings and axial loads at the same time.
Rolling bearings come in many shapes and varieties, Generally, bearings with a contact angle of less than
each with its own distinctive features. 45°have a much greater radial load capacity and are
However, when compared with sliding bearings, rolling classed as radial bearings; whereas bearings which have
bearings all have the following advantages: a contact angle over 45°have a greater axial load
capacity and are classed as thrust bearings. There are
(1) The starting friction coefficient is lower and there is also bearings classed as complex bearings which
little difference between this and the dynamic combine the loading characteristics of both radial and
friction coefficient. thrust bearings.
(2) They are internationally standardized, interchangeable
and readily obtainable. 1.3.4 Standard bearings and special bearings
(3) They are easy to lubricate and consume less The boundary dimensions and shapes of bearings
lubricant. conforming to international standards are interchangeable
(4) As a general rule, one bearing can carry both radial and can be obtained easily and economically over the
and axial loads at the same time. world over. It is therefore better to design mechanical
(5) May be used in either high or low temperature equipment to use standard bearings.
applications.
(6) Bearing rigidity can be improved by preloading. However, depending on the type of machine they are to
be used in, and the expected application and function, a
Construction, classes, and special features of rolling non-standard or specially designed bearing may be best
bearings are fully described in the boundary dimensions to use. Bearings that are adapted to specific applications,
and bearing numbering system section. and "unit bearings" which are integrated (built-in) into a
machine's components, and other specially designed
1.3.2 Ball bearings and roller bearings bearings are also available.
Table 1.1 gives a comparison of ball bearings and roller The feature of typical standard bearings are as follows:
bearings.

Table 1.1 Comparison of ball bearings and roller bearings

Deep groove ball bearings
Ball bearings Roller bearings
The most common type of bearing, deep groove ball
bearings are widely used in a variety of fields. Deep
groove ball bearings include shield bearings and sealed
2b
2b
Contact with
raceway

2a r bearings with grease make them easier to use.

Deep groove ball bearings also include bearings with a
Point contact Linear contact
Contact surface is oval when Contact surface is generally locating snap-ring to facilitate positioning when mounting
load is applied. rectangular when load is the outer ring, expansion compensating bearings which
applied. absorb dimension variation of the bearing fitting surface
Because of point contact Because of linear contact, due to housing temperature, and TAB bearings that are
Characteristics

there is little rolling rotational torque is higher for able to withstand contamination in the lubricating oil.
resistance, ball bearings are roller bearings than for ball
suitable for low torque and bearings, but rigidity is also
high-speed applications. higher.
They also have superior
acoustic characteristics. Table 1.2 Configuration of sealed ball bearings

Type Shield Sealed

Load capacity is lower for Load capacity is higher for and Non-contact Non-contact Contact Low torque
symbol
Load capacity

ball bearings, but radial rolling bearings. Cylindrical ZZ LLB LLU LLH
bearings are capable of roller bearings equipped with
bearing loads in both the a lip can bear slight radial
Configuration

radial and axial direction. loads. Combining tapered

roller bearings in pairs
enables the bearings to bear
an axial load in both directions.

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●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Angular contact ball bearings Cylindrical roller bearings

The line that unites point of contact of the inner ring, Uses rollers for rolling elements, and therefore has a
ball and outer ring runs at a certain angle (contact angle) high load capacity. The rollers are guided by the ribs of
in the radial direction. Bearings are generally designed the inner or outer ring. The inner and outer rings can be
with three contact angles. separated to facilitate assembly, and both can be fit with
Angular contact ball bearings can support an axial load, shaft or housing tightly. If there is no ribs, either the inner
but cannot be used by single bearing because of the or the outer ring can move freely in the axial direction.
contact angle. They must instead be used in pairs or in Cylindrical roller bearings are therefore ideal to be used
combinations. as so-called "free side bearings" that absorb shaft
Angular contact ball bearings include double row expansion. In the case where there is a ribs, the bearing
angular contact ball bearings for which the inner and can bear a slight axial load between the end of the rollers
outer rings are combined as a single unit. The contact and the ribs. Cylindrical roller bearings include the HT
angle of double row angular contact ball bearings is 25˚. type which modifies the shape of roller end face and ribs
There are also four-point contact bearings that can for increasing axial road capacity. And the E type with a
support an axial load in both directions by themselves. special internal design for enhancing radial load capacity.
These bearings however require caution because The E type is standardized for small-diameter sizes.
problems such as excessive temperature rise and Table 1.6 shows the basic configuration for cylindrical
wearing could occur depending on the load conditions. roller bearings.

In addition to these, there are cylindrical roller bearings

Table 1.3 Contact angle and symbol with multiple rows of rollers and the SL type of full
Contact angle complement roller bearing without cage.

