SKF
Bearing Type and Arrangement
Choosing the correct bearing type and arrangement is fundamental to machine design. Different bearing types — deep groove ball, angular contact, cylindrical roller, tapered roller, spherical roller, CARB — each have distinct load-carrying capabilities, speed limits, misalignment tolerance, and stiffness characteristics. The arrangement defines how bearings are positioned on a shaft to support loads and accommodate thermal expansion. Common arrangements include locating/non-locating (fixed-floating), adjusted (preloaded for stiffness), and floating (e.g., CARB with a toroidal roller bearing). SKF’s selection methodology evaluates load direction and magnitude, required service life, space envelope, and mounting constraints to recommend the optimal bearing type and arrangement. This decision impacts not only bearing life but also machine accuracy, noise, and maintenance accessibility. SKF’s engineering guidelines and case studies provide practical examples for typical machine elements like pumps, gearboxes, and fans.
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Matched Load Capacity
Radial, axial, and combined load handling is optimized by bearing type geometry.
Thermal Expansion Accommodation
Correct arrangement prevents excessive axial preload or clearance loss.
Stiffness and Precision Control
Preloaded arrangements in machine tools achieve high positional accuracy.
Simplified Assembly
Separable bearings (cylindrical, tapered) facilitate easier mounting and dismounting.
Standard Arrangements
Locating/non-locating and adjusted setups cover 90% of industrial applications.
SKF Engineering Guidance
Selection flowcharts and real-world examples speed the decision.
Locating vs. Non-Locating Bearing Arrangements Explained
A locating bearing fixes the shaft axially and carries axial loads, while the non-locating bearing allows thermal expansion. Deep groove ball bearings or angular contact pairs often serve as locating points; cylindrical roller bearings with NU or N design, or CARB toroidal bearings, provide axial freedom on the non-locating side. This arrangement prevents binding and excessive heat generation.
How To Select The Right Bearing Type For Your Machine
Start with load: primarily radial? Choose cylindrical or spherical. Combined radial and axial? Tapered or angular contact. Low friction at high speed? Deep groove ball bearings. Misalignment exists? Spherical or self-aligning. SKF’s selection matrix in the rolling bearings catalog guides you step by step, incorporating speed and lifetime considerations.