Single row cylindrical roller bearings come in various types, each designed for specific loads and applications. The main types include NU, N, NJ, NF, NUP, and NH, which differ in rib arrangement, separability, and how they handle axial loads. Understanding the cylindrical roller bearings structure is essential for selecting the right bearing. These bearings are commonly used in motors, gearboxes, and machine tool spindles. Choosing the appropriate cylindrical roller bearings structure ensures optimal performance, especially in demanding environments where bearings must withstand both radial and axial forces. With so many options available, selecting the correct cylindrical roller bearing structure is crucial for improving the efficiency and reliability of machines and equipment.
Different types of cylindrical roller bearings
NU Type
Structure
NU type cylindrical roller bearings have two ribs on the outer ring. The inner ring does not have any ribs. The outer ring helps guide the rollers. The inner ring stays smooth without ribs. You can take apart the parts of these bearings. The cage, rollers, and guide ring can be removed from the inner ring. This makes it easy to put together or take apart. It is helpful when the rings fit tightly on the shaft or housing. The NU type lets the shaft move back and forth inside the housing. This helps when the shaft gets bigger or smaller from heat. These bearings are strong and can hold heavy loads from the side. They work well in tough places.
NU type cylindrical roller bearing
Axial Load
NU type cylindrical roller bearings do not hold axial load. They only handle forces from the side. The inner ring has no ribs, so it cannot stop the shaft from moving forward or backward. These bearings let the shaft move without getting stuck. This helps the shaft grow or shrink without causing problems. The design is made to hold heavy side loads. This is important for machines that need to move a lot. Engineers pick NU type bearings when they want the shaft to move freely.
Applications
NU type cylindrical roller bearings are used in many machines. They can hold heavy loads and let the shaft move. This makes them good for many jobs. You can find them in:
Electric motors
Gearboxes and drives
Pumps and compressors
Fans and blowers
Mining and construction machines
Paper making machines
Oil and gas machines
Steel making machines
Wind turbines
Concrete and cement machines
They are also used in gear drives, centrifuges, and planetary gearboxes. These bearings are trusted because they work well in many places. The NU type single-row cylindrical roller bearings last a long time. They help machines work well even in hard conditions.
N Type
Structure
N type cylindrical roller bearings have two ribs on the inner ring. The outer ring does not have any ribs. The inner ring helps guide the rollers. The outer ring is smooth. You can take apart these bearings. You can remove the inner ring, rollers, and cage from the outer ring. This makes it easier to put in or take out the bearing. It is helpful when the shaft or housing fits tightly. The N type works well as a free-end bearing. It lets the shaft move back and forth inside the housing. This helps when the shaft gets bigger or smaller from heat. The design can hold heavy loads from the side. It is good for tough jobs.
Note: You can take apart N type bearings. This makes fixing and changing them easier in many machines.
N type cylindrical roller bearing
Axial Load
N type cylindrical roller bearings do not hold axial load. The outer ring has no ribs, so it cannot stop the shaft from moving forward or backward. These bearings only hold side loads. The shaft can move freely in the housing. This stops stress when the shaft changes size. Engineers use N type bearings when machines need only side load support and free shaft movement.
Applications
N type cylindrical roller bearings are used in many machines. They can hold heavy side loads and let the shaft move. You can find them in:
Electric motors
Gearboxes
Machine tool spindles
Pumps and compressors
Fans and blowers
These bearings are also in conveyor systems, mining machines, and paper machines. The N type structure helps single-row cylindrical roller bearings work well. Engineers pick these bearings for machines that need good alignment and easy fixing. The strong parts and high side load support make N type cylindrical roller bearings a good choice for hard jobs.
NJ Type
Structure
NJ type cylindrical roller bearings have two ribs on the outside ring. There is one rib on the inside ring. These ribs help guide the rollers. This design lets the bearing hold side and some end loads. You can take these bearings apart. The inside ring, rollers, and cage come out of the outside ring. This makes it easier to put in or take out the bearing. It helps when parts fit tightly in machines. The table below shows the main features:
Bearing Type
Rib Arrangement
Axial Load Direction
Separability
NJ Type
Two ribs on outer ring, one on inner
Supports axial load in one direction
Separable: inner ring, rollers, and cage can be separated from outer ring
This setup lets engineers use NJ type cylindrical roller bearings in many machines. These bearings are good for heavy side loads and some end load support.
NJ type cylindrical roller bearing
Axial Load
NJ type cylindrical roller bearings can hold end loads in one way. The ribs help guide the rollers and let the bearing take push forces. But, the amount of end load they can hold is not very high. The biggest end load depends on the size, oil, and roller shape. The table below lists important points about end load support:
Axial loads are supported on one side by ribs on inner and/or outer rings
Load ratio Fa/Fr
Should not exceed 0.4 for standard rollers, 0.6 for toroidal crowned rollers
Continuous axial load
Not allowed without simultaneous radial load
Maximum axial load
Calculated based on lubrication, bearing series, and roller design
Good oil and correct setup help stop rib damage. This keeps the bearing working well.