Contact angle and contact angle symbol Table 1.6 Types of cylindrical roller bearings
Contact angle 15° 30° 40°
Type NUP type
Contact angle 1） NU type NJ type
C A B and N type NF type NH type
symbol Symbol （NJ+HJ）
Note 1: Contact angle symbol has been abbreviated
as "A".

Table 1.4 Configuration of double row angular contact ball bearings

Drawings

Type Non-contact Contact

and Open Shield sealed sealed NU type NJ type NUP type
symbol ZZ LLM LLD
Configuration

N type NF type NH type

Table 1.5 Combinations of duplex angular contact ball bearings

Type Back-to-back Face-to-face

and duplex duplex Tandem duplex
symbol DT
DB DF
Configuration

r r

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●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Tapered roller bearings Spherical roller bearings

Tapered roller bearings are designed so the inner/outer Equipped with an outer ring with a spherical raceway
ring raceway and apex of the tapered rollers intersect at surface and an inner ring which holds two rows of barrel-
one point on the bearing centerline. By receiving shaped rolling elements, NTN spherical roller bearings
combined load from inner and outer ring, the rollers are are able to adjust center alignment to handle inclination of
pushed against the inner ring rib and guided by rib. the axle or shaft.
Induced force is produced in the axial direction when a There are variety of bearing types that differ according
radial load is applied, so must be handled by using a pair to internal design.
of bearings. The inner ring with rollers and outer ring Spherical roller bearings include type with tapered bore
come apart, thus facilitating mounting with clearance or inner ring. The bearing can easily be mounted on a shaft
preload. Assembled clearance is however hard to by means of an adapter or withdrawal sleeve. The
manage and requires special attention. Tapered roller bearing is capable of supporting heavy loads, and is
bearings are capable of supporting large loads in both the therefore often used for industrial machinery. When
axial and radial directions. heavy axial load is applied to the bearing, the load on
NTN bearings with 4T-, ET-, T- and U attached to the rollers of one row is not applied, and can cause problems.
Part number conform to ISO and JIS standards for sub- Attention must therefore be paid to operating conditions.
unit dimensions (nominal contact angle, nominal small
end diameter of outer ring) and are internationally
Table 1.7 Types of spherical roller bearings
interchangeable.
NTN also has a line of case hardened steel bearings ULTAGE
Type B type C type 213 type
designed for longer life (ETA-, ET-, etc.). NTN tapered EA type EM type
roller bearings also include bearings with two and four
Configuration

row of tapered rollers for extra-heavy loads.

Thrust bearings
There are many types of thrust bearings that differ
according to shape of rolling element and application.
Allowable rotational speed is generally low and special
attention must be paid to lubrication.
Sub-unit dimensions
In addition to the ones given below, there are various
types of thrust bearings for special applications. For details,
2α E see the catalog devoted to the concerned type of bearing.

Table 1.8 Types of thrust bearings

Type Single direction thrust ball Thrust needle roller bearing

E : nominal small end diameter of outer ring bearing
α : Nominal contact angle
AXK type
Fig. 1.3 Tapered roller bearings
AS type raceway washer
Configuration

GS/WS type raceway washer

Thrust cylindrical roller bearing Thrust spherical roller bearing

Allowable angle

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●Classification and Characteristics of Rolling Bearings

Needle roller bearings Bearing unit

Needle roller bearings use needle rollers as rolling A unit comprised of a ball bearing inserted into various
elements. The needle rollers are a maximum of 5 mm in types of housings. The housing can be bolted onto
diameter and are 3 to 10 times as long as they are in machinery and the inner ring can be easily mounted on
diameter. Because the bearings use needle rollers as the shaft with a set screw.
rolling elements, the cross-section is thin, but they have a This means the bearing unit can support rotating
high load capacity for their size. Because of the large equipment without special design to allow for mounting. A
number of rolling elements, bearings have high rigidity variety of standardized housing shapes is available,
and are ideally suited to oscillating motion. including pillow and flange types. The outer diameter of
the bearing is spherical just like the inner diameter of the
There is various types of needle roller bearings, housing, so it is capable of aligning itself on the shaft.
and just a few of the most representative types are For lubrication, grease is filled inside the bearing, and
covered here. For details, see “Needle roller bearings” foreign particle is prevented by a double seal. For details,
(CAT. No. 2300/E). see the catalog devoted to the concerned type of bearing.

Table 1.9 Main types of needle roller bearings

Type Needle roller bearing with cage

Grease fitting
Ball Housing

Spherical outer ring

Slinger
Solid type needle roller bearings
Special rubber seal
Configuration

Setscrew with ball

Drawn cup needle roller bearings

Fig. 1.4 Bearing unit with grease fitting

Cam follower Roller follower

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