There are many types of bearings, the most common of which are ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and spherical roller bearings. These types of bearings are designed to meet specific technical requirements to suit specific uses. Among them, needle roller bearings are less well known. However, in certain applications where reliability and durability are required, needle roller bearings are indispensable. So, what is so unusual about needle roller bearings?
The rolling elements used in needle roller bearings are shaped like needles, hence the name. These steel needles with round or flat tips have a diameter of less than or equal to 5 mm, and their length must be at least 3 times larger than their diameter. The needle rollers are installed in a cage made of steel or molded polyamide, and the contact surface formed with the raceway is large, so they can withstand very heavy loads.
Needle roller bearings can withstand loads 2 to 8 times greater than ball bearings or cylindrical roller bearings of the same shaft diameter, and because the needle rollers are usually thinner, the needle roller bearings also take up less space. With the miniaturization of machines, this is increasingly becoming the main advantage of needle roller bearings.
Needle roller bearings are available in a variety of forms, including caged, bushed, solid ringed, combined needle roller bearings, needle roller and cage assemblies (needle roller and cage assemblies can be integrated between rings to strengthen the assembly and ensure the connection between various mechanical parts), cam followers, etc., each with its own differences to meet the needs of different applications in the industrial market.
Needle roller bearings combine robustness, precision and durability in all industrial markets, especially in automobiles, two-wheelers, portable tools (drills, chain saws, etc.), construction machinery, pumps and motors.
