Key Types of Cylindrical Roller Bearings: Which One Is Right for You?

Introduction

Cylindrical roller bearings are used in a wide range of applications. Due to their durability and superior ability to handle heavy radial loads, cylindrical roller bearings are often used in heavy machinery and precision equipment. However, not all bearings are created equal. If a bearing is placed in the wrong position, the efficiency of the machine may be reduced, and the durability and life of the bearing will be reduced. TFL Bearing will provide the following guide to help you understand the classification of common cylindrical roller bearings and provide expert insights to help you select the best bearing type for your specific needs.

Main Types of Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Differences between single-row, double-row, and four-row cylindrical roller bearings

According to the number of rolling rows of cylindrical roller bearings, they can be divided into single-row cylindrical roller bearings, double-row cylindrical roller bearings, and four-row cylindrical roller bearings. Single-row cylindrical roller bearings are designed for simplicity and efficiency. Their compact structure makes them suitable for high-speed applications such as gearboxes, motors, and automotive systems. They usually carry radial loads rather than axial loads. In contrast, double-row cylindrical roller bearings have two rows of rollers, which enhances radial load capacity and provides higher stability. They are commonly used in compressors, turbines, and railway systems. For the most demanding applications, four-row cylindrical roller bearings are the first choice. These bearings distribute the load over four rows and are ideal for heavy industries such as steel mills and rolling mills. It is worth noting that as the number of rolling rows increases, the external size and weight of the bearings also increase, which has an impact on the occasions they are adapted to.

The specific distinctions are shown in the table below.

Type of BearingDesignApplicationsBenefitsLimitations
Single-Row Cylindrical Roller BearingsOne row of cylindrical rollers; compact and efficient.Gearboxes, electric motors, automotive.High-speed capability, simple design, easy maintenance.Limited axial load capacity.
Double-Row Cylindrical Roller BearingsTwo rows of rollers for greater radial load capacity.Compressors, turbines, railways, construction machinery.Enhanced load capacity, improved stability.Bulkier design, lower speed compared to single-row bearings.
Four-Row Cylindrical Roller BearingsFour rows of rollers; designed for heavy-duty applications.Rolling mills, steel mills, heavy industrial machinery.Exceptional load distribution, durability under extreme loads.High cost, complex installation, and maintenance requirements.

In general, the choice of single-row, double-row, and four-row cylindrical roller bearings depends on the specific needs of your machine. Single-row cylindrical roller bearings are suitable for high speed and simple scenarios; double-row cylindrical roller bearings can support higher loads, and four-row cylindrical roller bearings can be used for extreme load requirements and non-high-speed operation scenarios. Choosing the right type will ensure that the bearing and machine are the best match and achieve the best performance and efficiency.

Other Types of Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Compared to ordinary bearings, full complement cylindrical roller bearings are designed to withstand heavy loads. Full complement cylindrical roller bearings do not have a cage and have more rollers inside the bearing. This type of bearing has a very high load capacity and high rigidity compared to traditional bearings with cages. They are suitable for scenarios where high radial loads need to be borne. However, due to the large friction between the rollers, the speed is much lower than that of traditional cylindrical roller bearings with cages. Therefore, full complement cylindrical roller bearings are suitable for space-constrained, low-speed, heavy-load environments such as construction equipment, metallurgical equipment, and heavy machinery.
Full complement cylindrical roller bearings - tfl
Full Complement Cylindrical Roller Bearings – TFL

Precision Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Precision cylindrical roller bearings can withstand high radial loads and are suitable for areas with high runout accuracy requirements and high speeds. In manufacturing, TFL Bearing has strict tolerances and standard requirements, aiming to provide customers with excellent precision cylindrical roller bearings. These bearings use advanced equipment and high-quality raw materials, follow a precise processing process, and ultimately provide excellent accuracy and reliability in applications.
Precision cylindrical roller bearings are commonly found in fields with high precision requirements, such as machine tools, robots, and aerospace. For some fields that require minimal vibration and high rotational accuracy, such as medical equipment and measuring instruments, precision cylindrical roller bearings are also the best choice. Of course, the installation requirements and costs of this type of bearing are high.
Precision cylindrical roller bearing
Precision cylindrical roller bearings – TFL

Choosing the Right Cylindrical Roller Bearing

Choosing the right bearing is essential to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and life of the machinery. The following table will explain how to choose the most suitable bearing in terms of load capacity, speed requirements, accuracy, etc.

TypeKey FeaturesApplicationsWhen to ChooseExample Uses
Single-RowHigh radial load capacity, compact designMotors, gearboxes, pumpsWhen space is limited, speed is moderate, and axial loads are lowElectric motors, conveyor systems
Double-RowHigher radial load capacity, increased rigidityMachine tools, large gearboxesWhen precision and rigidity are essentialCNC machines, large gearboxes
Four-RowExtremely high radial load capacityRolling mills, heavy machineryFor heavy-duty applications with high radial loadsRolling mills, industrial presses
Full-ComplementMaximum number of rollers, no cageCranes, slow-speed construction equipmentWhen load capacity is critical and speed is lowCranes, construction machinery
PrecisionEnhanced precision and reduced vibrationMachine tools, roboticsWhen precision and low vibration are vitalHigh-speed spindles, robotics

 

Choosing the right type of bearing is important for getting the most out of your machine and making sure it works well. You can ensure the best fit for your application by considering factors such as load requirements, speed, space limitations, and working conditions. Technical assistance from a professional is available if you’re unsure which is best. The bearing experts at TFL Bearing will use their knowledge to give you specific advice.

Conclusion

There are different kinds of cylindrical roller bearings, and picking the right kind is essential for getting the best performance and dependability from your machine. You can ensure the best fit for your application by considering factors such as load requirements, speed, space limitations, and working conditions. TFL Bearing offers high-quality cylindrical roller bearings and expert advice, customized options, and ongoing support to maximize efficiency and performance.