Needle Roller Bearings: Advantages Explained
Needle Roller Bearings: Advantages Explained
Needle roller bearings are known for their robustness, compactness, and light weight, making them the preferred choice over ball bearings in applications with limited space. These bearings feature rollers that are shaped like needles, with a length that is typically four times greater than their diameter. Similar to all bearing types, the primary role of needle bearings is to minimize friction between moving parts.
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For more details about the various kinds of needle bearings and their diverse applications, you can refer to our Guide to Needle Bearings. Alternatively, you can continue reading to explore some of the distinct advantages that come with needle roller bearings.
Advantage #1: Low Maintenance
One of the standout features of needle roller bearings is that they typically do not necessitate daily, weekly, or even monthly maintenance. However, it is crucial to ensure they are sufficiently lubricated. This requirement involves selecting the appropriate type of lubricant and ensuring that the rolling elements (needles) are adequately coated with the right amount of lubricant.
Proper lubrication serves the dual purpose of keeping dirt and debris at bay while also safeguarding the bearing from corrosion. Recognizing when lubrication is needed and the appropriate quantity to apply is equally important. Implementing an automatic lubrication system can be an effective solution to guarantee that the bearings receive the required amount of lubricant at the optimal time.
Our guide, "How to Maintain Your Needle Bearings," offers further insights into how to select the right lubricant and additional maintenance tips.
Advantage #2: Exceptional Axial & Radial Load Capacity
Needle roller bearings are engineered to endure high axial and radial loads, setting them apart from ball bearings, which are generally used in less demanding load applications. Axial loads, also referred to as thrust loads, consist of forces that act parallel to the axis of the bearing, while radial loads are those that run perpendicular to the axis. The exceptional load-bearing capability of needle roller bearings enables them to effectively support significant forces in both axial and radial directions.
Advantage #3: Excellent Rigidity
Rigidity is characterized by a material's capacity to maintain its shape without deforming when subjected to high external forces. Industrial-grade needle roller bearings exhibit significant rigidity, with minimal elastic deformation that usually does not impact performance. Utilizing rigid bearings in applications that demand snug fits along with high axial and radial loads is vital to preventing excess wear and friction on mating surfaces and adjacent components.
The rigidity will vary depending on the size of the bearing and the specific type of needle roller bearing deployed. Considerations regarding the physical constraints that the bearing must fit into, along with the anticipated axial and radial loads, are critical. Increasing the number of rollers used can also enhance rigidity.
Advantage #4: Great for High-Speed Applications
In high-speed environments, ball bearings tend to produce less centrifugal force, which can increase friction, leading to overheating and potential failure. In contrast, needle roller bearings produce higher centrifugal forces during high rotational speeds due to the longer and heavier design of the needles compared to balls. This characteristic allows needle roller bearings to sustain elevated rates of rotation without overheating, making them an excellent choice for high-temperature applications.
Advantage #5: Low Coefficient of Friction
The friction encountered when materials or surfaces interact is an important factor in bearing performance. A low coefficient of friction indicates minimal resistance between the surfaces. Needle roller bearings operate with a low coefficient of friction, meaning that their operation results in reduced overheating and minimal lubrication requirements. This effectively results in enhanced efficiency in reducing friction between interacting surfaces.
Advantage #6: Exceptional Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of needle roller bearings can vary based on the materials used in their construction. Generally, manufacturers apply heat treatments to these bearings to bolster their mechanical properties, yielding improved strength, durability, hardness, ductility, elasticity, and resistance to wear. This enhanced hardness and tensile strength are essential for extending the lifespan of the bearing while also protecting adjoining surfaces, resulting in a stronger, more reliable bearing with fewer necessary replacements.
Learn More About Our Needle Roller Bearings
There are many variations of needle bearings to consider, with factors such as operating temperature, available space, and anticipated load parameters playing critical roles in selection. If you have questions about specific needle roller bearings or need guidance in choosing the optimal one for your applications, don't hesitate to contact Universal Bearings. With over six decades of experience, we are an ISO - and IATF -certified manufacturer specializing in various models of needle roller bearings. We are also among the few independent suppliers of loose needle rollers globally and offer comprehensive design and manufacturing solutions. Please reach out today for more information or to request a quote.
For more information, please visit SKF Needle Roller Bearing.