SKF
Needle Roller Bearings with Machined Rings (SKF Explorer)
Needle roller bearings with machined rings feature solid, precisely machined inner and outer rings, making them suitable for applications where the shaft or housing cannot be hardened, or where separate, interchangeable components are preferred. SKF offers these in single row (NA49 and NA69 series) and double row configurations, with or without inner ring. The SKF Explorer quality upgrade provides superior steel, refined raceway surfaces, and improved needle guidance — resulting in higher dynamic load ratings and longer service life, especially under contaminated or poor lubrication conditions. These bearings can accommodate heavy dynamic and static loads, moderate speeds, and are widely used in construction machinery, heavy-duty hydrostatic transmissions, and textile machines. They can be sealed and lubricated for life or designed for relubrication through an oil hole in the outer ring.
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Solid, Precision Ground Rings
Accommodate shafts/housings not hard enough for rolling contact.
SKF Explorer Performance
Purified steel and superior finish boost fatigue resistance.
High Reliability Under Oscillation
Sturdy cages maintain needle guidance during reversing motion.
Separable Inner Ring (NA Series)
Allows independent mounting and replacement.
Lubrication Facility
Oil holes and grooves can be added for relubrication.
Customizable Clearances
Radial internal clearance matched to fits and thermal conditions.
NA49 and NA69 Series Machined Needle Roller Bearings
NA49 series has a low sectional height, while NA69 series packs a larger needle complement for higher capacity in the same bore. Both use a machined cage. Their ability to be mounted as a ready-to-install unit simplifies assembly in gearboxes where housing bore precision is easier to control than shaft hardness.
When to Choose Machined Ring Needle Bearings Over Drawn Cup
If the shaft cannot be ground and hardened to rolling bearing quality, a machined inner ring provides the raceway. If the housing is soft or split, a machined outer ring is essential. Machined ring bearings also offer easier replacement and the possibility of regrinding, suiting heavy equipment.