Applications
NJ type cylindrical roller bearings are used in many industries. Their design lets them carry big side loads and some push loads. You can find them in:
Gearboxes and transmissions for cars, factories, and big machines
Electric motors and generators that need to spin fast and hold side loads
Metal recycling and other heavy spinning shaft systems
These bearings are strong against wear and shock. You can take them apart, so fixing and changing them is easy. NJ type cylindrical roller bearings work well in hard jobs. That is why many people use them in big machines and factories.
NF Type
Structure
NF type cylindrical roller bearings have a special rib setup. The inner ring has ribs on both sides. The outer ring has one rib on just one side. This design helps guide the rollers and keeps them steady. You can take apart both the inner and outer rings. This makes it easy to put in or take out the bearing. Many top companies say this is a big advantage. Maintenance workers can quickly put together or take apart these bearings. This helps machines stop working for less time. You can also check and change worn parts fast because the pieces come apart.
NF type cylindrical roller bearing
Axial Load
The rib setup lets NF type cylindrical roller bearings hold some end force in one way. The two ribs on the inner ring and one rib on the outer ring work together. They guide the rollers and stop them from moving along the shaft. This setup helps the bearing keep parts in place as they spin. But, these bearings cannot hold as much end force as some other types. Engineers pick NF type bearings when machines need strong side support and some end support in one way.
Note: Always look at the maker’s rules for the biggest end force these bearings can hold to stay safe.
Applications
NF type cylindrical roller bearings work in many machines. They can hold heavy side forces and some end force in one way. You can find them in:
Electric motors that need the shaft to stay in place
Gearboxes where shafts must handle both side and end forces
Pumps and compressors used in factories
Machine tool spindles that need to spin smoothly
Conveyors and machines that move things
You will also see these bearings in mining machines, paper machines, and other big factory machines. Because you can take them apart, NF type bearings are good for machines that need lots of care or quick fixes. Their strong build helps them work well even when things get tough. Engineers trust NF type cylindrical roller bearings to keep important machines working right.
NUP & NH Types
Structure
NUP and NH types have special structures. They work well as fixed-end bearings. The NUP type has two ribs on the outside ring. It also has one rib on the inside ring. There is a collar ring on the smooth side of the inside ring. This collar ring acts like an extra rib. It helps the bearing hold axial loads from both sides. NH type bearings use an NJ type bearing with an L-shaped collar called an HJ collar. This setup lets the bearing handle forces from either side. Both NUP and NH types have parts you can take apart, like the collar ring. This makes putting them in and fixing them easier. You can check and change parts fast. This helps machines work again quickly.
Note: NH type is an NJ type bearing with an HJ collar. This makes it better at holding axial loads.
NUP and NH type cylindrical roller bearings
Axial Load
NUP and NH types can hold axial loads from both sides. The ribs and collar ring help them act as fixed-end bearings. They keep the shaft in place and stop it from moving along its length. The design lets the bearing handle both side and end forces. This makes it useful for many jobs. People pick these bearings when machines need the shaft to stay steady. Being able to hold axial loads both ways makes NUP and NH types different from other single row cylindrical roller bearings.
Applications
NUP and NH types are used in many industries that need strong fixed-end support. They are found in:
You can also find these bearings in double row and multi-row cylindrical roller bearing setups for heavy work. Their strong build and easy care make them a top pick for engineers. Double-row and single-row types like NUP and NH give choices for many uses. They help machines run well and last longer.
Special Types of Cylindrical Roller Bearings
HT, EA, E, HL Types
Engineers pick special cylindrical roller bearings for tough jobs. HT, EA, E, and HL types each have special features. HT types use heat-treated parts to make them stronger and last longer. EA types can hold more weight because of their smart design and strong materials. E types are reinforced and have more rollers or better cages. This helps them carry heavier loads and last longer. HL types are made for better lubrication. They use special surfaces and cage materials. These changes lower friction and heat. This makes the bearing last longer and work more smoothly.
Many industries use these special bearings for heavy work. Four row cylindrical roller bearings use these upgrades in rolling mills and other hard jobs. These bearings work well even when there are shocks or the machine runs all the time.
Tip: Pick the right type so the bearing fits the speed, load, and oil needs of your machine.
Needle Roller Bearings
Needle roller bearings are a special kind of cylindrical roller bearing. They use long, thin rollers. This makes them small but able to hold a lot of weight in tight spaces. The needle roller bearing has a hard steel or stamped steel outer ring. The inner ring carries the load. The needle-shaped rollers and cage keep everything in place. Raceways help guide the rollers and spread out the load.
