Types of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing

Spherical roller thrust bearings are a kind of rolling-element thrust bearing. They are designed to support heavy axial and radial loads in one direction with low friction. This type of bearing can be used in applications where there is a high degree of angular misalignment.

Cylindrical roller thrust bearing

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are a common type of thrust bearing and can support large thrust loads. These bearings are usually located between a spinning shaft and gear housing. They are made of a cage assembly and two cylindrical roller elements. This type of bearing features optimized convex surfaces, which makes it ideal for use at low speeds and high applied loads.

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are available as single-row, double-row, and multi-row assemblies. These bearings are suitable for applications that require high thrust loads in one direction and are stiff enough to withstand shock and impact loads in another direction. They can also be mounted individually, meaning they require less space. In addition, they are ideal for low to medium-speed applications.

These bearings also feature a spherically-ground bottom plate. They can accommodate a slight misalignment in initial operation. However, this type of bearing is not recommended for dynamic misalignment. They have a wide range of applications, including rock crushers, coal pulverizers, lathe tailstocks, oilfield equipment, and more.

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are primarily used for one-direction thrust. They contain two cylindrical rollers, a cage retainer, and a pair of thrust washers. This combination of cylindrical rollers and washers allows for a high thrust capacity. This type of bearing is also compatible with double-row designs, though they are not recommended for single-row designs.

Needle roller thrust bearing

A needle roller thrust bearing is an alternative to a spherical roller thrust bearing. Both types feature barrel-shaped rolling elements and raceways resembling those of standard tapered roller bearings. They offer self-aligning capabilities and are designed to support heavy axial thrust and moderate radial loads. Their axial-to-radial load ratio is determined by the angle between the roller axis and the bearing axis.

Whether a needle roller thrust bearing is spherical roller thrust bearing or another type is determined by the type of bearing and the expected service life. A needle roller thrust bearing is available in both metric and inch sizes. It is also available in caged and full complement versions. Needle roller thrust bearings are available with or without an inner ring. The raceway is engraved on the housing.

Spherical roller thrust bearings are designed for heavy-duty applications and can accommodate both radial and axial loads. They can be self-aligning and can operate at high speeds. They also contain a strong metal cage and can withstand high temperatures and can operate with various lubricants.