Feature
Needle Roller Bearings
Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Roller Shape and Size
Long, thin rollers (needles) with smaller diameter relative to length
Larger diameter rollers, generally shorter relative to diameter
Radial Cross-Section
Smaller radial cross-section, more compact design
Larger radial cross-section, bulkier design
Roller Retention
Usually have a cage to maintain roller spacing and reduce friction
May have flanges on inner or outer rings to retain rollers
Outer Ring
Can be thin-walled drawn cups or hardened steel
Typically thicker, hardened steel rings
Axial Space Requirement
Requires less axial space
Requires more axial space
Load Capacity
Generally lower due to smaller roller diameter and sometimes lower material quality
Higher load capacity and speed capability
Assembly
Often non-separable, compact assemblies
Can be separable assemblies for easier assembly
Application Impact
Suitable for limited space and lower load applications
Suitable for higher load and speed applications
Needle roller bearings are great when space and weight are important. Cars use them in engines, transmissions, and suspensions. Robots, CNC machines, and packaging machines also use them because they are small. Planes, medical tools, and even home appliances need needle roller bearings for smooth movement. Some needle roller bearings can handle both side and end loads. This makes them good for gearboxes and machine tools.
Cylindrical Roller Bearings Structure Comparison
Key Differences
Engineers look at different bearing types to find the best one. Each cylindrical roller bearings structure has its own special features. The table below shows how they are different. It lists rib arrangement, separability, axial load support, and where they are used:
Bearing Type
Rib Arrangement
Separability
Axial Load Support
Typical Applications
NU
Two ribs on outer ring, none on inner
Not separable
No axial load support
Motors, gearboxes, pumps
N
Two ribs on inner ring, none on outer
Not separable
No axial load support
Spindles, conveyors
NJ
Two ribs on outer, one on inner
Not separable
Axial load in one direction
Transmissions, compressors
NF
Two ribs on inner, one on outer
Not separable
Axial load in one direction
Electric motors, machine tools
NUP
Two ribs on outer, two on inner plus loose rib washer
Separable
Axial load in both directions (partial)
Fixed-end support, heavy machinery
NH
NJ type with HJ collar
Separable
Partial axial load in both directions
Steel mills, wind turbines
These bearings can hold different amounts of side and end force. The way a bearing is built changes how it works and where it fits.
Selection Guide
Picking the right cylindrical roller bearings structure helps machines work better and last longer. Engineers should use these steps to choose the best type for their needs:
Look at how much weight the bearing must hold. Some types only hold side loads, while others can take some end force.
Think about how fast the machine will run. The cage and bearing shape change how fast it can go and how much it rubs.
Check the size of the bearing. The inside and outside diameters and width must fit the shaft and housing.
Choose the right material. Most bearings use steel, but stainless steel or ceramic may be needed for special jobs.
Plan how to keep the bearing oiled or greased. Grease is good for less care, but oil is better for fast or hot machines.
Think about where the bearing will be used. Hot, dusty, or wet places may need special bearings.
Make sure the bearing lines up and fits right. If it does not, it can wear out fast or break early.
Balance the price and how well it works. Sometimes, a better bearing costs more but saves money by lasting longer.
Tip: Do not forget to keep bearings clean, lined up, and oiled. Dirt, bad oil, or poor fit can make bearings wear out fast and cause machine trouble.
Knowing about the different types and structures of cylindrical roller bearings helps machines run well in all kinds of jobs.
Cylindrical roller bearings are not all the same. The ribs and if you can take them apart make a big difference. Bearings with more ribs can hold bigger end forces. They also help keep the shaft in the right place. If you can take the bearing apart, it is easier to put in and fix. Picking the right cylindrical roller bearings helps them last longer. It also means machines stop less and cost less to fix.
Bearings with more ribs hold bigger end forces and keep the shaft steady.
Bearings you can take apart are easier to put in and fix.
What is the main difference between NU and N type cylindrical roller bearings?
NU type bearings have ribs on the outside ring. N type bearings have ribs on the inside ring. Both types let the shaft move back and forth. Engineers use them when the shaft needs to slide.
Can single row cylindrical roller bearings support axial loads?
Most single row cylindrical roller bearings, like NU and N, do not hold end forces. NJ, NF, NUP, and NH types can hold some end force because of their rib setup.
How do engineers select the right cylindrical roller bearing structure?
Engineers look at how much weight the bearing must hold. They also check if the shaft needs to move. They pick the rib setup and if it comes apart to fit the job. Picking the right one helps machines work better and break less.
Where do needle roller bearings work best?
Needle roller bearings fit in small spaces. They work well in car parts, tiny motors, and small machines. Their thin shape lets them hold heavy side loads in tight spots.
Why is separability important in cylindrical roller bearings?
Being able to take bearings apart makes fixing them fast. Workers can check and change parts quickly. This helps when the shaft or housing fits very tight.
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